Why Buddhist monks travel to India to deepen their knowledge

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions, with its origins in ancient India. Buddhist monks, in particular, have played a vital role in spreading Buddhist teachings and practices around the world. The teachings of Buddhism emphasize the importance of education, and many Buddhist monks travel to India to deepen their knowledge of the religion and its history.

India is regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism, and it is home to some of the most significant Buddhist sites in the world. Many Buddhist monks from various countries travel to India to study the religion in the place where it first originated. This pilgrimage is known as the ‘Buddhist circuit’ and includes sites such as Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar.

Bodh Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, as it is believed to be the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment under a bodhi tree. Buddhist monks come from all over the world to meditate and study at this site. The Mahabodhi Temple, which is located in Bodh Gaya, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is regarded as one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world.

Sarnath is another important Buddhist site located in India. It is believed to be the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site contains numerous stupas, monasteries, and temples, which attract thousands of Buddhist pilgrims each year. The Dhamekh Stupa, located in Sarnath, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved stupas in India.

Kushinagar is another important Buddhist site that attracts many Buddhist monks. This is the place where the Buddha passed away and attained ‘Parinirvana.’ The site contains several stupas and temples, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which is believed to be the place where the Buddha breathed his last breath.

Buddhist monks who travel to India for education often stay in monasteries or ashrams, where they can study with experienced teachers and learn more about Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and ritual practices. Many of these monasteries are located near significant Buddhist sites and offer a peaceful and serene environment for monks to deepen their understanding of the religion.

In addition to studying the religion, many Buddhist monks who travel to India also participate in social service projects, such as providing aid to impoverished communities and supporting education initiatives. Buddhist organizations such as the Dalai Lama Trust and the International Buddhist Confederation provide opportunities for monks to participate in these projects and make a positive impact on local communities.

The journey to India for Buddhist monks is often seen as a sacred and transformative experience. Many monks travel long distances, leaving behind their families and communities, in search of deeper spiritual understanding. The pilgrimage to India is often seen as an opportunity to connect with the roots of their religion and to deepen their faith and understanding.

In conclusion, the pilgrimage to India for education is an essential aspect of the Buddhist tradition. Buddhist monks from all over the world come to India to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the religion in the place where it first originated. The pilgrimage to Buddhist sites in India is a transformative experience that allows monks to connect with the roots of their religion and make a positive impact on local communities.

(The Bhutan Live)