Enlightenment in Progress

Roy was born and raised in the small northern town of Gaya. He says it’s the geographical size of  Green Bay, and although I struggle to grasp to size, it feels more like Little Chute to me with the population of Chicago. 

The town next door is called Bodhgaya and is a world-famous destination for Buddhists due to its origination of the religion. 

The plane here was 95% Buddhists and unlike most other places in India, the area has a fair amount of Caucasians which is always a welcome addition. Because the area is where Buddhism started, it is a constant pilgrimage destination, especially in the cooler winter months. 

We started out early to avoid the crowds and the heat. The temples are very elaborate and beautiful. It almost feels like we left India for a much further Eastern country. The temples are strewn all across one corner of the town and are free to visit. They are very beautiful and elaborate. 

The most visited temple is the location of the banyan tree that Buddha allegedly spent months or years under becoming enlightened, which resulted in the creation of Buddhism. There is a temple there that was apparently unearthed at some point where the monks come to meditate and chant. 

I was excited to visit this area because who doesn’t need a little enlightenment. I was sad to find out we couldn’t take any cameras inside due to an incident with a bomb a number of years ago. 

I was able to find pictures online so obviously someone snuck in a camera or they are from prior to the rule change. The banyon tree is a sapling from the original and is in a lovely shaded area where you can just sit on a cool marble ledge and contemplate life. I can’t confirm or deny I left more enlightened, but I definitely felt privileged for the opportunity to visit.