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Home , Bodhi tree, Buddha footprint, Mahabodhi Temple, Thuparamaya, Vaishali (ancient city)

Connecting to the Sacred Sites of the : and

India: December 9th - December 18th, 2013 and Sri Lanka: December 18th - December 24th, 2013

Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International

Connecting to the Sacred Sites of the Buddha: in India and Sri Lanka

India: December 9th-December 18th, 2013 And Sri Lanka: December 18th-December 24th, 2013

About Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International

Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI) was inspired and established by Venerable Tarthang , founder and Head of the Tibetan Center in California, USA. Venerable Tarthang Tulku was born in eastern Tibet, where he studied with many of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of the twentieth century. After leaving Tibet, he taught from 1962 to 1968 at University in , India, where he also established one of the first printing presses to print sacred Tibetan texts. Since 1969 he has lived and worked in America. There he has actualized a long-range vision of preserving ancient teachings of the Buddha and transmitting them to the modern world which has manifested in the largest distribution of in recorded history.

LBDFI was founded by Venerable Tarthang Tulku in 2006 with the aim of revitalizing the Buddhist community and teachings in the holy land of India. Currently LBDFI acts as the primary sponsor of the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony, an annual gathering of the international of the Theravadin school of . Thousands of attend this ceremony coming from nine countries to join the Indian Sangha in the place of enlightenment. Further information about our projects can be found on its web site at www.lbdfi.org. This gathering brings together 9 different countries from Southeast Asia and many lay devotees who are there to pay respect to the Triple Gem during the ten days of chanting parts of the Tipitaka ( precious teachings of the Lord Buddha divided into Three Baskets). You will be given a special copy of the chanting materials for you to be able to participate in the ceremony.

The Tipitaka is divided into three baskets: * Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka and is the doctrinal foundation for Buddhists ( Meditation website)

*Vinaya Pitaka The collection of texts concerning the rules of conduct governing the daily affairs within the Sangha — the community of bhikkhus (ordained monks) and bhikkhunis (ordained nuns). Far more than merely a list of rules, the Vinaya Pitaka also includes the stories behind the origin of each rule, providing a detailed account of the Buddha's solution to the question of how to maintain communal harmony within a large and diverse spiritual community.

Sutta Pitaka The collection of suttas, or discourses, attributed to the Buddha and a few of his closest disciples, containing all the central teachings of Theravada Buddhism

Abhidhamma Pitaka The collection of texts in which the underlying doctrinal principles presented in the Sutta Pitaka are reworked and reorganized into a systematic framework that can be applied to an investigation into the nature of mind and matter.

Around the main , you will be able to hear the chanting of the from nine countries. For ten days, this great auspicious occasion brings together for the first time in 700 years the Mahasangha as well as bringing forward the masters of this tradition to illuminate the meaning of the texts being recited for the benefit of those attending. Dear Friend,

You have been invited to join an extraordinary journey to the Sacred Places of the Buddha, which is being organized in collaboration with the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International and Buddhapath. During this journey, there will be a precious opportunity to partake in the 9th International Tipitaka Chanting where thousands will be seated under the precious Sacred to recite the teachings of the Lord Buddha in .

This journey culminates in the second part of the journey to Sri Lanka where we will have a rare privilege to making prayers at the Tooth Temple in Kandy and finally make a to the awe inspiring Sri in Sri Lanka where it will require each of us to make a 3-5 hour walk up this mountain. We will finally arrive at Sunrise where the from this Sacred Place is breath-taking.

In addition to joining this pilgrimage, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to make offerings directly to the Sangha in three most auspicious occasions. For every , we will also gift you with the Sacred Places of the Buddha book, which will become an important part of deepening your understanding of these most sacred sites.

We are asking each pilgrim to make a generous donation of $1080 which will be given directly to support three auspicious causes:

Suggested Donation: ----$1080 (Dedication of towards the Name (s) of your Loved Ones)

Part of making a pilgrimage is also one’s ability to make offerings to the Triple Gem. This is an extraordinary opportunity for your donation to go directly to three very auspicious occasions, which has a direct connection to the Sacred Place of the Buddha, and Sangha.

Your $1080 donation will go directly towards:  General expenses towards the 9th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony Bodhgaya, which includes donation towards food, transportation expenses for the monks, flowers and/or butterlamps for 2,500 participants.  Sacred Gardens of the Buddha- plants/ trees to the Sacred places of the Buddha in around the World Peace Bell;  Sri Lanka Tipitaka Chanting Tooth Relic Ceremony-towards the general expenses of the printing of the Tipitaka in Sinhalese

We hope very much that you will be able to experience these sacred places with us in an intimate way.

Please contact us directly at [email protected] or [email protected] to learn more about this extraordinary opportunity. With our best wishes,

Wangmo and Nelson Directors of Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International

Please view the YouTube mix at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS_jPtu-ioI&feature=youtu.be

ABOUT BUDDHAPATH Buddhapath has been organising highly acclaimed pilgrimage 'In the Footsteps of the Buddha' led by Dharmacharya Shantum Seth since 1988. The pilgrimage has all the ingredients of a truly memorable journey, widening our perceptions and consciousness. It is an opportunity not only to deepen our knowledge and practice of the Buddha and his teachings but also to get an insight into an India that few penetrate. On this journey we touch a culture and civilization that are both ancient and contemporary. We take an inner and an outer journey through a fascinating and mysterious India. www.buddhapath.com

TEACHER/LEADER BIOGRAPHIES

Shantum Seth Dharmacharya Shantum Seth, an ordained dharma teacher, has been leading “In the Footsteps of the Buddha” since 1988, when he organized the pilgrimage for his teacher, Vietnamese Master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Shantum lives in India and has been an advisor to the United Nations on volunteering, peace, and social development issues for more than 15 years. He has co-authored books such as Walking with the Buddha and been a consultant for films like BBC-Discovery’s Life of the Buddha and BBC-PBS’s The Story of India.

On the Sri Lanka leg of the tour, Shantum will tell stories of the Buddha’s life and give teachings to help us understand the Buddha as a human being, the drama of his life and the significance of what he taught. We will schedule time for daily sitting and , regular discussions, and contemplative time for ourselves. The creation of a traveling sangha will be an important aspect of this trip, giving the journey a greater cohesiveness and building a sense of support for those seeking to deepen their practice.

MATHEWS KURIAN with Buddhist monks

A practicing Buddhist, Mathews has trained under Dharamcharya Shantum Seth in and also leading pilgrimages and other journeys in India and elsewhere. He has extensively studied and also attended retreats by Thich Nhat Hanh. In addition Mathews is a trained hiking and adventure guide as well as a Yoga instructor.

NELSON CHAMMA

Please view the YouTube mix at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS_jPtu-ioI&feature=youtu.be

Nelson Chamma holds degrees in economics and International Relations. A native of Brazil, he currently divides his time between Brazil and Portugal, where he attends to business interests. He has been involved with the Nyingma Institute of Rio de Janeiro from 1990 to the present. Nelson has been key in bringing to the Sacred Places of the Buddha and plays an instrumental role in running the Foundation. He brings with him years of experience as a Buddhist practitioner as well.

The price does not include travel insurance.

ITINERARY Day Date Day of the week Travel Night's stay 1 9th Dec Monday Arrive in Delhi. Fly to Gaya Bodhgaya 2 10th Dec Tuesday Bodhgaya Bodhgaya 3 11th Dec Wednesday Bodhgaya Bodhgaya 4 12th Dec Thursday Bodhgaya Bodhgaya 5 13th Dec Friday Bodhgaya-Varanasi Varanasi 6 14th Dec Saturday Varanasi Varanasi 7 15th Dec Sunday Varanasi- Vaishaili 8 16th Dec Monday Vaisali- Patna 9 17th Dec Tuesday Patna-Delhi Departure/Delhi 10 18th Dec Wednesday Delhi- Colombo 11 19th Dec Thursday Kandy Kandy 12 20th Dec Friday Kandy Kandy 13 21st Dec Saturday Kandy Kandy 14 22nd Dec Sunday Kandy-Sri Pada Adam’s Peak 15 23rd Dec Monday Sri Pada Adam’s Peak Sri Pada-Colombo by Departure/ 16 24th Dec Tuesday road/. Anuradhapura Anuradhapura-Colombo by road. 17 25th Dec Monday Departure Departure

SPECIAL PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA: December 9 - December 18. 2013 US$ 3100 (based on twin-sharing accommodation) Single Supplement US$ 1300

Day 1: MONDAY: December 9 ARRIVE BODHGAYA AT 3:40PM Upon arrival in Gaya, you will be met by our representative carrying a Buddhapath/LBDFI sign and transferred to your hotel. Nelson Chamma will already be in Gaya when you arrive, and you will meet him this afternoon.

In the evening, you will make offerings to the main temple and have an opportunity to join the scheduled for 6 pm-9 pm. Royal Residency Bodhgaya (Dinner)

Day 2: TUESDAY December 10 BODHGAYA The focus of our trip is to experience the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony, which draws pilgrims from much of the Buddhist world. After a break of 700 years, the Tipitaka is being chanted again under the Sacred Bodhi Tree. Since 2006 and each year since, the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation has been the principal sponsor for the ceremony, which now draws thousands of monks, dignitaries, and laypeople from throughout the world.

Sustained throughout the day by the inspiring chanting of the monks, we will also make morning offerings to the monks and participate in evening Dharma talks presented by prominent teachers from throughout the Buddhist world. There will also be opportunities to read and reflect on the texts being chanted.

Each day during the Chanting Ceremony we will have the honor of offering lunch to the Maha Sangha—the greater community of monks—and hearing the chanting and evening talks. Those who are interested can also participate in the all-night meditation sessions, guided by a senior master. How much of the Ceremony and which daytime excursions you take part in are up to you.

When we’re not experiencing the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony, we will visit some of the area’s wonderful and historically significant sites around the main temple.

Today all pilgrims will be able to sit on each side of the to enjoy the precious teachings of the Buddha from nine different countries. You may sit with the Thai Sangha, Cambodian Sangha, Laos Sangha, Bangladesh Sangha, Indian Sangha, Sangha, Vietnam Sangha, Sri Lanka Sangha, and finally the Nepalese Sangha. Each is chanting in Pali but they sound respectively unique. We’ll be able to participate in prayer with a Romanized copy of the chant book, and we’ll hear a special dharma talk under the Sacred Bodhi Tree in the evening. For the serious meditator, a special all night meditation will take place, giving us the extra privilege of staying inside the historical main temple all night. Royal Residency Bodhgaya (B, L, D)

Day 3: WEDNESDAY December 11 BODHGAYA Following breakfast at Royal Residency we have the honor of making offerings to the Mahasangha in the main kitchen. We then return to the main temple to listen to the chanting ceremony and hear the evening dharma talk. We also invite pilgrims to participate in the presentation of gifts to the great Sangha on behalf of the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International. You can also have an opportunity to stay overnight for meditation at the main temple. Royal Residency Bodhgaya (B, L, D)

Day 4: THURSDAY December 12 BODHGAYA International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony continues. Today we will participate in the final closing ceremony of the 9th International Tipitaka Chanting ceremony where there will be a one-hour special of silence with the entire sangha under the Bodhi Tree.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Mahakala caves and the village of Sujata and have an opportunity to go shopping in the local bizarre. Royal Residency Bodhgaya (B, L, D)

Day 5: FRIDAY December 13 BODHGAYA-VARANASI Today we begin our pilgrimage with the monks. We have a long drive from Bodhgaya to Varanasi, to one of the most ancient and holy in the world. We arrive in Varanasi in time for lunch. We will arrive at the Dhamek to chant with the Mahasangha the Dhammachakka sutta, the wheel turning teachings and will conclude the 9th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony. It will conclude with a dedication ceremony for all our loved ones. From the old town we travel on to , another of the holiest sites in the Buddhist world. This is where Lord Buddha gave his first teachings of the Dharma, and where the first sangha was formed. We will visit Dhamekh stupa, constructed by King in 249 BC to mark the spot where Buddha gave his first teaching after attaining enlightenment.

Dinner will be held at a traditional Indian restaurant with cultural show. Radisson Varanasi (B, L, D)

Day 6: SATURDAY December 14 VARANASI We rise early for a sunrise boat ride on the River, where the bathing platforms are teeming with people performing morning rituals—priests and worshippers praying, making offerings, and taking dips in the holy river.

There will be an opportunity to visit a traditional silk brocade shop, Kasim Silks to purchase beautiful brocades and silk scarves that are made in Varanasi. Radisson Varanasi (B, L, D)

Day 7: SUNDAY December 15 VARANASI-VAISHALI We will drive from Varanasi to Vaishali. Vaishali was the capital of the Lichavi and one of the earliest in the world (6th Century BCE). This is also the place where the Buddha ordained his stepmother as the first nun and where monkeys miraculously offered the Buddha honey. Today and tomorrow we will visit the intact Ashokan pillar with the lion capital from 3rd Century BCE, the Lichavi coronation tank, the relic stupa of the Buddha and Raja Vishal ka garh. Vaishali Residency, Vaishali (B, L, D)

Day 8: MONDAY December 16 VAISHALI TO PATNA We will go by coach from Vaishali to nearby Patna (or Pataligama, as it was then called) was where the Buddha crossed over the Ganges to Vaishali and the place from where he forded the river that still bears his name. It was the capital of the Magadha Empire from the 6th century BC to the 4th Century AD. Patna is the capital of the modern state of . We will visit the Buddha Park. Maurya Patna, Patna (B, L, D)

Day 9: TUESDAY December 17 PATNA TO DELHI BY AIR We will visit the museum in Patna which has some wonderful ancient Buddhist pieces as well as the of the Buddha. In the afternoon we take a short flight to Delhi. In the evening we will attend a cultural program and get to see Delhi as we drive through the . Hilton Mayur Vihar, Delhi (B, L, D)

Day 10: WEDNESDAY December 18 DELHI. DEPARTURE FOR THOSE NOT TAKING THE SRI LANKA TOUR Today you say goodbye to the group and to India. This afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. Those who are continuing on will have the option to visit the New Delhi Museum and get to meet Shantum Seth.

This ends our services for the Special India Pilgrimage.

SRI LANKA JOURNEY: December 18 - December 24. 2013 US$ 2100 (based on twin-sharing accommodation) plus $300 for Delhi-Colombo flight Single Supplement US$ 910

ONE-DAY EXTENSION TO ANURADHAPURA US$ 310 (based on twin-sharing accommodation. Single Supplement US$ 130

Day 1: WEDNESDAY December 18 DELHI TO COLOMBO In the morning in New Delhi, you will get to met Dharmacharya Shantum Seth who will guide you through the New Delhi Museum to show you the Buddhist statues from the early period. You are most cordially invited to have lunch at Shantum’s family home in Noida, a suburb of Delhi, before we head off to the airport to take the evening flight to Colombo.

You will fly from Delhi to Colombo by Sri Lankan Airways flight UL196 scheduled to depart Delhi at 18:50 and arrive in Colombo at 22:25. Cinnamon Grand, Colombo (B, L, D)

Day 2: THURSDAY December 19 DRIVE FROM COLOMBO TO KANDY This morning we will drive to Kandy and have lunch along the way at XXXX restaurant. We will also have an opportunity to visit traditional tea factory and will have an opportunity to purchase traditional Ceylonese Tea. When we arrive into Kandy, we will take a scenic drive around the area to visit the famous Botantical Garden. Earls Regency Hotel/ Kandy Centre (B, L, D)

Day 3: FRIDAY December 20 KANDY We begin the historical chanting ceremony at the sacred Tooth Relic temple. This will also be a great opportunity for all of us to offer food and gifts to the Sangha. Earls Regency Hotel/ Kandy Samadhi Centre (B, L, D)

Day 4: SATURDAY December 21 KANDY This is the second day of the chanting ceremony and will also allow us to practice deeply as the chants of the Buddha word are being recited at the Tooth Relic temple. Earls Regency Hotel/ Kandy Samadhi Centre (B, L, D)

Day 5: SUNDAY December 22 KANDY TO SRI PADA We conclude the ceremony with a closing ceremony and a lighting of candles around the temple. We will be making our way to Sri Pada for the final pilgrimage to the place of Buddha’s footprint. This is a quite an arduous climb of 3-5 hours of walking uphill. Please make sure you bring proper walking shoes and rain coat for this special excursion. Langdale by Amaya ((B, L, D)

Day 6: MONDAY December 23 SRI PADA Sri Pada or Adam's Peak: Sacred to Buddhists, , Christians and , Adam's Peak is arguably Sri Lanka's most popular pilgrimage spot. Surrounded by wildlife reserves, the walking trail leading to the mountain is a stunning walk. Watching a stirring sunrise from the holy summit is nothing short of magnificent.

We will also be able to ring the World Peace Bell on our way down. These prayers will be echoed throughout the Valley. Langdale by Amaya ((B, L, D)

Day 7: TUESDAY December 24th SRI PADA TO COLOMBO We drive back to Colombo for your flights back to your respective homes.

Buddhapath group services end on your departure from Colombo.

If you require an overnight at a hotel in Colombo, or any other arrangements there, please contact Buddhapath ([email protected]) so that we may set these up for you.

ONE-DAY EXTENSION TO VISIT ANURADHAPURA

Day 7: TUESDAY December 24th SRI PADA TO ANURADHAPURA We drive to Anuradhapura, traversing Sri Lanka in a 4-hour drive. The ancient ruins of Anuradhapura are a significant holy place for Buddhists. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, there are many surrounding this area of supreme veneration. We visit the Dagoba-Thuparamaya built by King Devanam Piya Tissa in 3rd Century BCE to enshrine the clavicle of the Buddha. Close to Anuradhapura is , the oldest and the first wildlife sanctuary of all mankind. The oldest tree in the world adorns this city of shrines. It was brought from the Bo Tree ( religiousa) - under which the Buddha sought enlightenment - in Bodhgaya in the 3rd century BCE. Hotel Palm Garden Village, Anuradhapura (B, L, D)

Day 8: WEDNESDAY December 25th ANURADHAPURA TO COLOMBO We drive back to Colombo for your flights back to your respective homes

Buddhapath group services end on your departure from Colombo.

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GENERAL NOTES: The price includes: all escort services, transportation (including local air travel) monument entrance fees, guide services, food, bottled mineral water, and lodging arrangements for the duration of the pilgrimage/journey. The price does not cover: International airfare (except where mentioned), India visa and other international arrangements, any extra days spent prior to or beyond the dates of the journey, excess baggage on the flights, tips, phone calls and faxes, laundry, medical and insurance coverage.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Travel documents required for this trip: You will need a valid passport and visas for India and Sri Lanka.

Your visa for SRI LANKA is stamped on arrival but visa clearance is required which Buddhapath will help you obtain.

The visa for India should be obtained before travel. For more details please also visit the website: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/homepage

You may need to submit this information about your tour operator: Company Name: Seth Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (Government-Approved Tour Operators) Registered Address: 50/8 First Floor, Tolstoy Lane, Janpath, New Delhi 110001, INDIA Tel: +91-120-2511633, +91-120-4334284; 2512162 Email: [email protected]

Hotels: We choose the best available accommodation available at the sacred sites based on sharing twin- bed rooms with a private bath or shower and toilet. Weather and clothing needs: India: There is quite a variation in weather in December in India. Temperatures are pleasant and can vary from 5 to 25 degrees C, with warm days and cool early mornings and nights. We recommend that you bring a mix of clothes: some cotton clothing, a couple of warm cardigans, maybe a shawl for meditation in the mornings and a jacket.

Sri Lanka: December is a lovely month throughout Sri Lanka. There could be some rainfall. You can still expect average high’s of up to 31°C across much of the country. In the highlands and foothills of the east, the temperatures are at their lowest with average highs of 24°C and appropriate clothing is required, especially at night.

General: It is important to be comfortable and modestly dressed. There is no need to bring any formal clothes. It is mostly dry with a possibility of some light rain. It is handy to have an umbrella, which can double as a sunshade if it gets too sunny or even as a walking stick. Please bring comfortable sneakers or sandals (which you can wear with socks if it gets cold). We will not go for treks, but one or two of the (optional) walks are long. We also visit a number of where you will need to remove footwear, so it is helpful to bring shoes/sandals that you can take on and off easily, and a pair of socks which you could wear especially in the temples (the airline slip-ons are very convenient). It is always useful to have a hat or cap to protect you from the sun.

We are allowed checked in baggage of 20 kilos per person on Indian airliners and a carry-on bag of 10 kilos, so we recommend that you travel light.

Laundry facilities are available at all the places we stay, and laundry is returned within 24 hours.

Health concerns: We stay in clean, safe places, and the food in the places where we stay will be clean, fresh and prepared to suit a delicate digestive system. You will be provided bottled mineral water for drinking. We are very careful and err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns. http://www.immigrationindia.nic.in/Health_regulation2.htm

If you are coming from Africa or some parts of Latin America, a certificate of a yellow fever inoculation is required by the Indian authorities. There is no other medical restriction upon your entry into India/Bhutan.

To be cautious, we normally recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid inoculations, and some precaution against malaria. If you would like further advice, please speak to your physician. We will carry a first-aid kit with us, but many people prefer to bring their own supply of medicines. We would recommend that you bring an insect/mosquito repellent as well as stomach medicine for both diarrhea and constipation as one's stomach has its own way of adjusting to different foods. Please remember to bring your own medications for any health conditions you are being treated for.

Buddhapath Seth Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (Government-Approved Tour Operators) Regd. Office: 50/8, 1st Floor, Tolstoy Lane, Janpath, New Delhi 110001, India Tel: +91-120-2511633; 4334284; 2512162 [email protected] www.buddhapath.com ______

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Date of Issue:…………………………………………… Date of Expiry:………………………. I AM REGISTERING FOR COST PAY BY DATE  10-day LBDFI Pilgrimage in India US$3100* ($1300 single room supplement) October 15, 2012 December 9-December 18, 2013  7-day Sri Lanka Journey US$2100*+ $300 for flight ($910 single room November 1, 2012 December 18-December 24, 2013 supplement)  1-day Extension to Anuradhapura US$310* ($130 single room supplement) November 1, 2012 December 24-December 25, 2013 * does not include international flights US$ 500 has to be paid to register for any of the journeys. The remaining amount and optional extras have to be paid before the "pay by date"

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