Bodhgaya

We got off the sixteen (but what felt like longer) hour train ride in a sleepy daze. The sun hit us hard as we stepped off of our sleepers and into the plains of India. We realize winter here means the hottest day in summer where most of us come from. We smoothly found rickshaws and easily bargained our prices to get from Gaya to Shechen Monastery in Bodhgaya. We were all pleased to get a breath of fresh air in this less hectec city. The colorful gates of the monastery were inviting and we couldn't believe we were staying in such a peaceful, tranquil, comforting, holy place after the long, dirty nights in Kolkatta.

These last few days we have been exploring the city, going from temple to monastery, Bodhi tree to OM cafe. Some took the day to see the 60 foot Buddha, some meditated their way through the day under the Bodhi tree and the surrounding grounds of the "Main Temple". The Bodhi tree sits next to the "main temple", with its many branches extending shade around the back side of the temple. There are places to sit in the grass, ponds to gaze at, many monks and worshipers coming in and out.

We spent the afternoon yesterday at the Root Institute, getting more in depth with Buddhism, meditation classes, and yoga that the Institute offers. We were able to talk with a Tibetan nun (her name escapes us) who gave us real, straight forward answers to our many questions on Buddhism. The Instituation has a health clinic and many oppurtunities for people to practice Buddhism, and for teachers to go stay offer talks.

A group of us woke up at 6 to join in on the morning prayers the Tibetan monks chanted at our temporary home. It was an awakening experience, full of drumming, horns, rice throwing, and loud chanting. It lasted for an hour leaving us somewhat enlightened, but still ready to go back to sleep.

We all come home with new stories and new experiences, new friends, and new ideas. From palm reading to foot reflexology, from meditation under the holy Bodhi tree, to being able to see all the different forms of Buddhism. Japanese to Tibetan, Chinese to Cambodian- They all have their own flair. At times I think we are surprised by Bodhgaya. Some of us expected a more calm, relaxing town where Buddha was enlightened- but we still find Bodhgaya to be the same crazy India we are starting to know and love. There is still a very fast paced energy- especially because the Durga Puja is still being celebrated. There is a party mentality lingering in the air- techno music blasting from trucks carrying Durga, and loud fire works and bon fires. This morning the Puja floats were dumped into the river. After months of preparation and three days of celebration, the hard work and good times float down the river.

Luckily, Bodhgaya offers SO many sanctuaries to go and get a real breath of fresh air. We found the people are friendly and helpful, and the city itself i think is one we will all want to visit again.

Tomorrow morning around 4AM we leave for Varanasi. We cant believe we have concluded our time here in Bodhgaya, but we are all so excited to see what Varanasi has to offer. Bring it on, India!