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2023 Pilgrimage to India & Nepal

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KEC-India-Pilgrimage-Web-Article-Feature-Image-op2

2023 Pilgrimage to India & Nepal

A Spiritual Journey of a Lifetime

The Buddhist tradition of going on pilgrimage began with its founder, Buddha Shakyamuni. Buddha advised that after his passing, disciples should visit four main holy sites and make aspirational prayers there. He revealed that all Buddhas of the past had manifested there, and all Buddhas of the future would also manifest there. By visiting, we create a deep connection to the outer Buddhas, so that we might realise our own inner Buddhahood. This will greatly help our spiritual practice in this and future lives.
Sacred power places are imbued with the blessed energy of the many enlightened beings who have resided, practised and benefited countless other beings there.
– Tsem Rinpoche –
A pilgrimage to Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Varanasi and Kushinagar can be a life-changing experience for anyone seeking spiritual fulfillment. These four places are deeply connected to the life and teachings of Buddha, as they are where he was born, gained enlightenment, gave his first teaching and entered parinirvana respectively. Therefore, visiting them provides a glimpse into the roots of Buddhism and its evolution throughout history.

The Four Holy Sites

Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha. The Mayadevi Temple marks the spot where Buddha was born under a sala tree. When we visit Buddha’s birthplace, we create the karma to gain control over our own rebirth, and the causes to be reborn in pleasant places where we have the right conditions and opportunities to practise Dharma.

Bodhgaya is the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Buddha — the Awakened One. The Mahabodhi Temple houses the most sacred image of Buddha. It is also the site of the famous Bodhi tree under which Buddha meditated. When we visit the place where Buddha gained enlightenment, seeds are planted in our mindstream for us to attain enlightenment, and to go towards the path of enlightenment in all future lifetimes. Even if we fail to attain enlightenment within Buddha Shakyamuni’s age, we create the causes to be among the foremost disciples of Maitreya, the future Buddha, when he manifests.

Varanasi — more specifically Sarnath — is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is also one of the oldest living cities in the world. When we visit the place where Buddha first turned the wheel of Dharma, we create the causes for the teachings to penetrate our mind. We are able to transform when we receive the teachings; we are able to sponsor, propagate and put our energy towards the growth of Dharma; we are able to effectively share Dharma with others and transform their lives.

Kushinagar is the town where Buddha manifested parinirvana and was cremated. The Mahaparinirvana Temple houses a reclining Buddha that was built in honour of the great significance of the place. When we visit the place where Buddha passed away, we create the causes to increase our lifespan so that we have more opportunities to engage in spiritual practice and gain enlightenment; we will not die ordinary deaths with fear or anxiety; we create the causes to have control over our death and rebirth.

10D9N Pilgrimage to Buddha’s Power Places

Join us for a spiritual journey of a lifetime with our inaugural 10D9N Pilgrimage to Buddha’s Power Places. You’ll gain the experience of an authentic Buddhist pilgrimage but with all modern comforts and conveniences.

Our Sangha members/pastors will guide you through motivation setting, pilgrimage prayers, offerings at selected locations, and share insights about each holy site based on the teachings of our founder, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. It is an pilgrimage experience unlike any ordinary tour.

Even more, taking Buddha’s advice into consideration, if you can only go on one pilgrimage during your lifetime, this should be the one.

Pilgrimage Details

  • November 16 – 25, 2023
  • RM8,600/pax (trip donation)
  • Registration closes August 12, 2023

To register your interest, please fill out the pilgrimage application form. Applications will be vetted and approved by the organisers. Priority will be given to active members as places are limited.

For more information, please contact wa.me/60103020999 or [email protected].

Itinerary

  • Day 1: KL – Delhi
  • Day 2: Delhi – Bodhgaya
    Mahabodhi Temple & surrounding temples
  • Day 3: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Bodhgaya
    Nalanda University, Vulture’s Peak, Venuvan
  • Day 4: Bodhgaya
    Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Village, Dungeshwari (Fasting Buddha)
  • Day 5: Bodhgaya – Vaishali – Kushinagar
    Ashoka Pillar, Kesariya Stupa, ruins of the stupa that enshrined the relics of Lord Buddha
  • Day 6: Kushinagar – Lumbini
    Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa
  • Day 7: Lumbini – Sravasti
    Mayadevi Temple
  • Day 8: Sravasti – Varanasi
    Jetvan Mahavihar, Angulimal Cave
  • Day 9: Varanasi
    Dhamek stupa, Chaukhandi stupa, Sarnath museum
  • Day 10: Varanasi – Delhi – Kuala Lumpur
    Free & easy in Delhi

The itinerary may change on the day itself, depending on local weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What’s Included

  • International and domestic airfare
  • 9 nights accommodation (twin sharing basis)
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) starting from dinner on 16 Nov till dinner on 25 Nov
  • Air-conditioned transport throughout the whole trip
  • Monument entrance fees (single entry)
  • One-time boat ride on the Ganges River in Varanasi
  • Bottled water during the journey
  • Robe offering to Buddha at Mahabodhi Temple (1 robe per pax)

Excludes India/Nepal visa, personal travel insurance, local rickshaw, horse or pony ride charges, other personal expenses. Other terms and conditions apply.

To register your interest, please fill out the pilgrimage application form. Applications will be vetted and approved by the organisers. Priority will be given to active members as places are limited.

For more information, please contact wa.me/60103020999 or [email protected].