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F ORUM TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 599
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Dadul: I have spent a considerable time living in In summary, modernization has brought both
Sarnath, the area where the Buddha turned the first opportunities and challenges to the practice of
wheel of Dharma, teaching the Four Noble Truths. pilgrimage. It has made it more accessible and
Almost daily, I used to visit the actual spot of the facilitated the planning process, but it also raises
historic teaching and pay respect to the Buddha and feel questions about preserving the sanctity and
gratitude for the impact his teachings have had on me. authenticity of these sacred journeys in the face of
From Sarnath, just about every important site, including increasing tourism and technological distractions.
Bodhgaya where he attained Full Enlightenment,
associated with the Buddha’s life is within a relatively adul: Living in exile outside of Tibet, I do not have
short distance. Every time I visited Bodhgaya and other the opportunity to personally visit the pilgrimage
holy sites, the occasion would take me back in time and sites associated with Je Tsongkhapa of my own
help me see the truth and relevance of his teachings Tibetan Buddhist Order nor those of past masters of
more clearly and lively. other Tibetan Buddhist Orders. However, through
social media and other modern technology, I can at
How has the modernization of transportation and least access visual images of the sites in general and
technology impacted the practice of pilgrimage on occasions even live coverage of the sites with
in your tradition? Are there any challenges or descriptions by experts on the ground.
opportunities associated with this change?
Likewise, modern means of transportation have made
Aggacitta: The last time I went to Bodhgaya was in 2014 possible embarking on pilgrimage to the holy sites
and the transportation then was still quite basic. I was of the Buddha’s life across India and Nepal within
told that now much has changed but I have no personal relatively short periods of time. So, in these above ways,
experience of it. However, regardless of modernization, modern transportation and technology has been an
the devotional activities mentioned above should not be asset for people of genuine interest and purpose.
affected at all. Instead, they could be facilitated by the
more comfortable journey. However, due to the easy access through this modern
technology, sometimes people with no spiritual interest
Min Wei: The modernization of transportation and or other relevant reasons gather at those sites for
technology has significantly impacted the practice of mere fun and pleasure. Not only that makes the places
pilgrimage. It has made it easier and more accessible crowded and dirty, but also encroaches upon the
for people to embark on pilgrimages to distant spiritual sanctity of the places and interferes with the
places. Advancements in air travel, trains, and road religious practices of the faithfuls.
infrastructure have reduced travel time and made
pilgrimages more convenient and affordable for many. What are some practical tips or advice you
Additionally, technology has played a significant would give to someone embarking on a Buddhist
role in facilitating the planning and organization of pilgrimage, regardless of their specific tradition?
pilgrimages. Pilgrims can now access information about
sacred sites, routes, accommodations, and local customs Aggacitta: Here are my thoughts:
through the internet and various mobile applications. 1. Most importantly, make sure that you are someone
with a devotional disposition or sensitive to positive
However, along with these benefits, there are also spiritual energy.
challenges and considerations associated with 2. Choose a knowledgeable pilgrimage leader who
modernization. The influx of tourists in popular can provide you with accurate, scriptures-based
pilgrimage destinations may diminish the sense of (and better still historically or archaeologically
solitude and tranquility that some pilgrims seek. authenticated) information on the sites.