6am in the morning, we went to the Ganges river. I will post this one later. Let’s talk about pilgrimage first.
After the breakfast, we went to Sarnath, Isipatana or Deer Park. Firstly, we visited Mulagandha Kuty Vihara where the 5 ascestics met the Buddha. Then we took the 8 precepts here.
Not far away, there is statue where the Buddha preached the first sermon to the five ascetics.
After that, we visited Dharmarajika Stupa where the Buddha preached the first sermon – Dhammacakkapavathana Sutta! Which after this discourse, Venerable Kondanna attained the first fruition.
Then we arrived at the Dhamek Stupa where Buddha preached the second sermon, Anattalakkhana Sutta, hearing which all the 5 Ascetics attained Arahantship. We meditated here for a while and do some walking meditation. I also chanted Dhammacakkapavathana Sutta here. Chanted the Buddha first sermon at this place... Felt so good...
We also visited Mulagandhakuti, where Buddha spent the first rain retreat.
Pancayatana Temple, this site is the place where Buddha preached to the rich man Yasa.
The broken Asokan pillar with the lion capital on top of it.
Next, we visited the Sarnath Archeological Museum. In the museum, enshrines the Asoka Pillar with the Lion Capital on top of it. The four lion’s statues are standing back to back with each other and opening their mouth in a roaring posture. It represented the Buddha’s Dhamma is spreading to the four directions. The teaching of the deathless, for those who have listened, practiced it diligently, shall attain the deathless state of nibanna!
Basically, that’s all about my pilgrimage trip. The next 2 days will be my way back home to Malaysia…
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