buddhism Archive

7

India – The Sights

It appears that detailed, timely blog postings on our adventures has proven to be a most elusive skill so far in our travels. So… in […]

It appears that detailed, timely blog postings on our adventures has proven to be a most elusive skill so far in our travels. So… in order to keep things moving and regular (and also break up the tedium of introspective contemplations), I thought bundling a lazy, slightly irreverent, but mostly expedient take on the “Incredible India” sights into a single post might be worth a go.

This really is in no particular order or actually a Top 10! But it should give you the quick skinny (plus some snaps) on the touristy, but nevertheless stunning stuff that we have checked out along out merry way around India. I will keep adding to this and updating it as we go, so be sure to check back!

1) The Bodhi Tree – Bodhgaya

Monks jostling near the tree

The spot where Buddha reached enlightenment is marked by a beautiful park, monolith, many monasteries and a huge tree that is a direct cutting from the original Bodhi tree. The park vibrates with a magical, spiritual energy and peace, as thousands of monks from all countries (in all colours) meditate, chant, relentlessly protraste themselves on special boards or circumambulate the site and its prayer wheels – all simply amazing to behold. Of course there is precious little space under the tree for a conservatively dressed Australian, even with the peaceful application of the elbows; all the good spots are well staked out by the many Tibetan, Bhutanese, Thai or Nepali’s who have trained for decades to get up at 4am; all keen to have another stab at seeking enlightenment and some divine inspiration. While we were there an international Thervada Chanting Conference was taking place (Lots of Thai, Lao, Vietnamese and Korean monks) plus thousands of Tibetans were in town (including the 17th Karmapa) so the place was jumping.  Outside the park though, Bodhgaya is classic India – poor, dusty, loud, confusing with hundreds of beggars lined up to prey on the Buddhist’s karmic conscience.

2) The Erotic Temples – Khajuraho

stacks of statues!

Built around the 11th -14th century, the stone carvings on these temples are simply amazing in their intricacy though not nearly as erotic as every tourist brochure would have you believe – but then India is very conservative these days. The said scenes, when you can find them amongst the thousands of detailed sculptures, represent various states of undress, a few interesting positions and some rather more bestial explorations with horses and elephants. Set in 3 locations around the small town, the temples make a pleasant days viewing and feature a ‘sound and light’ historical show at night which is actually worth checking out. Right outside the park though (and everywhere else actually) touts outnumber the tourists 10 to 1 and do really test the patience. Endless in-your-face demands to buy sex keyrings, books on karma sutra or enter discussion on the servicing of multiple wives and girlfriends abound in English, Japanese and a dozen other attempted languages. The Indians seem to think that any tourist checking out this sight has to be as debauched, kinky and sex obsessed as the average Indian male’s secret imagination and fantasies – which is a pretty tall ask believe me – be warned.

3) Tiger Safari – Bandhavgarh National Park

Tracking tigers

Bit out of the way this one, but definitely worth it. With the highest density of Tigers in India, this is the best place to see one in the wild of anywhere, so we splurged a bit to have a couple of cracks. Initially we tried to do the safari on an elephant back’s – but the bull (male) phant was horny, the female was on heat and the other elephant was knocked up – so we were humbly reduced to a jeep. Our first safari at sunrise accompanied by a guide, roamed the misty dirt tracks & waterholes in the jungle looking for tiger prints (there were many) and listening for monkey & bird alarm calls (constantly) that tell you a Tiger is near. 4 hours later we gave up, though we did see stacks of deer, eagles, vultures, monkeys, wild boar and other stuff. No-one else saw a tiger that morning either which was strangely satisfying. Doubling down, we went back in the afternoon for a sunset session and got immediately lucky. Within 15 minutes, the jungle went wild with monkey calls and we tore up the dirt track to discover a huge, 2 year old tiger lying happily on the track. Completely ignoring the mad, camera totting jeep creatures around him – he then proceeded to walk along the road for 20 minutes with us snapping wildly behind, stopping for an occasional roar, stretch or snooze. In total we got an hour of wild tiger face (& photo) time which is pretty much unheard of!

4) Agra– Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, Agra Fort, Fatephur Sikri

The Taj Mahal

India’s number 1 destination and rightly so – Agra is jam packed with incredibly history and architectural wonders and worthy of at least a couple of days exploration. It is also full of pushy Indian tourists, egotistical guards, dodgy guesthouses, annoying rickshaw drivers, postcard sellers and squirrels! The Taj is amazing – everyone should see it at some point and a million better minds than mine have described its splendours eloquently; what they don’t tell you though is that  its very expensive; ridiculously crowded (trying to get a clear shot is impossible next to a thousand other Indians with no sense of personal space all trying to do the same); oh and the security guards are arseholes. They had the audacity to confiscate Megumi’s finger puppet P-chan, banning him from entry. Apparently soft toys constitute both a significant religious and terrorist threat (the line of crying babies was more than 50m long). After our own angry confrontation and a lot of Indian hand and head waving – we left in disgust. To balance this experience though, we did happily discover the somewhat secret Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah) – a smaller, earlier constructed, similar completely marble tomb – that while not as stupendous it is just as fascinating architecturally, much cheaper, was all to ourselves and happily not intimidated by the presence of finger puppets. The Agra Fort is also a stunning complex and steeped in interesting architecture, politics and history, though most recently invaded by squirrels it is well worth the visit, if only just to comprehend the palatial harems of the great Mughals. A short bus-ride out of Agra is also the fort town of Fatephur Sikri- an equally magnificent fort, mosque and ranging red marble conquest, that fully warrants a days adventuring.

5) Delhi – Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb & Old Delhi Markets

Humayun's Tomb

Delhi was quite the surprise – green, full of parks and possibly the most unpolluted city we visited in India. It teems with ancient ruins and innumerable testaments to the Moghul era and other age’s past littered across the Delhi landscape, seemingly so integrated into the Delhi urbanity that they are easily overlooked. We spent plenty of time exploring and still really only scratched the surface. The red fort is the major attraction and though impressive from the outside, inside it is a very poor cousin to the forts of Agra, Fatephur Sikri and Rajasthan, hardly worth the entrance fee.  Much more compelling was Humayun’s Tomb, an early predecessor to the Taj Mahal  and set amongst an amazing park like complex of different tombs, sculptures and gardens very well preserved.  We didn’t make the largest mosque in India,the Jama Masdjid, but did wander the nearby ancient market complex’s and labrynths’ of old Delhi. An endlessly fascinating maze of thematic markets – spices, fruits, fabrics, wedding jewellery, sweets – you name it, there is a mind numbingly complex, bustling, dedicated market to suit all tastes here. An endless insight into India’s true inner workings and a real orgy for the senses – though you would require several days to come close to getting your head around what’s what and what’s really going on.

6) Jaipur – The Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal & the pink city

Hawa Mahal - A palace for the ladies

Jaipur was a bit dissapointing to be honest, though perhaps its a view tarnished a tad by a sordid dose of Delhi Belly. The city is indeed pink and the fort and key monuments are contained within large square, well organized streets each with specialized markets and wares largely unchanged in centuries. The Hawa Mahal was definitely a highlight – the palace where the Maharaja kept his wives and harem, all cleverly designed so that they could see out but the public could not see in. The palace itself is quite amazing with all the wealthy trims of the Rajasthani elite and the surrounding hills and lakes are all scenically peppered with other forts, summer palaces. Most interesting perhaps was the Maharaja’s astrological centre, full of large complex astrological sun dials and other such toys, the envy of all star gazing obsessives everywhere. The Rajasthani food is also amazing and markets abound with Rajasthans famous jewelry and threads, but all this is offset by a big city vibe and the constant harassment from touts, shopkeepers and most of the locals you meet. Constantly on the defensive, its not a friendly or comfortable place and a day is more than enough for the sites, 2 or 3 due to illness is definite overkill and not worth the resulting sacrifices to our Rajasthan tour!

7) Jodhpur – Mehrangarh Fort & the blue city

Jodhpur & the blue city

The city really is blue and dominated by the amazing fort that sits on the hill in the centre of town. The fort is a perfectly preserved vision of the Maharaja’s of Rajasthan lifestyle and impregnable military might and an easy way to fill in a day. We stayed in a beautiful, 500 year old haveli under the fort walls and were completely enchanted by the town itself. The blue buildings represent bramin (Hindu caste elite) houses and the town is a labyrinth of tiny, winding back alleys and shops that are fascinating to wander. The place does not feel like it has changed that much in the last 3 or 400 years. The people costume up nicely with plenty of fat, Rajasthani mustaches to savour and are generally quite friendly, approachable and proud; though the dogs do seem to be particularly viscous – carry a stick! Its also a great place to sample the many delights of the Rajasthani diet.

8) Hampi – Rocks, ruins and relaxation

Rocks, Ruins & Rice Paddies

Hampi takes you by surprise. Nestled inland to the South, it is easily accessible from Goa and acts as a perfect relaxation and recovery haven for travellers. Set on 2 sides of a river, it is a holy city, one side an active mecca for Indians, while the other side, accessible by a single small rowing boat, is a relaxing collection of cheap backpacker friendly, huts. The surrounding area is literally littered with the ancient ruins of temples and magnificent sculptured palaces from ages past, all set against stunning stone covered hills and rice paddies that form the most amazing backdrop that we encountered in India. You can happily spend weeks here in a  traveller bubble, with little agenda other than relaxation and meeting other like minded folk. There is plenty of yoga, a large lake and river to swim in for the hot days, casual movie nights and endless adventures further afield to explore the many ruins and temples on motorbike or check out some of the best rock climbing in India. The highlight for mine, was the Hanuman (Monkey god) temple at the top of a mountain. The temple is occupied by a bunch of sadhu’s seemingly glued to their chillum’s, but its all about the stunning views of the landscapes in all directions. Highly recommend it if you get the chance, a hard place to leave!

9) Ellora – Buddhist, Hindi & Jain cave temples

Buddhist cave auditorium

Ellora and the somewhat adjacent Ajanta were probably the highlight of all the stunning ancient sights that we visited in India.  Ellora is located about 30 or 40 minutes out of Aurangubad and incorporates a vast network of caves literally carved out of the cliff-faces in the 1st to the 8th century. There are more than 40 cave temples in total and each represents a kind of time capsule of India’s various religions of the time divided into 3 major sections – sets of buddhist, hindu and Jain temples. The detail of these temples is completely amazing, some of the temples are massive and represent hundreds of years of chipping away at rock faces to create the space, let alone craft the thousands of intricate statues contained within each. The buddhist temples were a lot more minimal, focused on monasteries, prayer & education halls and music / meditation chambers. While the hindu temples were of a grand scale with thousands of intricate sculptures and temples designs dedicated to the major deities. Unfortunately our temple tour was cut short at the magnificent Kailash temple (the largest and most stunning) when someone’s flash set of a swarm of bee’s. I was stung at least 20 times on the head and arms as I was fleeing the temple and enveloped in a swarm of bee’s that chased me some 200 metres outside the complex. They only desisted when I buried myself in a pile of smoking leaves, the guards pointed me at. As helpful as they were the guards seemed quite relaxed and content to get the whole thing on video; it seems this is nothing unusual at this time of year – be warned. Even with a swollen face and savagely stung pride though, the bewildering wonder at human achievement was only marginally subdued and we didn’t even get to the Jain temples, with supposedly the best sculptural detail. Another time perhaps!

10) Ajanta – Buddhist cave temples and frescoes

Buddhist circlework

Located a couple of hours out of Aurangubad, Ajanta was re-discovered by an Englishmen a few centuries ago while hunting a tiger. The tiger they were tracking disappeared into a cave somewhere out of sight and on further investigation, plus some backing from the local Maharaja, they discovered this set of 26 odd caves completely buried and overtaken by the bush. Each of the caves, like Ellora, were hand carved into the mountainside between the 1st and 5th century and while similarly full of scultptures, due to being largely hidden from the world for 1500 years or so, Ajanta contains walls covered with some of the most amazing frescoes and paintings from that time still largely intact. All of the caves here are Buddhist monasteries and temples, some with adjoining meditation rooms, while others are unfinished and therefore still show how the temples were made (by hammer and chisel). An archeologists absolute wet dream, the paintings and buddhist sculptures here leave you speechless and very much in awe of the skill and dedication of the ancient Indian devotee’s and how alive buddhism must have been. An absolute must see for mine.

More pics coming when I actually score some free bandwidth and a day off!

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Bodnath – Kathmandu, Nepal

The magnificent Stupa at Bodnath near Kathmandu - the most vibrant & accessible Tibetan community in the world...  ネパール、カトマンドゥー近郊のボダナートに建つネパール最大のストゥパ。ボダナートは世界有数のチベット文化の中心地として発展を続けるエネルギーに満ちた地だ

The magnificent Stupa at Bodnath near Kathmandu – the most vibrant & accessible Tibetan community in the world…  ネパール、カトマンドゥー近郊のボダナートに建つネパール最大のストゥパ。ボダナートは世界有数のチベット文化の中心地として発展を続けるエネルギーに満ちた地だ

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Tiger Temple – Kanchanaburi, Thailand 

Megumi living her life-long dream of feeding & playing with the big cats 
タイ・カンチャナブリにあるタイガーテンプルでやんちゃ盛りの子トラたちと遊ぶ

大の猫好きの私、その度合いはというと、道端でネコを見かけたらその脇にしゃがみこんで話しかける。それがTVの画面であろうと写真であろ うとおかまいなし、ついつい手を出してナデナデし てしまう困り者。そんな私の数年来の夢、それはタイ・カンチャナブリ近郊にあるタイガーテンプルを訪れることでした。

初めてタイガーテンプルのことを知ったのは、友人からのメールに添付されてきた写真を見た時のこと。友人の膝の上に頭を乗せて大きな猫そのままにリ ラックスして写真に写っているトラたちの姿、広い敷地内やお寺の境内らしきところで遊ぶ子トラたちの写真を見た時、「いつか絶対ここに行く!」と心に誓っ たのでした。それから数年が過ぎ、今回世界一周旅行を計画するにあたって、「行きたいところリスト」にタイガーテンプルと真っ先にリストアップしたのは言うまでもありません。

タイガーテンプルについてはここ数年、かなりのメディアで取り上げられてますよね。ナショナルジオグラフィックスやアニマルプラネット、NHKで も、お寺でお坊さんたちと暮らすトラたちを紹介する映像を見たことがある人も多いかと思います。その影響か、タイガーテンプルはいまやかなりの人気観 光スポットのよう。バンコク・カオサンロード周辺にある旅行代理店に行けば、どこでも半日や終日ツアーが用意されていて簡単に参加することができます。も ちろん個人で電車とタクシーを使って行くこともできるけれど、翌々日ラオスに向かうことになっている私たちは手っ取り早く、ゲストハウスに併設の旅行代理 店で半日ツアー(850Baht)に申し込み。カンチャナブリ観光と抱き合わせのツアーもありましたが、タイガーテンプルで過ごす時間を削りたくないので今回はタイガーテンプルのみの訪問です。

Tiger Temple Admission Agreement

トラに噛まれても文句は言いません・・・

朝10時、迎えのバンに乗り込み走ること3時間程、カンチャナブリに到着。カンチャナブリは第2次世界大戦時、日本軍による戦争捕虜の強制労働が行 われた場所であり、映画「戦場に掛ける橋」の舞台となったところですが、私たちのバンはそこから更に30分ほど走ったところにあるタイガーテンプルへ。は やる気持ちを抑えつつ、ドライバーから指し示された入り口らしきところで、まずは入場料の支払い(500Baht/人)と入場に際する注意事項を確認すると・・・

敷地内に住む動物たちはあくまで野生動物なので、その点忘れないで行動すること。万が一なんらかの事故で怪我をしたとしてもお寺に責任はありません、というような意味のことが書いてあり、その下に署名するようになっています。

ちょっとどきどきしながら署名し、いざ入場!しかし・・・門内に特に案内などなく、どこになにがあるかよくわからない・・・入場時にもらった地図をみながら、放し飼いの孔雀や牛を横目にうろうろ歩くこと15分ほどで広場のようなところに出ました。そしてそこには。

TigerTemple2

「しょーがねーなー」と言いたげな子トラくん

お坊さんやボランティアメンバーらしき青い上着を着た人たち、そしてビジター数人に囲まれて、木陰や噴水脇でだらーんと横になってくつろぐ子トラたちを発見!生後6ヶ月ということですが、体長1メートルはあり、貫禄十分。やはりトラはトラなのです。赤ちゃんの頃から完全に血抜きされたゴハンを食べ、人間に慣れている子たちですが、ネコとじゃれるようなわけにはいきません。ボランティアさんに促されて、こわごわと近寄ってそっと背中に触れてみると、思ったより滑らかな毛並み。ボランティアさんたちは心得ていて、さっさと私たちのカメラを取り上げて写真を撮ってくれます。

TigerTemple5

「めっ!!」

ボランティアさんたち、お坊さんたちはさすが慣れており、子トラたちがじゃれつくと、教育的指導!している姿も見ましたが、私たちビジターはあくまでこわごわ背中や頭を触るのみ。それ以上接触しようとするとささっと引き離されてしまいます。

ひとしきり写真を撮り終え、ボランティアさんの示すその日のアクティビティメニューを見ると、虎の谷でのトラたちの水遊び見学と赤ちゃんトラのミル クフィーディングの2種類があり、私はトラたちと一番ふれあいが多そうなミルクフィーディングを選択。ミルクの時間まで1時間弱の間、虎の谷の見学に行くことにしました。

TigerTemple3

だれてます、虎の谷

ちょうど午後1時過ぎ、目が眩みそうな強烈な日差し中虎の谷へ向かう坂を下ると、少し奥のほうに仕切りがあり、いくつか立てられたビーチパラソルの ところで沢山のビジターが並んでいるのが見えました。そしてその更に奥、これまたかなり大勢のボランティアが立つ中、地面にごろごろと寝転ぶトラたちの姿 が!

思わず小走りに近寄り、仕切りの前でしばし立ち尽くす私。長年夢見てきたタイガーテンプルの虎の谷に実際に立ち、放心状態に陥ってしまったのでし た。スコットはそんな私の代わりに受付でトラたちとの記念撮影料金1,000Bahtを支払ってくれ、私はボランティアさんに手を引かれて仕切りの中へ。

TigerTemple4

和尚様と記念撮影

仕切りの中には10頭前後のトラたちがおり、真昼の暑さでかなりだれている様子…。私たちはボランティアさんに手をひかれてトラたちの傍に近寄り「ここに座って!」と指し示されるまま、地面に寝転んでいるトラの横に腰を下ろしました。と、別のボランティアがトラの頭を持ち上げ、ドサっと実に無造作に私の膝 の上にトラの頭をのせ、案内役のボランティアが私たちのカメラで数枚角度を変えてパパっと写真撮影。終わるとすぐに次のトラのところへ移動し、ただただボ ランティアさんたちの言うままにポーズをとって写真撮影、そしてまた次のトラのところへ。ものの5分程度で撮影は終了。完全に 流れ作業化されていて、「トラたちとの触れ合いを楽しむ」というようなものではありませんでした。

拍子抜けし、しばし仕切りの前で呆然とした私ですが、気を取り直して次なるアクティビティ、赤ちゃんトラのミルクフィーディングへ。虎の谷から広場を通り、大きなゲートで区切られたトラたちの居住エリアへ移動します。2人のボランティアさんに伴われて檻の中に入ると、いました!!初めに見た子トラたちよりかなり小さめのコたちが3頭、入っていった私たちに興味津々!ここでボランティアさんたちからいくつか注意が。

TigerTemple8

遊ぶ?遊んでいい?

「このコたちから目を離さないように気をつけて。絶対背中を向けちゃだめよ。それから、もし真正面から向かってきたら頭を手で押さえて方向を変えさせて。こんな風に」と、話すそばからボランティアさんに向かってとっとっと小走りにやってきたコの頭に手を添えて横に方向転換。「3ヶ月の赤ちゃんだけどトラだってことは忘れないでね。この前わたしも後ろからやられちゃって、ほら、こんなになっちゃった」ボランティアさんの膝の後ろの手の平ほどもある大きな内出血のあとを見て少々ビクつきながら、渡されたオモチャを手にいざ赤ちゃんトラと対峙!!

TigerTemple6

両者幸せの局地

かなりやんちゃな赤ちゃんトラたち、天井から下がっているタイヤをジャンプしてくぐったり、オモチャにじゃれつく姿はネコそのまま!ひとしきり遊んでから今度はミルクフィーディング。ミルクボトルを見た途端、それまで思い思いに駆け回っていた赤ちゃんトラたちが夢中で膝の上に。前足で膝をモミモミしながらあっという間にミルクボトルをカラにしてしまいました。

ミルクのあとはお昼寝、それぞれごろんと横になり、それまでのやんちゃぶりはどこへやら、とろーんとした目でこの通り…

わたちおなかイッパイ、もうなんとでもして~

わたちおなかイッパイ、もうなんとでもして~

45分はあっという間でした。ネコ好き、ビッグキャット好きの皆様、プラス2000Baht払う価値ありありですよ!そうなのです、虎の谷でトラと一緒に記念撮影するには、別料金で一人1,000Baht、ミルクフィーディングも別途2000Bahtとられます。このあたりも実にしっかり観光地、ですが、それも安全面、そしてトラたちを養い施設を維持していくため収入源としての運用と考えれば仕方ないことなのでしょう。長年の夢だったタイガーテンプル訪問は、動物保護の理想と現実についても考えさせられる時間となりました。

【タイガーテンプルを訪れるにあたっての注意事項】

  • 赤系の服を着ていると虎が興奮するので入場出来ません。また、タイガーテンプルはあくまでお寺ですので、露出の多い服装の人は入れてもらえません。気をつけましょう。
  • 谷に虎が現れるのはたしか午後1時~4時の時間帯で、天候によっては中止になることもあるようですので、事前に確認することをお勧めします。
  • ツアーで訪れる方は、タイガーテンプルで過ごす時間が何時から何時になるのか、事前に確認することをお勧めします。カンチャナブリ等と抱き合わせのツアーの場合、タイガーテンプルで過ごす時間が1時間程度と短く設定されていることも多々あるようです。

タイガーテンプルホームページ(英語): http://www.tigertemple.org/Eng/index.php

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Shwedagon Pagoda – Yangon, Myanmar

This 2,500 year old stunning pagoda represents the heart of Myanmar buddhism as well as the city... ミャンマー・ヤンゴンに建つ壮麗なシュエダゴンパゴダ。約2,500年の歴史を持つ寺院群はミャンマーの仏教信仰のみならずヤンゴンの象徴でもある

This 2,500 year old stunning pagoda represents the heart of Myanmar buddhism as well as the city… ミャンマー・ヤンゴンに建つ壮麗なシュエダゴンパゴダ。約2,500年の歴史を持つ寺院群はミャンマーの仏教信仰のみならずヤンゴンの象徴でもある