Fearless Mountain Newsletter
Spring 2008 Articles
An Offering of Gratitude Anagārika Life Journey to the Source From the Monastery Inspiration, Gratitude, and Joy in India Letting Go In India Absolute Sincerety Newsletter Editor Stepping Down Calendar View Archive
"Please, give us some money"
View Printer Friendly FormatMy second pilgrimage to India, this past December, was much shorter, 10 days in all, than my two month stay there some 12 years ago. This pilgrimage was with a group of 20+ people, mostly Thai with a few Westerners, including four monks, and was an opportunity to make offerings and to practice the Dhamma at the major Buddhist holy sites.
Of course, each individual often resonates with one or several particular sites (mine being Savatthi and Vulture’s Peak), and the chance to make offerings at all of the sites brings about an opening of the heart beyond the rational mind. Pilgrimage renews the spirit and introduces a tangible reality to all the stories from the scriptures.
In some ways, though, the extremes of India are what leave some of the strongest impressions: the grinding poverty, the frailty of the sick and malformed bodies, the endless river of people and animals constantly in motion through the alleys and streets. It is impossible not to see the suffering that samsāra brings.
With the recognition of this truth of dukkha, though, comes the opportunity to really open to the truth of freedom that the Buddha taught us is possible. On pilgrimage, one sees the seeds of release being planted in the recognition of that suffering. The holy sites themselves then offer a multidimensional reminder and inspiration that there is a path out of pain and confusion. Being there with good friends and companions, making offerings, chanting pūjas, sitting quietly in meditation and supporting each other in our Dhamma practice gives us the renewed energy and faith to stay on the Path. Inspiration, gratitude, and a feeling of joy in practice returned with me from India.