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3. Prepare the relevant materials to evoke faith and a To the extent possible, don’t let one’s motivation be
sense of spiritual urgency mentioned above for use mixed with any short-term worldly concerns and
during the pilgrimage. narrow selfish expectations. Generate a more expansive
4. Be careful with consuming food and drinks bought motivation such as to grow in one’s spiritual awakening
from roadside hawkers as that may cause diarrhoea and capacity to be of true benefit to all fellow sentient
and spoil your pilgrimage plans. beings like our common teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha,
5. Be prepared for extreme temperature changes and his illustrious disciples through the ages have done.
within a day otherwise you might fall sick and curtail
your pilgrimage. Next is to learn some of the fundamental teachings of
6. Remember to bring a footwear bag along so that you the Buddha and contemplate them and integrate them
can take them along with you after you’ve removed in one’s daily life, especially while preparing for and
them. This is because they could get lost, stolen or during the actual pilgrimage. EH
mistakenly taken by others in crowded places.
Written by Geshe Dadul Namgyal and edited by Martha

Min Wei: Embarking on a Buddhist pilgrimage can be a Leslie Baker.
profound and transformative experience. Here are some
tips and advice that may enhance your journey:
Venerable Āyasmā Aggacitta is
1. If possible, consider traveling with an experienced the founder of the Sāsanārakkha
guide, monks who can provide insights, historical Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) in
context, and spiritual guidance. They can help Taiping, Perak, a Pāli scholar and a
deepen our understanding. meditation teacher.
2. Approach the pilgrimage with openness and
curiosity. Be receptive to new experiences,
Ven. Min Wei is a teacher of e-learning at the
teachings, and encounters along the way.
International Buddhist College (IBC) and an
3. Be open to challenges and obstacles that may arise
independent translator of Buddhism.
during your pilgrimage. These can be opportunities
for personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Remember, a Buddhist pilgrimage is a personal journey,
Geshe Dadul Namgyal is a Geshe
and each person’s experience will be unique. Approach
Lharampa and senior resident
it with an open heart, curiosity, and a willingness to
teacher at Drepung Loseling
learn and grow.
Monastery in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Dadul: First and foremost is to come up with a befitting
motivation for undertaking the pilgrimage. One should
check and re-check one’s motivation and refine it.