I have been reading a few Buddhist texts of late and have been impressed by the fact that Buddha placed no value on prayer or belief in a deity; he had not spoken of creation, original sin or the last judgment. The question of why sin and evil exist in the world, which has obsessed nearly every major religion, was not of much concern to him. His orientation was purely practical: to relieve suffering, both material and existential. His precepts were simple reflections on aspect of life which are profoundly insightful.

I was wondering whether I will ever get a chance to visit the place where he attained enlightenment.
Once again a professional engagement provided an opportunity.

The drive from Patna to Bodhgaya was through verdant countryside with acres and acres of paddy swaying in the gentle wind.
Bodhgaya itself is a small dusty, ramshackle town.

Early in the morning as I stepped into the precincts of the majestic Mahabodhi temple, I was greeted with wafts of melodic chants by a group of Buddhist monks who were circumambulating the temple with intense devotion. I sat under the Bodhi tree at the back of the main temple in silent meditation for a while. It was incredible to think that it was under this tree that over 2500 years ago a young man sat as a prince and left as an enlightened Buddha. The town itself is studded with temples of many countries where Buddhism has taken roots; each one resplendent with its own distinctive architectural style in spite of the surrounding squalor.

Perhaps this world with all is squalor, poverty and pain is quintessentially in Buddha realm..

Nissim Ezekiel’s words resonated within me…

"Always, amongst the Sun's eye's,

Here among the beggars,

Hawkers pavement sleepers,

Hutment dwellers, Slums

...I ride my elephant of thought,

A Cézanne slung around my neck."