Training Course Overseas Dhammduta Bhikkhus Class 23/2560 at Vaishali
On 26 Apr, 2560/2017 VAISHALI:
Phramaha Cha-Em Suviro, Asst. Prof., Assistant to the Rector of Foreign Affairs
is with Administers, Advisors, Lecturers
of Dhammaduta College, and staff of MCU lead the 112 monks, Training Overseas
Dhammaduta Bhikkhus Class 23/2560 to study tour and chanting at Vaishali, where
the Buddha took on his last journey.
Vaishali is about 55
km away from the capital city of Patna. In the present day, this is a small
village surrounded by banana and mango groves as well as rice fields. However,
excavations in this area have brought to light an impressive historical past.
This region has been recognized by the historians, as one of the world’s first
democratic republics with an elected assembly of representatives flourishing in
6th century BCE. That was the time of the Vajjins and the Licchavis.
According to the Buddhist literature, there had been 7007 representatives
(kings) in this republican state.
It was at Vaishali
that the Buddha delivered the Jewel Discourse (Ratana Sutta) in order to dispel
evil spirits and usher prosperity to the city. The Buddha visited Vaishali
frequently and most time dwelled in the Great Wood in the Hall with the Peaked
Roof (Mahavane kutagara shala) or Ambopalis’ Grove).
The Buddha with a
compassionate heart extended spiritual enfranchisement to women by admitting
them to the Holy Order, which was founded here in the Great Wood, in the Hall
with the peaked Roof. Both ordination and higher ordination were granted, first
to his foster mother Pajapati Gautami and then to others.
Emperor Ashola built
the Lion Pillar at Kolhua. It is made of a highly polished single piece of red
sandstone, surmounted by a bell shaped capital, 18.3 m high. A life-size figure
of a lion is placed on the top of the pillar. There is a small tank here known
as Ramkund. This pillar beside a brick stupa at Kolhua commemorates Buddha’s
last sermon and announcement of his approaching Nibbana. The lion faces north,
the direction that the Buddha took on his last voyage.
Comments
Post a Comment