Thoughts on my 2nd Nembutsu pilgrimage to the Buddhist stupa in Tranisu village (many photos included!)

Click here to read about

 my 1st Nembutsu pilgrimage

Nembutsu pilgrimage to the Buddhist stupa in Tranisu (photos, impressions 

and doctrinal explanations)

It all started with a powerful thought that suddenly occurred into my mind – make a new pilgrimage NOW!

 After my first Nembutsu pilgrimage I already decided to make another one, but I did not plan anything for this summer, so I was taken by surprise by this intense urge to go NOW, that is, as soon as possible. I was travelling by train from Amidaji to Bucharest, watching a movie and relaxing with a cheap coffee when this powerful thought like a command appeared in my mind. In the next half an hour I was already organizing things and in two days I was on the road.

Such a trip on foot is not comfortable, but going to a stupa or Buddha statue should not be the same as visiting a mall-center, so if one is healthy, one should express one’s devotion and gratitude by walking at least a few hours on foot to a sacred place. I also think that as Buddhists living in a non-Buddhist country, and especially if we are ordained, we must get out of our comfort zone and be seen by the people, talk with people, help them create connections with us and the Buddha Dharma, inspiring them by our example, and thus helping them to know about the existence of the temples, stupas and statues that can be found in our countries. These are some of the reasons I started to make such pilgrimages.

Nembutsu pilgrimage to the Buddhist stupa from Tranișu (photos, impressions and doctrinal explanations)

Homage to all Dharma gates taught by Shakyamuni
and to all authentic lineages of transmission.
Homage to Amida Buddha
whose Name is praised by all Buddhas.

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Click aici pentru versiunea in limba romana

It all started with a short conversation with myself. Buddhism has accustomed me to make quick decisions, so in about three minutes I contemplated in my mind: "I want to visit the stupa at Tranișu, but will I get along with the people there? What kind of Buddhists are they? How do they view the Dharma? Will I like them or will they like me?" Then I answered to myself: "None of these matters. A stupa is a stupa and it's very good that it exists. I have to get there. Those who worked on that stupa did something extraordinary and deserve my respect.” As I completed this reasoning, I spontaneously visualized the stupa enveloped in light, which gave me confidence that my decision to visit it was correct and that the place was auspicious. Then I said to myself: "I will go there on foot"[1].