Friday. We have crossed over the border (no hassle, no fee and no queue) and into Nepal (The Peoples Republic of Nepal as the graffiti over the border post informs us).
We have spent one night in a Korean monastery in the Lumbini temple complex. The monastery is quite new and is in the process of being expanded. It is very clean, smart and has a simple renunciate feel to it. Great Digs.
Lumbini (the Buddha's birthplace) is very well developed. The archaeological site is surrounded by a large walled complex. Inside the complex there are many monasteries and temples from lots of different traditions. The small village of Lumbini is firmly outside the wall and you do not get to see much of local life from here.
The complex is clean and well organised with paved roads and maps connecting everything together. It's kind of cool and also a little weird, a little bit like a Buddhist theme park. Could be in the US! (almost).Last night spent in Sinouli (India) on Nepali border. A really dusty noisy polluted little town. Felt like the wild west. The Hotel was quite poor with mold and vermin droppings on the sheets. we took the deluxe rooms with TV and Air Con (both broken). We had to get up in the night to hide our biscuit stash, clothes and other edibles from the mice.
Saturday. Kapilavastu (Northern India).
The place where the Buddha was raised.
A large stupa and beautiful lotus pond. A very well maintained site. A bit of a whistle stop tour, but time for a short puja and offerings.
Driving to Kapilavastu from Lumbini should be a quick affair - there is an almost direct road. Unfortunately, due to political disturbance from the Maoist rebels this border crossing is currently closed due to regular shootings and attacks on the border guards. We realise later why we were advisedto sleep on the Indian side of the border. The large towns and cities are relativley safe for foreigners, but rural areas still present a slim chance of trouble and possible kidnap.
Sunday. Shravasti. The Jetta Grove. a wonderful park where the Buddha spent many of his rains retreats. A very beautiful and atmospheric place, helped by a glorious sunset over a massive Buddha image on the horizon. Our tour coincides with a visiting minister and political rally. Lots of noise and people outside of the park itself.
Monday. The anniversary of the day of Dr Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism and also the day of a Hindu river goddess festival. Lots of floats and music and fireworks and quite a lot of drinking and singing. We have to get to Gonda to catch two trains. Our driver warns of possible road closures and mild civil unrest (fighting due to drinking and possible religious clashes) so we arrive at the station early. This is the first time a see a cow walking down a railway station.
Three busy weeks of pilgrimage come to an end. Padmadeepa and Paul are making their way home via Delhi. I carry on my adventure alone to Bhopal (for the Sanchi stupas complex) then to the TBMSG/FWBO centres in Nagpur, Pune and Bhaja.
We are all in good health and spirits. So much to say ....so little broadband!
Love to All,
Jayasiddhi
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