March 16, 2024, Lumbini:The pilgrimage of 1250 novice monks (Shramneras) has commenced from the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. The monks embarked on their journey from the Mayadevi Temple. The pilgrimage is scheduled to last for two days, beginning on Saturday and concluding on Sunday.
The monks were initiated into the pilgrimage by offering flowers at the Mayadevi Temple premises. Present at the initiation were Treasurer DhundirajBhattarai of the Lumbini Development Trust, Secretary SanurajaShakya, Executive Member VishwarajPoudel, Senior Director Gyanin Rai, and Information and Public Relations Chief Dr. Hari D. Rai. The pilgrimage, starting from Lumbini, will culminate in Ramgram, Nawalparasi, on Sunday.
Treasurer Bhattarai expressed that religious activities are on the rise in Lumbini, contributing to the advancement of Buddhist teachings. He emphasized that the pilgrimage would significantly contribute to enhancing Buddhist education throughout the community.
Organized by the All Nepal BhikshuMahasangh and the Thai BhikshuMahasangh, in collaboration with various organizations under the coordination of the Lumbini Development Trust, the ordination of 1250 novices took place on Falgun 16. Member Secretary SanurajaShakya highlighted the pilgrimage's importance in the lives of the monks and its contribution to advancing Buddhist teachings within the community.
The novice monks are required to adhere to the ten precepts of Buddhist Dharma and strictly follow Buddhist regulations for twenty days. They must fully commit to transforming themselves according to Buddhist regulations during this period. Aspiring monks will need to adhere to 227 regulations.
The term "Dhammayatra" is derived from the words "Dhamma" and "Yatra." "Dhamma" refers to skillful actions, while "Yatra" means travel. The essence of Dhammayatra lies in practicing skillful actions or embarking on a journey accompanied by skillful actions. The novice monks were ordained and provided with their first robes on Falgun 26.
The pilgrimage of 1250 individuals in Lumbini has united Buddhist teachings and activities, as mentioned by Deputy Mayor KalpanaHarijan of the Lumbini Cultural Municipality. She noted that Dhammayatra will not only promote the birthplace of Buddha but also enhance Buddhist activities. The ordination that began on Falgun 16 will conclude on Chaitra 8.
