Some information included in the Lost Blog was about pilgrimage itself being a practice in Buddhism, probably begun when disciples began to visit earthly places that figured prominently in the Buddha's life -- Lumbini, his birthplace; Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree; Deer Park in Sarnath, where he first taught the Dharma; and others.
Some people might think that w/out going to Asia and finding these extraordinary places in India and Nepal, one can't do a legitimate Buddhist pilgrimage. Of course, it is very special to be in Bodhgaya and impossible to describe in words. However, when a Tibetan stupa is built anywhere on the planet, filled with relics and other sacred substances, consecrated and sealed, it also holds the blessings (the 'energy' if you will) of the Buddha's enlightened mind. Therefore, going on pilgrimage in America, where I'm discovering there are many stupas, is an authentic Buddhist practice. The goal is to find them all, visit them all, and blog them all so that other Buddhists can accomplish this special practice without leaving their country, and some may even find that they don't have to go far from home.
More later today when we arrive at the first stupa, built on the grounds of Kagyu Thubten Choling Monastery/Retreat Center in upstate New York.
On the road in Dharma,
Lama Karma Chotso
Hi Lama,
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to following this blog. Ever since I met you, your motivation has always been to help sentient beings. It's not any different this time around. It's amazing what you can come up with when you aim to benefit others..like this blog which lets us know that visiting stupas is an authentic Buddhist practice, as well as the merit that can be accumulated by doing a pilgrimage at home. Thank you. Safe and blessed traveling !
Chonyi Drolma (Tania)
Beautiful shot.
ReplyDeleteCheerful Morning Lama!!! Looking forward to sharing this experience with you :) Sending Blessings!!!
ReplyDelete