A Visit to Bodh Gaya
I recently had the privilege to visit Bodh Gaya (located in Bihar, India), often considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites. Since antiquity, Bodh Gaya has been known to be the site of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, which is located in the Mahabodhi (great awakening) temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I must clarify that I’m neither Buddhist nor religious. What brought me to Bodh Gaya was my adoration for the primary Buddhist philosophy, my love for archaeological sites, and my fascination with history.
The first spot that I visited in Bodh Gaya was the Mahabodhi temple. The security at the temple complex entrance was tight, with scanning and inspection being required of myself and the items (e.g., camera) that I brought with me. The tight security is a consequence of the 2013 low-intensity terrorist bombings in the temple complex that had injured two monks. I was glad to see the tight security at the entrance and must commend the associated forces for the top-notch management.
Once inside the complex, the visitor is greeted with the majestic view of the central temple tower, whose straight sides are adorned with beautiful Buddhist architecture and those reminiscent of other Hindu and Jain temples. The survival of the main temple over the centuries is quite remarkable, although it must be mentioned that lots of rebuilding and restorations have taken place over the years. The temple’s upper portion was shining with the gold gifted by the King of Thailand and other devotees in 2013. The smiling Buddha’s image in the main temple was also a beautiful sight.
The atmosphere around the Bodhi tree was serene and mesmerizing, with the monks and devotees meditating and chanting. I sat around the tree for a few minutes to appreciate Buddha’s primary teachings of the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path. The monks distributed water to the pilgrims, and I was thankful to receive such kindness on a hot summer day. I also had the privilege to see the Diamond throne at the foot of the Bodhi Tree, believed to have been built by the emperor Ashoka between 250–233 BCE. Later, I strolled around the temple complex, saw other archaeological sites, and appreciated its beauty and history.
The trip took me to the recently built 80 ft great Buddha statue and the archaeological museum later in the day, where I appreciated the Buddha’s teachings and the land’s rich history. Of particular interest in the museum were the columns dating back to the Shunga empire (1st century BCE). The sandstone railing posts with intricate carvings dating back to the Sunga period (150 BCE) were fascinating. The stone idols of Lord Buddha, along with other Buddhist and Hindu relics and sculptures in the museum, mesmerized me thoroughly. Before concluding the trip, I also visited some other Buddhist monasteries in Bodh Gaya.
I concluded from the tip that our history and particularly the archaeological sites, must be protected and preserved at all costs. Also, the architectural and artistic beauty of the ancient monuments, carvings, and sculptures is breathtaking. Proper education of the youth is needed to appreciate the beauty of such historical items. Finally, Buddha’s message of karuna̅, self-discipline, and mindfulness continues to be relevant, soothing, and surprisingly practical in today’s world, attesting to their eternity and robustness.
Read the version published in ‘The Korea Times’ →
