Buddha Gaya unscathed
By Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa
“Hatred can never be
dispelled through hatred. Hatred can be dispelled only through
non-hatred. This is the truth eternal.”
- The
Buddha
The tall spire at Buddha Gaya rises a sheer 55 metres into the sky,
like a communication tower, transmitting the timeless words of the
Buddha, far out into space.
 |
The gold-painted image
of the seated Buddha |
This elegant, tapering structure was said to have been constructed by
the pilgrim, Emperor Asoka the Righteous (273BC-232BC), to sanctify one
of the holiest spots on earth. This land-space is sacred to mankind.
Ascetic Siddhartha attained Supreme Enlightenment at this place, seated
under the Bodhi Tree.
The spiritual annals of mankind record, with epic elan, the conquest
of the horrid hordes of Mara (Death) by ascetic Siddhartha Gauthama,
occupying His unconquerable asana (seat).
Sanctuary of liberation
Vanquishing those evil forces, the Buddha rose from His seat and
spent seven weeks in the holy premises of Buddha Gaya, transforming it
into an ever-blessed oasis and sanctuary of Moksha (Liberation).
The abominable throngs of vicious Mara (Death) had been eradicated by
the Buddha. But, the ghostly traces of those routed swarms of evil, Mara
(Death) may occasionally, fleetingly appear unexpectedly, at a least
thought of venue.
Such a momentary, diabolical presence was felt at Buddha Gaya a few
days ago. However, in that instance, the pathetic rabble that plotted to
implement the wicked plans of vicious Mara failed miserably. The radiant
compassion of the Buddha asserted itself with greater glory. That terror
should find its way into this serene sanctuary was excruciatingly
troubling. But, subduing that wickedness, Buddha Gaya emerged unscathed.
It is a highly healing piece of good news.
Spiritual destination
Buddha Gaya is one of the world’s most sanctified spiritual
destinations or holy tours. Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike visit the
sites there.
To millions and generations of Buddhists, this is the holy of holies,
where the ascetic named Siddhartha Gauthama sat down with an unflagging
resolve to achieve Supreme Enlightenment and emerged Gautama the Buddha.
At Buddha Gaya, Buddhists celebrate that transforming inner moment,
when the truth-seeking Ascetic transited to the Buddha.
I believe there is hardly any other faith, which celebrates the
moment of a religious teacher’s inner Enlightenment.
The incumbent Bhikkhus of the temple, State officials of Bihar and
the Governments of India and Sri Lanka have ensured the safety of
devotees visiting Buddha Gaya. This assurance will be appreciated by the
pilgrims as well as by the visitors to the area.
The responsible pronouncement by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in
India was reassuring, inspiring and encouraging. The upshot of all this
is: “Pilgrims and visitors need not have any qualms about travelling to
Buddha Gaya.”
 |
The Mahabodhi Temple
complex at Buddha Gaya |
For ages, Buddha Gaya had been a fascinating, spiritually
spellbinding and enthralling destination for millions of travellers. The
pilgrim will invariably be overwhelmed by the palpable sense of the
‘sacred’ one cannot help but feel, when approaching ‘The unconquered
seat’ of the Buddha. You walk along an avenue of Bo trees that form a
retinue to the main Sacred Bo Tree.
The road you tread before entering the sacred precincts teems with
polyglot vendors and hawkers. Most of them are young and alert. They
surprise you by addressing you in your own lingo.
They display an intimate knowledge of your land. They push their
wares. You casually say that you will buy some on your way back from the
shrine. That is where they corner you. When you return, they confront
you. “You promised to buy on your way back. Now please keep your
promise, as a good truthful Buddhist.”
You enter the enclosed area, and reach the main entrance of the
Mahabodhi Temple. When you walk down, you come upon a segment of an
Asokan Pillar, introduced here from another site - probably the place
where the Ajapala Banyan Tree stood.
Main temple
Mini shrines dot the two sides of the flight of steps leading to the
main temple. Along the corridors, devotees - both bhikkhus and laymen -
practise a variety of religious rituals. Tibetan Lamas ritually pouring
grains on metal bowls form a familiar sight.
The towering spire of the Mahabodhi Temple, bathed serenely in the
morning sunlight, is a vision to remember. The pilgrim crosses a sturdy
threshold of solid stone, to gaze upon the gold-painted image of the
seated Buddha. This is the prime icon at this temple. The main holy
treasure, of course, is the Sacred Bodhi Tree.
The Buddha image is the Bhumisparsha Mudra (the posture of touching
the Earth, to aver, “earth is my witness”).
The sacred Bodhi tree is the main object of veneration for all
Buddhists. In the presence of this holy tree, the devotee never fails to
experience an exalted sense of spiritual ardour. Ascetic Siddhartha sat
under this sacred tree, 2013 years ago, on the Vajrasana (The
unconquerable throne). Today, this specific spot cannot be seen, as a
railing encloses this unconquered seat.
Devotees go round this sacred spot, chanting. They are a
multi-racial, multi-cultured lot, propelled by the common urge of
devotion to the word of the Buddha.
Moved to tears
The profoundly dedicated devotee is moved to tears at this sight. The
thought that, “Here I am at the very spot where the Supreme
Enlightenment was attained,” makes it extremely difficult for him to
hold back the tears of spiritual joy, that spontaneously well.
 |
The site suffered only
minor damage |
During the recent mishap, the devotees did not suffer any serious
damage. The highly treasured images in the main spire were totally
unscathed.
A ‘colony’ of Buddhist culture has emerged in the vicinity of this
sacred shrine. Major Buddhist countries including Sri Lanka, have
established their temples.
In the slipstream of the averted disaster, we must remember the
dedicated personalities who suffered untold privations to enable
pilgrims to visit and worship this shrine in untrammelled freedom.
Anagarika Dharmapala is in the forefront in these efforts to make
Buddha Gaya accessible to devotes, unopposed.
Sir Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of Archaeology
in India and British archaeologist J.D. Beglar went well beyond the
routine call of mere professionalism, in their dedicated efforts to
endow these spiritual treasures upon the modern people. A vast service
is being performed (and has been performed) by Indian archaeologists,
imparting to their professional services, a humane and patriotic touch.
The recent disaster, though averted, should be heeded by all.
The spiritual aspects of Buddhism will continue to flourish for ages
to come. However, the material heritage of Buddhism needs highly
committed safeguards. Sri Lankans who frequently visit India on holy
tours have to be given an in-depth awareness of these shrines. The
wicked agents of Mara have alerted the whole world on the urgent need to
cherish these unparalleled treasures, against these enemies of humanity.
|