We are greatly honoured that, for the first time, Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche will kindly be leading a Root Institute pilgrimage. This will be to Rajgir, visiting two sites.
Vulture Peak
The holy mountain known as Vulture Peak was the site of Lord Buddha teachings of The Heart Sutra and many Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) sutras collectively termed The Second Turning on the Wheel of Dharma. Gaining insight into the meaning of these teachings is the path freeing the mind from innate misconception, the force of karma, and the resultant cycle of suffering existence, so their importance cannot be overstated. Fortunately these teachings have been preserved, and are the basis of study, debate, and meditation to this day.
Ruins of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara
Nalanda Mahavihara operated for almost a thousand years from 427 CE until around 1400 CE, and its site is thus of immense historical significance for the preservation of the Mahayana Buddhist lineage, including the Prajnaparamita teachings. It housed a vast library and, over the centuries, was a major centre of learning in India, where thousands of scholar monks from across Eastern and Central Asia studied and debated the teachings. So much of the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions of Tibetan Buddhism stems from the teachers and traditions at Nalanda.
Making the most of our journey
At each site the group will be given important information about the site and led into different meditations and practices relevant to the place.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche says:
"Pilgrimage needs faith. More faith, more happiness. Otherwise, we are just like tourists looking at ruins. Pilgrimage is not just going to holy places and taking pictures. We go to holy places for blessing, so it's good to do practices at the different holy places."
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