Ultimate Peace

Bodh Gaya is the holiest site for Buddhists from all over the world as this is the location where the Buddha attained enlightenment. We began the day touring many of the Temple's and Monastaries built by various different countries including Japan, Tibet and Bhutan. After a quick lunch we proceeded to go to the focal point of Bodh Gaya................the Mahabodhi Temple which includes the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which the Buddha meditated before he attained enlightenment. I have never been to a more peaceful and spiritual place before in all my life. After praying to the Buddha located inside the temple(from the late 10th century), we started walking clockwise around the temple and towards the Bodhi Tree. We just sat under the tree and soaked up the atmosphere. We were given some leaves from the Bodhi Tree from one of the security guards and then he told us we should go back inside the temple to receive a blessing from one of the monks. The monk went up to the Buddha and took 2 white scarves from the Buddha's lap and proceeded to bless both Belle and I. This has definitely been the highlight so far on our journey. We were then informed that they were going to open the gate to The Vajrashila which is the red sandstone seat beneath the Bodhi Tree which marks the spot where the Buddha sat and it dates back to the 3rd century B.C. The pictures that I did take do not do any justice to the actual experience of being in one of the holiest sites on earth. One monk who did notice me taking pictures wanted me to take a pic of his Teacher and himself under the tree so I gladly obliged and once I get to Taiwan, I will get the images transferred to paper and mail them to Myanmar. Throughout the entire time that we were there, there were countless monks from all over the world either in the process of their prayers, circling the temple or prostrating to Buddha. What a remarkable day this has been. What surprised me is as well as the devout Buddhists who take the pilgramage to Mahabodhi, there are also people of the Hindu and Muslim Faith that I see indispersed throughout the temple site. Also included is of course your garden variety of tour bus groups.............they all look so clean and refreshed coming out of their air con buses armed with cameras and video cameras............I have always sworn that I will never join such a group but I know its just a matter of time before I too will succumb to this cult. Not to take away from this magical place but one unfortunate thing about the temple's surroundings is of course some of the vendor's selling their cheap factory made products..............I think what would have been better is local artisans with their handmade crafts. The one thing that I will draw from this experience is FAITH. I have seen it before when Jason and I went to Nepal and even in Peru but I have never experienced more devotion to one's religion as I have seen today. This is truly what Travel is all about...........Pick a place on the map, get to it, and enjoy a truly unique perspective on Life itself and I have Belle to thank because a year ago, I didn't even have a clue where Bodh Gaya was or what it was about.