The trip and conference take place from October 16th to 26th, 2011
Varanasi
The trip begins in Varanasi, known as the culture capital of India, and
one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the country.
Monday October 17, early morning: we leave early for the morning boat cruise on River Ganges. After sunrise, we
will cross to the other shore and together chant the Heart Sutra as well as the morning bell chant. After breakfast, until
lunch: optional sightseeing & shopping / free time
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Sarnath
Monday October 17, afternoon: travel by bus to
Sarnath. Here we find the Deer
Park where the Buddha first taught the Dharma after attaining enlightenment. We will visit the art collection at the
Archaeological Museum, also the Mahabodhi Buddha temple and walk around the Deer Park where we will spend some time in
silent walking meditation. We will recite the four great vows and chant Soga Moni Bul.
After dinner: Free time / rest
Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is the place where
Buddha saw the star and attained enlightenment. We will spend a couple of days visiting this Buddhist holy place
and chanting around the Bodhi tree.
Tuesday October 18, after breakfast: travel by bus to Bodhgaya (275km / 6-7 hours), stopping on the way
to have lunch. We will visit the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree and temples from various Buddhist traditions.
Wednesday October 19: all day at Bodhgaya.
Thursday October 20, after breakfast: departure to Meditation Park by bus. Together chanting at the
Meditation Park. After lunch: visiting the beautiful Japanese Park - home of ten disciples.
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Rajgir
Friday October 21: departure to Rajgir by bus (80 kms / about 2 hours)
After lunch: visit to Nalanda,
the first International University of the world, where over 2,000 teachers and 1,000 students from all over the Buddhist
world lived and studied. The excavated ruins are spectacular, with chapels, monasteries and lecture halls symmetrically
spread over a large area.
Vulture Peak
Saturday October 22, sunrise: very early departure to Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak) by bus.
This is where Zen was born! We will spend several hours here with various wonderful practice activities and free time
to be with each other. On the way up we will pass by Ananda's meditation place.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar is the place where the Buddha entered Nirvana. Its main attraction is the beautiful Mahaparinirvana temple.
Sunday October 23, after breakfast: departure to
Kushinagar by bus (6-7 hours)
Afternoon: tour of the Mahaparanirvana Temple.
Lumbini
Monday October 24, after breakfast: departure to
Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha (170km / 4-5 hours by bus)
After arrival: check in to the Korean Temple Dae Sung Suk Ga Sa. Lunch at the temple, all together.
Afternoon: free time to explore the area.
Tuesday October 25: WWSF Conference in Lumbini.
Morning Practice in the Dharma Hall.
After breakfast: Dharma Talks given by Zen Masters with Q&A.
WWSF Ceremony: Formal Zen Talk from the high rostrum.
After lunch: Workshop "Connecting with the World Situation."
After dinner: Evening Practice
Wednesday October 26: Departure from Lumbini.
Breakfast at the temple. People returning to Varanasi depart by bus.
Nepal/Kathmandu Tour Extension (Optional)
After the conference, this tour extension adds a flight to the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. From that point on, you will
be on your own to arrange for food, lodging, tours, etc. What a great opportunity to continue your adventure in such
an amazing part of the world!
