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Depending on the group’s wishes, we have a short around a stupa, sitting in meditation, or simply taking
sitting after dinner to close the day. Then, quite in the atmosphere of a temple, the pilgrim continually
naturally, we enter into a period of noble silence until returns to the present, reminding us that the Buddha
after breakfast the next day. Each day is bookended with himself was always living in the present moment.
silence, creating a rhythm that encourages mindfulness
and introspection. Pilgrims are invited to journal daily, Some of our walking practice, where each step is
capturing personal reflections, insights, and spiritual taken with intention and care, is in the form of
experiences to revisit later. circumambulation around a sacred structure, such
as a stupa, while maintaining mindful awareness and
This type of program is crafted to provide a balanced blend reverence. This practice symbolizes paying homage to
of structured activities, personal and shared reflection the Buddha. It reinforces the insight of no beginning and
time, and spiritual practice. It allows pilgrims to fully no end, no birth and no death, no being and no nonbeing,
engage with the site’s historical and spiritual significance, and the inter-being nature of all reality.
gain insights into Buddhist teachings, and build a sense of
community with fellow travelers on the path. In summary, our Buddhist pilgrimage integrates many
foundational practices, turning the journey into a powerful
What aspects of Buddhist practice would you opportunity for spiritual growth. Each practice supports
associate with a pilgrimage? the pilgrim in embodying the teachings of the Buddha,
experiencing insight, and cultivating concentration
All Buddhist practices that align with one’s sensibilities and compassion. Thus, the pilgrimage becomes more
and tradition. than a journey to external sites; it is an inward path of
transformation, helping the pilgrim progress toward inner
I see people meditating, chanting, prostrating, praying, peace, wisdom, and, ultimately, awakening.
singing, offering flowers, incense, robes, medicine, and
donating for monastic and social welfare. Having led pilgrimages for so long now, which
pilgrimage is has been most inspiring for you?
A diverse group of people chooses to come on these
pilgrimages, so I try to cater to their needs. If they are Each pilgrimage is different and inspiring, especially
members of a single sangha, we focus more on their because of the people who join me and the different
home temple practices. insights I glean. Still, the most inspiring pilgrimage for
me was with my teacher, Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh
As part of the Plum Village tradition, we tend toward (Thay), in 1988. I had been to some of the sites as a
sitting practice, mindful walking, eating meditation, child, as I was raised in Patna. During those years, I
singing/chanting, cultivating mindfulness training had seen the Buddha as a God-like figure. However,
(the five precepts), and proceeding through the whole as a 30-year-old, Thay guided me and brought alive
pilgrimage with the energy of mindfulness. the Buddha as a human being. He had just finished his
The pilgrimage is characterized by essential practices biography of the Buddha, Old Path White Clouds, and
that cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and insight. wanted to offer the book to the Buddha in the form of
Meditation, both seated and walking, helps cultivate the Bodhi tree.
stillness, clarity, and insight, drawing us closer to
understanding the true nature of existence. As he guided me and 30 others on the pilgrimage, Thay,
who was very conversant with the Buddha’s life and
Mindfulness is at the core of any pilgrimage experience. teachings, could transmit that sense of familiarity and
By visiting sacred sites and being fully present, pilgrims depth. At each site, he shared stories and teachings
practice mindfulness, observing each moment with relevant to that place. At the end of the month-long
an open heart and clear awareness. Whether walking pilgrimage, which included the Ajanta caves, he