Bodh Gaya

Trip Start Dec 24, 2008
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Trip End Jan 18, 2009


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Where I stayed
root institute
(Bodh Gaya hotels)

Flag of India  , Bihar,
Friday, January 9, 2009

We have found a peaceful sanctuary in Bodh Gaya, the place of Buddha's
enlightenment, which, outside of the spectacular temple complex that
contains the Bodhi tree, I am sorry to report is the filthiest place I've ever seen in my life. I had expected to spend a large chunk of our trip here taking more music and perhaps cooking lessons, meditating under the Bodhi tree, and hopefully receiving some teachings. But there is really nothing here except thousands of Tibetan monks who are making the annual pilgramage for teachings from the Karmapa, one of their highest llamas. The last two days Matt and I had reached that point in our travels where we were at our wit's end with the noise, the smog, the stank and the piles of trash - as Matt put it, he was "OVER IT !!"  Just as we were plotting our possible escape, we discovered a beautiful sanctuary just outside of town, with beautiful gardens, statutes, yoga and meditation space, clean delicious meals and quiet quiet quiet.  AND we got this special room normally reserved for VIPs because we're only passing through for a few days. So we are happy happy campers and will be well rested and ready for the remainder of our travels.  Today the sun came out also!!

We are onto the Taj Mahal in Agra and then the Pink city of Jaipur for a kite festival and some shopping!

xoxo
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globalgramma
globalgramma on Jan 11, 2009 at 01:12PM

Root Institute
I had heard wonderful things about Bodh Gaya, and many wonderful reports on Root Institute from a philanthropist I have done work for. Thanks for the reminder, in case I ever make it there, I will be sure to stay there!

On my trip to India last year, I had a very difficult time getting past the filth. It is a very tough nut to get over it.

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