India Kathina Pilgrimage - October 2003
Opening Doors 1

LUMBINI - Offering medicines

 

Ven VimalaMahaThera is the Abbot of the Nepalese Temple at the entrance to Lumbini Gardens, it is to the left side of the footpath and no one walking in or out can fail to notice this senior monk sitting there scrutinizing all!

He is now 65 vassas young, and had spent 35 years in Lumbini, making him the most senior Monk in the region.

It will be good to pay respects to this distinguished Venerable, and after 35 years he is still as active and enthusiastic as ever, explaining in detail [on request from pilgrims] the important locations and its significance in the garden.

He runs a free clinic for the poor and donations of medication is welcomed.   He himself is not in good health being a diabetic.

LUMBINI

 

Sayadaw teaching us at Asoka's pillar in Lumbini Gardens.

Sayadaw Dhammananda is the Abbot of the Golden Temple.  He is gentle, kind and was anxious that we learn as much as possible.  He is assisted by Ven Thoundara, a young multilingual caring Venerable. Ven Thoundara waited for us at the Nepalese border to be sure we arrived safely and similarly sent us all the way to the border when we left, we were very touched by their kindness and care.

We had informed them that your gp will bring the much needed grass cutter donated by Bro Lim, the grass is now cut by hand.

The Golden Temple is beautiful and serene.  At Lumbini, a visit to the International Meditation centre is a must, to pay Respects to Sayadaw Vivekhanda, a German Venerable, and Sayalay who have been teaching meditation here for many years. They are both so kind and compassionate.

I hope my series on "Opening doors" will help make the trip for your 112 pilgrims more meaningful. Will send one a day.
 

Bodhgaya- MahaBodhi Temple - Offering Robes to the Buddha Image

 

Every morning at 5.00am, the Venerables in charge prepare the main shrine hall for the days activities.  This include opening the doors to the Sacred Image and one can arrange to offer Robes to be put on the Sacred Buddha image.   This has to be arranged the day before by liasing with the Venerable on duty there.  Bante Vannasiri, our Teacher, arranged the Robe offering for us and so we woke up at 4am, got ourselves readied for this important event and trouped across the road to the temple at 4.30am.   At 5.00am we started our Puja and then offered the Robe; the Venerable in charge received it from us and proceeded to gown the Image with the Robe.

It was very inspiring for all of us and we dedicated merits to all Beings.
 

Bodhgaya - Offering of Requisites

Vaishali