Bodhgaya: Seeking
a deeper knowledge, Buddha journeyed toward the ancient sacred forests
of Uruvela (modern
Gaya in Bihar, in north India) with the intention of finally and completely
realizing the infinite. Guided by visionary dreams and following in
the footsteps of Krakucchanda, Kanakamuni, and Kasyapa, the Buddhas
of three previous ages, Siddhartha sat beneath the Bodhi Tree. Touching
the earth, thereby calling it to witness the countless lifetimes of
virtue that had led him to this place of enlightenment, he entered
into a state of deep meditation. Three days and nights passed and
his intention was realized. Siddhartha became the Buddha, meaning
the "Enlightened One." The
Buddha spent the next seven weeks in meditation near the Bodhi Tree.
Then, at the request of the god Indra, he began to speak of the great
truth he had realized, and gave his first sermon at Isipatana (modern
Sarnath near Banaras). Set in sylvan solitude on the banks of river Niranjana (now called Falgu) is Bodhgaya, one of the most sacred place for Buddhist as well as for Hindus. The tree that stands today is believed to have grown from original peepal tree under which lord Buddha meditated. River Niranjana in which Buddha bathed after attaining enlightenment flows quietly outside the tiny hamlet. |