March 3-4, 2023
 
 
The foot-traveling Sangha left Rampurwa for Lauriya in the hot summer afternoon weather. Our feet were burning on the smooth and shiny asphalt surface. Every time we stepped on the road, it felt like stepping on a pan of oil. After the hot and shiny asphalt road, we encountered a rough gravel road.
 
The feet that had just suffered from the burning heat were tormented as they stepped on sharp gravel, multiplying the pain. But then that also passed. We finally arrived at the intact Asokan stone pillar near Lauria Nandangarh. Following that, we visited the Great Stupa of Lauriya, which stands at the height of 25m and has a circumference of 460m made of bricks. The Great Stupa of Lauria was built to honor the relics of the Buddha. Things changed over time; the entire Stupa was buried, but it was later excavated by the British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham, who found the relics and many other items. In Lauria, several preserved high mounds are believed to be Buddhist Stupas but have yet to be excavated.
 
Upon arriving at the site, we could fully appreciate the majesty of the Great Stupa, despite its current state of ruin. The Great Main Tower was built in a dome shape with multiple layers. After observing and revering the Stupa, we recited the Triple Gem sutta and suttas that express reverence towards the Buddha. Leaving the Great Stupa, the Sangha headed to the village for alms. Unfortunately, we did not receive any offering, not even a single piece of candy. This experience exemplifies the unpredictable nature of a monk’s life, where there can be an abundance of food on some occasions and none on others. However, these experiences are all part of the journey of a practitioner of the Path and are embraced as part of the joys of spiritual practice.
 
 

#chuahuongdao #chuahuongdaotemple #sbsstupas
#buddha #buddhism #Dhutanga #dhammajourney
 
Source: Dhammacetiya