Buddhism 2.2 Places of Pilgrimage Flashcards
Why do people do a pilgrimage
To generate punya (karmic fruitfulness)
To bring alive events from the life of the holy beings and so strengthen spiritual aspirations
To feel a connection to the relics (Nidana)
What does pilgrimage do
Means buddhists are able to purify their thought, speech and mind and gain right thought, right speech and right mind, 3 of the 8fold path.
Why people might argue against pilgrimages
The belief that these locations are exactly where the Buddha for example reached enlightenment violates the belief in anitya (impermanence) and it is fixed and permanent
Why people might argue against pilgrimages 2
The attachment to the place where the Buddha was e.g. enlightened can lead to suffering if you cannot visit that place again. Leads to raving of that specific place.
Why people might argue against pilgrimages 3
The Buddha said “be islands unto yourselves … with the Dhamma as your island” - Mahaparinibbana Sutra. This means that he is unnecessary asa refuge and our focus should be on the Dharma alone
What is Kapilavastu
It is where Prince Siddhartha was raised with a lavish life of luxury, and the place he started his spiritual journey.
Why is visiting Kapilavastu important
Because you can gain spiritual energy from one of the key moments in the Buddhas life. You also are able to reflect on the the nature of dukkha and dissatisfaction which is what prompted the Buddha to begin his journey
Why is Kapilavastu not as important
Because the it is not one of the sites the Buddha instructed his followers to visit in the Mahaparinibbana sutra
What is Bodh Gaya
It is where Siddhartha became enlightened. It has the Bodhi tree in which the Buddha sat under to become enlightened as well as relics from the Buddha himself
What do people do at Bodh Gaya
1) Meditate
2) Chant
3) Worship
All to show their devotion
Why is Bodh Gaya important
Because Buddhists believe by going there they might be able to achieve the same level of understanding the Buddha did.
Why is Bodh Gaya important 2
Bodh Gaya links Buddhists with their founder. They feel in his presence there. Buddhists also feel a sense of community when they congregate at Bodh Gaya and gain spiritual energy from being in proximity of a key moment in the Buddhas life
What is Sarnath
The place where the Buddha delivered his first sermon
What is there to see at Sarnath
A Stupa: Marks the exact spot where the sermon was delivered
A VIhara: Marks the place where the Buddha spent his first rainy season as a monk
A Bodhi tree: Cut from the Bodh Gaya one and grown there
Why is Sarnath important
They are able to focus on the teachings delivered to the ascetics which are the key concepts of Buddhism. It was one of the places the Buddha instructed his followers to visit
