Thursday, December 18, 2014

Jeṭhian-Rājgir Dhamma Walk along the Buddha trail

We are glad that Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda in collaboration with Light of Buddha Dhamma Foundation International (LBDFI), International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), Mahabodhi Society of India and Sarvodaya Group has successfully completed the Jeṭhian-Rājgir Dhamma Walk along the Buddha trail. More than 1500 venerable monks, nuns and lay people walked the 13 km Buddha trail from Jeṭhian to Veḷuvana, Rājgir.  The Walk was led by the more than 600 venerable monks and nuns from 15 countries under the banner of International Tipitaka Chanting Council (ITCC).
The venue at the village Jeṭhian





More than 200 volunteers from Jethian and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara ready to welcome the guests
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Venerable monks and nuns from 13 countries and delegates arrive at the venue

Dr Panth, Director, NNM welcoming the delegates
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Members of 'Buddha Gram Vikas Samiti', Jethian offering Khadda to the VVIPs on the dais.

The function

Students of Jawahar Navodaya School, Jethian singing the welcome song
Welcome Address by Dr. Panth, Director, NNM
Shri Sadhu Saran ji, village head, Jethian sharing his thoughts.


Dr Victor Wee, Chairman, Malaysia Tourism Development Board.
Ms. Wangmo Dixey, LBDFI, giving Vote of thanks
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The Dhamma Walk along the 13 kilometer Buddha trail from Jeṭhian to Veḷuvana

Volunteers ready to welcome the participants at each of the 13 stupas to mark 13km Buddha path.




Venerable monks, nuns and delegates offering prayer at the Buddhānuasti Cetiya














Volunteers offering a helping hand

The Joy of completing the DHAMMA WALK


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The concluding ceremony at Veluvana (Bamboo Groove)
District Forest Officer Shri Ranvir Singh ji being felicitated for his support.
Community members from Jethian receiving the LETTER OF APPRECIATION
TIMES OF INDIA
TIMES OF INDIA, PATNA









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One of the landmarks of the event was the creation of 13 ‘Buddhānuasti Cetiya’ the ‘Dhamma markers’ along the 13km trail. We hope these Buddhānuasti Cetiya shall facilitate ushering of a new era of walking pilgrimage on the footsteps of the Buddha and act as a constant reminder that the Buddha and Saṅgha walked this trail. Mr. Ricardo Lamy Freund of Brazil and Mr. Jordan Briceland of USA worked day and night for more than two months to create these Dhamma markers.
Ricardo installing the stupa
Ricardo and Dineshji (Jethian)
Jordan giving the final touch to the stupas









Ricardo (Extreme right) with Ms. Wangmo Dixey (Extreme left)  and Mr B Mungekar (Member of Parliament)



Jordan (Left), Ricardo (2nd Right) and Dineshji (Right), the team that created the stupas in a record time.

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I take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors, participants and the community of Jethian for making this Dhamma Walk possible.  
My special thanks to Alok Jain for the venue arrangement at the remote village of Jethian.
Standing by one of the Stupas (13) created to mark the Dhamma Walk and the Buddha trail.



1 comment:

alok said...

wonderful pictures!