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36 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

India abounds with historical sites. Many of the over 1000 rock- particularly when we have arrived at a sacred site. There,
cut monolith ’caves’ of western India, including Ajanta and Ellora, I share contextual stories about the Buddha’s life and
should be seen by all. The remains of monasteries on the east speak to the social, political, and economic conditions at
coast of Orissa and Andhra and inland in Telangana provide a the time. I offer teachings relevant to that site and invite
sense of spiritual continuity and learning. Many of the historical pilgrims to ask questions. We have some time to explore
sites have been excavated by the Archeological Survey of India. the site and do some walking meditation.

Over the years, my practice has been to help pilgrims In the afternoon, after a mindful lunch, we travel to
understand how each site connects to specific teachings another site associated with the Buddha or an activity
or events in the Buddha’s life. This enriches the of importance to Indian culture. This could be a meeting
pilgrimage and makes these sites more meaningful than with a teacher of another religious faith, discussions
simply visiting ruins. with rural village women, or visiting a school or health
facility. At many of the Buddhist sites, the group is
Could you share with us a typical program you invited to perform a slow circumambulation (walking
would have for a group when they visit a particular meditation) around the temple or stupa, following the
site as part of the pilgrimage? ancient Buddhist tradition. This helps cultivate reverence
and mindfulness as we engage with the sacred space.
I like to treat the pilgrimage like a “retreat on wheels,”
informed by a traditional retreat format that cultivates The evening is marked by a circle of sharing, during
the practice of mindfulness in all aspects of the journey, which each pilgrim is offered a chance to speak about
including speech, walking, and eating. This can deepen what struck them that day, whether seen, heard, felt, or
and enliven the pilgrim’s experience. The schedule considered. This helps share insights and build a sense
provides spiritual enrichment, historical context, and of community with fellow travelers on the path. Each
opportunities for personal and group reflection. person’s view is as relevant as another’s, and sharing
in this way allows us to travel with many pairs of eyes,
It is wonderful to start the day with a meditation practice ears, etc., and feel like a sangha rather than a collection
and the reading of a sutra relevant to the current of individuals.
location. I often combine walking and sitting meditation,