Where the Buddha Trod: A Buddhist Pilgrimage

The book begins with “The Pilgrimage,” presenting the four supreme Buddhist holy places—Lumbini, Bodh-Gaya, Sarnath, and Kasia/Kusinara—and explaining why these sites became central to Buddhist devotion. The chapter on “Birth and Childhood: Lumbini and Kapilavastu” follows the Buddha’s birth traditions, the sacred landscape of Lumbini, and the remembered world of his early life. “The Enlightenment: Bodh-Gaya” focuses on the site of awakening, the Bodhi Tree, and the temple complex connected with the Buddha’s realization. “The First Preaching: Sarnath” examines the Deer Park and the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma, linking the site to early Buddhist teaching and iconography. “The Organiser: Sahet-Mahet” presents the Buddha’s long residence and teaching activity at Sravasti, especially in relation to monastic organization and community life. “Judas: Rajgir” discusses Rajgir as a major setting of the Buddha’s ministry and Buddhist memory. “The Passing-Away: Kasia” addresses the final journey and parinirvana. The later chapters broaden the historical arc: “Buddhist Ruler: Patna” considers Asoka and imperial Buddhist patronage; “Full Flower: Sanchi” examines the artistic and architectural maturity of Buddhist worship; “Decay and Destruction: Nalanda and Bihar” traces the later institutional decline; and “Strange Survivals: Josaphat and Juggernaut” reflects on unexpected transmissions and survivals of Buddhist themes beyond their original contexts.