In December 2024, DNBF conducted its first small group trip to India, together with BSV and BSWA, with the aim of visiting the four places that Buddha himself believed would be most inspiring and motivating for his followers:

• Lumbini: The birthplace of Buddha as Prince Siddhartha Gautam (in Lumbini, Nepal). It is also approved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
• Bodh Gaya: Where Prince Siddhārtha achieved awakening (Nirvana) and subsequently became known as Gautama Buddha.
• Sarnath: (formally Isipatana, Uttar Pradesh, India) where Buddha started teaching his first students (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) – the Eightfold Path (Middle Way) and the Four Noble Truths.
• Kusinara: (now Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India) where the Buddha reached supreme bliss Parinirvana.

Beyond these four, it is popular to visit:

• Rajagaha: Another major city in ancient India, with Nalanda nearby (14 km). The Buddha spent a lot of time here during his own training.
• Savatthi: A place where Buddha spent most of his time – a major city in ancient India. It was here that the king gave him the Jetavanna estate as a residence.

DNBF’s trip in 2024 is illustrated on this map:

Bodh Gaya, located in the Gaya district of Bihar, India, is revered as the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained full awakening under the Bodhi tree. This historic site is characterized by the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was originally built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The temple complex not only symbolizes the Buddha’s spiritual awakening, but also serves as a focal point for Buddhist practice and pilgrimage, drawing visitors from around the world.

Images: Mahabodhi Temple

Rajgir, also known as Rajagaha (Rajagriha), is a historic town in Bihar, India, which holds significant importance in Buddhism. It served as the capital of the ancient Magadha kingdom and is known to be a key place where Gautama Buddha taught extensively and where he had his favorite place Vulture Peak (Gijjhakuṭa or Gridhakuta). The site is home to the Sattipanni Cave (Saptaparni Cave), where the first Buddhist council was held shortly after the Buddha’s passing, marking it as a pivotal place in Buddhist history. The Veluvana (Bamboo Grove) property was also given to the Buddha by King Bimbisara, in Rajagaha – the first residence given to the Buddha.

Images: 1) Vulture peak, 2) the group’s morning meditation on Vulture peak, 3) Bamboo grove

Sarnath (formally Isipathana) located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India, is a well-known place in Buddhism where Gautama Buddha gave his first teaching, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana sutta, after achieving awakening himself. This pivotal event took place in Deer Park, marking the beginning of the Buddhist sangha and the dissemination of his teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The site has significant archaeological treasures, including the Dhamek Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar, symbolizing Buddha’s teachings and Emperor Ashoka’s protection of Buddhism.

Photos: 1) Deer park, 2) morning on the river at Varanasi

Kushinagar, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is an important Buddhist site where Gautama Buddha attained parinirvana (full awakening) and was cremated. It is considered one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, along with Lumbini, Bodh gaya and Sarnath. The ancient city, historically known as Kushavati, was the capital of the Mallas kingdom, including the Mahaparinirvana temple with its 6.10 meter long reclining Buddha statue, the Ramabhar stupa marking the Buddha’s cremation site, and various international Buddhist temples.

Images: 1) Parinirvana temple, 2) Ramabhar stupa

Lumbini, located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, is recognized as the birthplace of Buddha. Born around 500 BC, Siddhartha is commemorated at the Maya Devi Temple which marks the spot where his mother, Queen Maya Devi, gave birth under a salt tree. The area has significant archaeological remains, including a pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC, confirming its historical significance. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world.

Images: 1) The nature around Buddha’s birthplace, 2) Maya Devi temple

Savatthi, located in the ancient kingdom of Kosala in northern India, was a pivotal city in Buddhist history where Gautama Buddha spent significant parts of his life. As one of the six largest cities of the Buddha’s time, it was home to the famous Jetavana, endowed by the wealthy banker Anathapindaka, which became a crucial center for Buddhist teaching and gatherings. The city is known for the legendary Twin Miracle, where the Buddha demonstrated his supernatural abilities, and it was the place where he is said to have spent 24 years. King Pasenadi of Kosala, a devoted disciple of the Buddha, was a key patron of the city, which served as an important hub for Buddhism in the 5th century BC.

Images: 1) Ghandakuti – the ruins of Buddha’s hut, 2) Bodhi tree (right), 3) Jetavana, 4) the group meditating in front of Ghandakuti

The Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, are remarkable examples of ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture and art. Dating from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD, Ajanta consists of 30 caves that were the abode of monastics for many centuries and is known for its exquisite murals and sculptures depicting Buddhist Jataka stories and the life of Buddha. Excavated between the 6th and 10th centuries AD, Ellora has 34 caves representing Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Both cave complexes served as monastic sites, centers of meditation and hubs of artistic expression. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a unique insight into the cultural diversity of ancient India.

Images: 1) Ajanta caves, 2) one of the halls in Ajanta, 3) bedroom in stone, 4) Ajanta caves

Photos: Ellora temple and associated caves