Retreats & Vacations

Item Description

Shakyamuni Buddha discovered the truth of overcoming suffering and bringing happiness to the individual, family and society. Before he died, the Buddha suggested that it would be of great benefit to those who are interested in his teachings to make a pilgrimage to the places associated with his life. Buddhapath is dedicated to bringing these pilgrimages to life. 

"In the Footsteps of the Buddha" will visit the actual sites where the historical Buddha was born, spent his childhood, attained enlightenment, taught, meditated and where he passed away. It will travel along the fertile plains of the Ganges, beautiful with its mustard and lentil fields, to the lush 'terai' that leads to the foothills of the Himalayas. The pilgrimage will visit the remains of ancient monasteries and stupas, museums with exquisite art, living temples and villages that have changed little since the time of the Buddha 2,500 years ago. The journey will also include a boat ride, stop at mango groves, visits to Hindu temples and Muslim mosques, visits to schools and meeting and mingling with pilgrims from around the world.

The successful bidder will have the opportunity to travel in the company of Shantum Seth, an experienced and renowned guide on the Buddha's path, who has been leading pilgrimages since 1988. A Buddhist scholar and practitioner, he is an ordained Dharma teacher in the Zen tradition of the Vietnamese Master, Thich Nhat Hanh. As pilgrims journey, Shantum shares stories and teachings of the Buddha and the practices of daily meditation and mindfulness. In this way the Buddha comes alive not only as a historical person, but in the here and now, someone who is relevant to people's lives today.

Buddhapath is a government-approved tour operator based in India that has been organising mindful journeys across India and Nepal since 1988. In addition to Buddhist pilgrimages if offers meaningful and transformative journeys that are of cultural, spiritual and educational significance, led by highly qualified leaders and guides.

Details: February 7 to 20, 2015 or 14-Day 2016 Peepal Pilgrimage (dates TBA)

Note: Buddhapath is generously donating 20% of the estimated value of this trip to the Shambhala Sun Foundation Online Auction. A reserve starting bid of $4613 is in effect to ensure that basic costs are covered.  

Item Special Note

The successful bidder will choose an "In the Footsteps of the Buddha" pilgrimage from either the 2015 or 2016 schedule.

Costs are based on shared twin hotel accommodation and include all taxes. Journey price includes: airport transfers and escort services, transportation (including domestic air/train travel) in India, guides, monument entrance fees, food (three meals per day), bottled mineral water and lodging arrangements.

The price does not cover: International airfare to and from India, visas and other international arrangements, any extra days spent in India prior to or beyond the dates of the journey, excess baggage on the flights, phone calls and faxes during the journey, laundry, medical and other insurance coverage.

All prices $USD

At the conclusion of the auction, the winning bid will be charged to the credit card on file.