Who would not like to travel around the world? I would! When we have friends sharing their travel experiences and photos, most of us would be enviously thinking of our next trip. Each year, we would try to go different places, out of the claustrophobic office cubicle into the vast world full of cultural shocks and interesting stuff. An escapade from one ‘reality’ into another really, with frantic photography opportunities to seize.
I’m thinking of where to go this year. Actually, I have a list of places to go. (Who doesn’t?) The Japan trip last year had spurred wanderlust for more adventures. And I was quite surprised how well the semi free and easy trip turned out…
Since my encounter with Buddhism, I have had the interest to visit all Buddhist monuments around the world. It’s ambitious wishful-thinking… but why not? I will cover as many places as possible and I should be contented to have a good kaki (buddy) with similar interests to share these experiences with. What more could I ask for?
Recently, during a short session of quietening my mind, I realised that perhaps all these travels might have been overrated by me, not really necessary – if I could go to Amitabha Buddha’s Pureland at the end of my life. Wouldn’t I be much more capable to get around, faster and freer too? That thought almost made me laugh out loud. But it’s truly possible, as according to the vows of Amitabha Buddha!
I know very well that the very reason I want to visit Buddhist monuments is not to escape the reality of stressful worklife, but to genuinely soak in the spiritual, artistic, cultural and historical atmosphere. And with a greater sense of gratitude for forefathers (regardless of race and gender!) of these magnificent monuments, whose dedication still help to encourage our Dharma practice. My only regret is that I had not started my tours of inspirational admiration much earlier. Nonetheless, my greatest and most comforting escapade has yet to be embarked upon – towards my ‘final’ destination – Pureland.
Who’s joining me? :angel:
Cheers 🙂
Ever since embarking on the India pilgrim trip in 2004, I too try to embark on Buddhist related tours each year. Personally, I feel touring with Buddhist friends or group is better than normal off market tours to Buddhist places. Guess how the phrase “Zhi Tong Dao He” comes abt.
However, finance & leave is a constraint…. :straight:
Personally I will try to avoid those tour packages as much as possible, because many tend to take you to unnecessary destinations like jewellery or pearl factories and etc… 8/ Plus, the schedules are mostly crazily packed.
If only there are tour agencies that do cheap tailor-made itinerary private tour, that would be really nice.
I have an idea.
090909 i am planning to be in Bodhgaya. Want to do a simple meditative 1 day retreat for world peace and bliss….. an after that travel around to some Buddhist places nearby including Nepal and some Tibetan monasteries in Katmandu and Darjeeling. 2 – 3 weeks. Anyone interested?
P. S. – I am good at coming up with ideas but I fail to execute them. I need the support and help from others without which I tend to get anxious and jittery.
Hmmm… maybe you should plan an itinerary first? Even if there’re no takers, you can still use it some day! 8)
Hi All, am looking for a travelling ‘kaki’ to buddhist places of interest.
Anyone planning a trip in the near future please drop me an email, would love to be included if you dont mind =)
Many thanks!
Email : fairydust1805@yahoo.com
Maybe u can look at http://www.TheDailyEnlightenment.com (or sign up the newsletter) for occasional notices on Buddhist pilgrimages 🙂