Lecture From Venerable Abbess Manshin Regarding 8 Holy Locations Visited for the Indian Pilgrimage
On 16th December, 10 members from the Summer Camp and the English sub-chapter gathered at Prajna Hall to receive a lecture from Venerable Abbess Manshin regarding the recent pilgrimage.
The Abbess shared her experiences for visit various holy sites of significance:
1. Deer Park – Where the Buddha first turned the Dharma Wheel
2. River Ganges – A holy river for the Indian people
3. Bodhgaya – Where the Buddha practiced asceticism and obtained Enlightenment
4. Nalanda University – A place where the Buddha addressed Sariputra’s questions
5. Vulture Peak – The location where the Buddha expounded the Lotus Sutra
6. Vaisali – Where the Buddha allowed women to ordain
7. Kusi Nagara – Where the Buddha entered Nirvana
8. Lambini – Where the Buddha was born
9. Jetavana Anathapindika’s Park – Where the Buddha expounded the Diamond and Amitabha Sutra
10. Sankasy – Where the Buddha returned after having taught the Dharma to his mother in Trayastrimsa Heaven.
Everyday there are many pilgrimage from different nations to recite sutras in different languages and respectfully pay homage at these dusty holy grounds.
Even though historically Buddhism has disappeared from India, but BLIA have followed the compassion of Venerable Master Hsing Yun to spread the Dharma through all 5 continents. Now he has once again continued the Dharma in India again by establishing “Indian Bodhgaya Buddhist College” and “Indian Deli Sramaṇera School”. Under the difficult local conditions it is hoped to continuously sow and nurture Bodhi seeds, pass down the Dharma lineages and allow Buddhism to sprout in its birth place once again.
The Abbess reminded everyone that a Buddhist not only has to study the Buddha’s teachings; they also have to develop strong faith from challenges, cultivate good personalities and habits and sincerely actualise the truth taught by the Buddha. All things should start with the self, take responsibilities courageously and propagate Humanistic Buddhism with a sense of mission. She also encouraged everyone to donate second hand books to the Indian Buddhist colleges.