Day 9

14 Nov 2009 (Rajgir – Bodhgaya)

This morning, we visited the Vaibhara Giri Hill in Rajgir, Sattapanni caves, where the first Sangha Council was held. On the way up to the hill, there was a cave which was previously stayed by Bhante Maha Kasappa and it was known as Pipphali House.

It took us almost half and hour to reach the Sattapanni caves where the first Sangha Council was held. Inside the cave, it was very narrow, and we can’t go further inside, it was blocked by stones. There is a Buddha statue and candles lighted.

We visited the Ajatasattu Stupa, which erected by King Ajasattu.

Next we went to Bamboo Grove, Veluvana Vihara which was presented by the King Bimbisara to the Buddha. It was the first Buddhist Monastry. We took the 8 precepts here.

Then we stopped by the Stupa where Buddha tamed the drunken elephant which released by Devadatta. It’s the battle between the elephants. And Buddha won with the power of loving kindness and the elephant bowed to the Buddha.

After that, we went to Bimbisara Jail where the King Bimbisara was jailed by his son, King Ajatasattu. Eventually King Bimbisara died in that prison.

Then we stopped by at the Mango Groved, Veluvana which was presented to the Buddha by the physician, Jivaka.

After lunch we visited the Vulture Peak, where the Buddha and his disciples often stayed there and meditated. The view on top of the mountain was just magnificent, great and peaceful. It gave a full view of the forest in Rajgir.

We arrived at Bodhgaya about 5pm. Then at night around 7.30pm, we walked to the Maha Bodhi Temple and took the 8 precepts inside the temple. That is the most beautiful temple that I have ever seen in my life. There were a lot of people chanting in this area. The Bodhi tree is situated behind the Maha Bodhi Temple, and the Diamond Throne is situated under the Bodhi Tree. I chanted the Buddha’s virtue, and then followed by ‘Anekajati’ verse. I was so happy. Finally I can chant it in the place where the Buddha attained the supreme enlightenment.