Footprints of the Buddha: Pilgrimage to Buddhist India

The booklet begins by presenting the purpose of Buddhist pilgrimage and the Buddha’s own instruction on the four places worthy of reverent visitation. It then introduces key utterances of the Buddha on impermanence, suffering, and non-self, setting the doctrinal tone for pilgrimage reflection. The main body guides readers through Sarnath, Buddhagaya, Rajagaha, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kusinara, and Lumbini, explaining the sacred events, monuments, inscriptions, stupas, temples, Bodhi trees, archaeological remains, and historical figures connected with each place. Sarnath is described as the site of the first sermon and the arising of the first Saṅgha of missionary monks; Buddhagaya as the place of enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree and the center of later Buddhist restoration; Rajagaha and Veluvana as places of major discourses and early monastic life; Nalanda as the great Buddhist university; Vaishali as a site of republican history, women’s ordination, and the Second Council; Kusinara as the place of the Buddha’s final passing away; and Lumbini as the birthplace of the Buddha, marked by Ashoka’s pillar and later rediscovery. The work integrates pilgrimage, history, archaeology, and devotion into a practical Buddhist guide.