Buddhism

Buddhism, one of the world's major religions, has its roots in Asia, where it has spread for centuries and continues to thrive. Holy sites abound on the continent and Remote Lands can build an itinerary based on a number of places of pilgrimage or concentrate on a single country or region's ties to Buddhism.

Buddha's birthplace - Lumbini, Nepal

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal, Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, is one of the four holy places of Buddhism that throngs of Buddhists make a pilgrimage to every year. This picturesque town is also home to a temple dedicated to Buddha's mother, Maya Devi. The ancient structure was unearthed in the late 1800s by German archaeologist Alois Fuehrer, and has sandstone sculptures that depict the scenes of the Buddha's birth.

Dalai Lama - Dharamsala, India

Have an audience with His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. He is the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and Tibetan Buddhists refer to him as Kundun, which means "The Presence", and Yeshin Norbu, or the "Wish-fulfilling Gem". He became Tibet's Head of State and Government at age 16 in 1950 as his country was experiencing increasing pressure from neighboring China. Refusing to give Tibet autonomy, the Chinese government forced the Dalai Lama to flee; he set up a government in exile in Dharamsala, where he has lived ever since. After receiving a private blessing from His Holiness, have lunch with him and discuss the issues that face his people and Buddhism as a whole.

Wat Pho - Bangkok, Thailand

Visit the largest reclining Buddha in the world at Wat Pho, which dates back to the 17th century and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Thailand. The massive statue depicts the Buddha as he attains nirvana, and his feet are inlaid with 108 auspicious signs rendered in mother-of-pearl. While many visitors to Bangkok only visit the statue at Wat Pho, there are many other Buddhist relics to see here. Remote Lands can arrange for a special visit to view sacred Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves in an area not normally open to the public due to the scriptures' fragile state.

Largest Carved-Stone Buddha in the world - Leshan, China

Deep in the heart of Sichuan province in China sits the Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved out of a stone cliff face, the Buddha is situated at the juncture of three rivers: the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu. Carving began in the Tang Dynasty in 713 and ended in 803, a monumental 90-year effort that resulted in a 233-foot high Buddha. It is said that a game of mahjong can be played on his big toe, and his hair is comprised of 1,021 separate buns that form an elegant coif. In additional to the statue's undeniable artistry, it was also built with efficiency and longevity in mind. There is a drainage system built into the head, arms and torso, which dispels rainwater and helps keep the statue dry. Visit this UNESCO site with an expert on the spread of Buddhism in China and learn more about this fascinating landmark.

Shwedagon Pagoda and Buddhist University - Yangon, Myanmar

Visit the awe-inspiring and seemingly endless Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma's most sacred temple and one of the world's great man-made wonders. Shwedagon is very much a working temple, and is more like a collection of dozens of smaller temples, filled with pilgrims and monks and other devout Buddhists practicing their faith. The pagoda is particularly beautiful during the late afternoon. Watch the sunset from Shwedagon, a truly sublime and spiritual event. Another possible activity in Yangon is having lunch with monks at a local monastery and chatting with them about their lives. According to tradition, every Burmese Buddhist boy between the ages of seven and 13 must enter the monastery for a period of a few weeks to months; a wide range of ages are seen here.

Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang, Laos

Two hours upriver from Luang Prabang are the breathtaking Pak Ou Caves, where over 10,000 states of Buddha fill a massive cavern overlooking the Mekong River. When a representation of Buddha is damaged, it is bad luck to keep it around, but it cannot be destroyed. For hundreds of years, old Buddhas in Laos have been retired to these caves, and the sight of so many in one place is quite incredible. The lower cave holds the vast majority, so there is no dire need to hike up to the upper cave.

Tiger's Nest Monastery - Bhutan

Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest, is one of Bhutan's most magical sights. A temple complex clinging to a vertical cliff 2,000 feet above the Paro Valley floor, Taktsang is reachable by a moderately difficult hike or an easy horseback ride. The legend of Taktsang dates back to 747 AD when Guru Rinpoche is believed to have arrived at the site on the back of a tiger. Tradition dictates that the Guru concealed among the rocks various forms of dharma treasures known as ters. An approximately two-hour trek or horseback ride brings clients to a splendid observation pavilion at the half-way point to the monastery for tea, photos and contemplation. Trekkers may elect to turn back here or, brave the final approach to Taktsang, which can only be made on foot. It is well worth the extra effort to experience the absolutely breathtaking views of the mountains and valley below the monastery. Upon reaching Tigers Nest, have a private tour and a special blessing by the senior lama if he is there and his schedule permits.

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