First day in Bodhgaya. 6 Nov 2024.
This restaurant is just outside the grounds of the Maha Bodhi Temple.
Would be visiting the Maha Bodhi Temple after lunch.
Fantastic meal. I cleared and cleaned up everything.
I am so very full now. Hope I can keep awake later while explore the Maha Bodhi Temple grounds.
In Dec 2005, I was mesmerised by the devotion shown by the monks/nuns/devotees at the Maha Bodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree inside the grounds.
Currently, I plan to stay for at least 3-4nights, maybe even 5 nights.
No phones inside the grounds of the Maha Bodhi Temple. You can bring in an actual camera if you pay a fee. Thus, no other photos of the inside. Which is also why this is going to be another long post.
As of this posting, I visited the temple grounds on the afternoon of 6 Nov 2024 and once more again at 6am on 7 Nov 2024.
Impressions after coming here again:
1. The beggar scene is not as chaotic. I remember in Dec 2005, there were beggars everywhere and following you consistently. Now, most of the beggars are sitting beyond the temple grounds, along the built barrier. Only a few beggars come asking for money at the entrance, and generally leave you alone when you say no.
2. The security into the temple grounds is very strict now. I was able to bring in my bag with my handphone last time in Dec 2005, after a cursory check. Now, you have to deposit your handphones with ANY electronic stuff. Lockers are for free. So, for my first entry on the afternoon of 6 Nov 2024, I was told to deposit my power bank, earphones, charging cables, even my lighter, together with my phones.
There are 2 rounds of security screenings with physical pat downs before you enter the temple grounds. I read that the security became so strict after a bomb explosion here in 2013. (I did see a few phones inside the grounds. Was wondering how did they get those phones inside.)
3. I am still mesmerised by the scene. Seeing the monks and nuns from the 3 major schools of Buddhism together, chanting in their own language or in Pali, somehow works. The various chanting heard throughout, with the drums and bells of the Vajrayana School, seems like a conflicted orchestra at first. But after getting accustomed to the sounds, you hear a certain consistency, like how clash chords sound in music, it somehow works and even feels soothing.
I love seeing the camaraderie among the whole community.
I see monks and nuns of the different schools, chit chatting with each other, giving donations to each other, showing respect to each other, it is amazing.
I saw a cute Thai laywoman going around giving sweets to the monks, nuns and workers of the temple. She also gave wooden hats to some nuns. I thought this was a wonderful way of donating and supporting as well.
4. On the afternoon of 6 Nov 2024, the temple grounds was not totally crowded. Very different from when I visited in Dec 2005. Usually due to the weather, from December till February, the temple grounds would be packed with monks, nuns and devotees. I intentionally chose to visit in November as I knew it wouldn’t be too crowded.
5. My understanding of Buddhism has evolved as well. In Dec 2005, I knew some Buddhism. Through the years, I continued to learn more Buddhism. At times, I had debates with some friends on certain aspects of Buddhism, thinking how right I was. Looking back, I now realised how far I was from the essence of Buddhism then. I am glad that I had continued to learn and reflect to better understand Buddhism.
Here, I would like to seek forgiveness to whoever I have offended in the past.
First Night in Bodhgaya. 6 Nov 2024.
This is just next door to Rama Guest House, where I am staying.
I was told that a Manchurian is like a ball glazed with gravy.
I didn’t order too much as I was still quite full from my lunch.
The food was delicious. I finished everything up.
First morning in Bodhgaya. 7 Nov 2024.
I visited the Maha Bodhi Temple again at 6am on 7 Nov 2024. Wow, the temple grounds had so many more monks, nuns and devotees.
I am guessing that most people come during the early morning or late afternoon or evening due to the cooler weather.
It was quite cooling at 19degrees celcius this morning at 6am, to the point, I am thinking of wearing my jacket tomorrow morning if I am coming to visit the temple again.
Thoughts
The Maha Bodhi Temple in Bodhgaya currently, holds a special part in my life and journey.
I would be writing a blog post these few days about my continuing journey in Buddhism as a reminder of how little I know of Buddhism. Do read it if you are keen.
May all sentient beings be well and happy. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu. 🙏
Will travel 