A day of Enlightenment

An old woman sitting in front of the Bodi Tree
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A day trip to the location of Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment was a pleasant break from the craziness of Varanasi. After attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Buddha walked the 200km to Sarnath with lotuses blooming were his feet touched the ground. He gave his first sermon in Deer Park. In 3rd century BC, many stupas were commemorated the Buddha's visit. Up until the 12th century, Sarnath served as a center for Buddhism.

Most of Sarnath has been excavated and lays in ruins. It was slightly reminiscent of the Roman ruins, just a lot smaller in magnitude. We entered the Buddhist temple, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, with an interior decorated by a Japanese artist, Kosetsu Nosi. The murals depict the Acts of Buddha, or the "Buddhacarita". Outside the temple is a large pipal tree that is said to be a relative of the original tree where Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Large stupa in Sarnath
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Nearby is the Dhamekh Stupa that is was once decorated with images of Buddha. However, it is now covered in decorative stone. Many pilgrims walked around this stupa in the customary clockwise rotation reciting prayers. A group of Buddhists also sat near a tree chanting Buddhist prayers. It was a very unique experience.

We were all sad to leave such a peaceful retreat as we made our way back to Varanasi.