Bodh Gaya — We Sat Near the Tree and Meditated 🙏

After Ayodhya and Triveni Sangam, our family journey continued to Bodh Gaya.

It was my first visit.

We spent time walking around the temples, praying, and sitting quietly. There was plenty to look at, but two things caught my attention first: the giant Buddha and the temple architecture.

Looking Up at the Giant Buddha

The size of the Buddha statue was quite a sight. Looking back at my photographs, I have the view from along the path and another from much closer.

Yes, more than one photograph. You know me by now. 😂📸

Around the temples, I also photographed the murals, the statues, the gardens, and the details of the buildings. The colours and designs gave me plenty to look at as we walked around.

Then We Visited Mahabodhi Temple

We continued to Mahabodhi Temple, associated with the Buddha’s enlightenment.

The temple tower was another part of the architecture that caught my attention. But the part I wanted to share most happened near the Bodhi Tree.

The area was well cared for, with railings protecting the tree area. We sat nearby and meditated.

Sitting Near the Tree

That felt different to me.

I felt a purity in the energy there. It was my own feeling, sitting in that place, and I don’t quite know how to explain it beyond that.

We had spent time exploring and looking at the temples. Here, we sat and meditated.

When I think about Bodh Gaya now, I remember the giant Buddha and the architecture. I have the photographs to look back on too.

But sitting near the tree is the part I keep coming back to. 🙏

Just here.

— Thana

Beyond The Horizon 🌅