Riding through the heartland of Buddhism aboard IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is not just about physically moving from point A to point B, it’s a spiritual journey where travellers can immerse themselves in Buddhist morals. While retracing Shakyamuni’s path, you encounter invaluable life lessons based on the philosophy of the ancient religion alongside the historic monuments.
These are four principles of Buddhism you must inculcate in your life as you ride the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train:
- Mindfulness: A core tenet of Buddhism, mindfulness is the state of being fully aware of the present moment. Sacred destinations like Bodh Gaya (the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment) and Sarnath (the city where he delivered his first sermon) surround you with a serene and contemplative environment. This gives you the chance to inculcate the quality of mindfulness by reflecting on the teachings of impermanence and the importance of being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings and surroundings. The serene atmosphere permeating these places inspire travellers to introspect and connect with their inner self at a higher level.
- Compassion: Compassion is one of the central beliefs of Buddhism, which places emphasis on the importance of empathy, kindness and altruism. During the journey aboard the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, you may witness local monks, nuns and believers showing their compassion towards fellow human beings and encounter communities that uphold these values. These examples encourage us to be more compassionate to others and learn the value of kindness. You can learn the significance of compassion by observing followers of Buddhism practising these values.
- Impermanence: According to Buddhist teachings, everything in life is impermanent and accepting that truth is the key to attaining inner peace. You are reminded of the impermanence of material possessions and the transient nature of existence when you visit ancient monasteries, stupas and ruins. This may serve as a powerful lesson that may help you free yourself from your attachments and find contentment within. Seeing the ruins of structures from eras bygone also serves as a reminder to embrace change and find stability in the impermanent nature of life.
- The Middle Path: The philosophy of the Buddha’s Middle Path emphasizes the importance of avoiding indulgence and asceticism while advocating finding a balance between the two. The journey aboard the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train gives you the chance to observe the simple lives of monks and nuns following a moderate lifestyle, exemplifying the values of practising restraint and avoiding extremes. You can learn from their example and develop a balanced approach to life by making choices while considering your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Inculcating these four Buddhist principles while travelling the Buddhist circuit may deepen your understanding of Buddhism, providing valuable insights that go beyond the journey itself. Reflecting on Buddhism’s core principles of mindfulness, compassion, impermanence and the Middle Path as you explore ancient sites with the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train will not only enrich your travel experience but also help you develop a more profound connection with these places on a spiritual level. To learn more about the Buddha Religious Tours by IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com. Don’t miss out on one of the finest Buddhist Sector Tours in the country.