Anubhav Bhusal
Class 10 Bhanu
In the fresh morning air of October 18, 2023, we, the energetic students of Grade X from Gorkha Secondary School-Tulsipur, embarked on a life-changing educational journey to Lumbini, the holy birthplace of Lord Buddha. This trip was more than simply a physical excursion; it was an excursion into the core of Buddhism and an exploration of history, culture, and self-discovery.
At six in the morning, the sun had just started to rise, illustrating the excited and eager faces of the students. We began an adventure that would live in our minds forever. While travelling with friends, we passed through the stunning scenery of Lamahi, where we stopped for a delicious meal that filled our bodies with excitement.
As the wheels of the bus continued, we enjoyed the trip, dancing, laughing, and enjoying the beautiful journey. Meanwhile, our next stop, Murgiya-Butwal, was waiting for us. When we reached Murgiya, we had a delicious lunch while sharing stories and laughter. The peaceful and calm site of Murgiya made us love it and always remember it.
The rhythmic buzz of laughter and song accompanied us as we travelled through picturesque landscapes. The lovely Butwal Fulbari, a wonderful garden, was our next stop. It welcomed us with blossoming flowers and a calm atmosphere. The welcome of nature prepared us for the spiritual splendour that waited for us in Lumbini.
After the peaceful environment of Butwal Fulbari, we were ready for Lumbini. We went to Lumbini, following the Siddhartha Highway. The fascinating night view of Bhairahawa, the economic hub of Nepal, increased our excitement. On the way, we saw Gautam Buddha International Airport, which lifted the feeling of patriotism in us.
Finally, we arrived in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in the evening. As we reached Lumbini, we went boating, saw the eternal peace flame, and got to know about Panchsheel. Then we moved to the Mayadevi Temple, the actual place where Lord Buddha was born. There, we saw many ancient monuments. Inside the Mayadevi Temple, we saw the footprints of Lord Buddha and Maya Devi, mother of Lord Buddha.
After that, we had a meditation session in the peaceful atmosphere of the Mayadevi Temple grounds, letting the energy of the location influence our spirits. Meditation uplifted our spirits, and we observed the garden, pond, and trees nearby.
The presence of numerous tourists from around the globe enriched our experience, highlighting the universal significance of Lumbini. Like the colours in an artist’s palette, the diversity of cultures and languages blended us together to create a vivid art of human connection. Then, we went to our final destination of the day. There, we got together for a group dinner under a sky full of stars.
It was more than just a regular school trip; the warmth, humour, and sincere connections made during the dinner turned it into a celebration of friendship and common goals. The next day, the 19th of October, we gathered for a morning meditation at six in the morning, beneath the soft sound of the environment. The peace of Lumbini provided the ideal environment for reflection, establishing the theme of the day.
We resumed our educational journey by exploring the numerous monasteries. Every monastery has a destined history that highlights the various ways that Buddhist teachings have been explained.
With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Lumbini as the trip came to an end, taking with us not just photographs but also a wealth of treasured memories that will always remain in our hearts. On the way back home, there was a lot of talk, laughter, and reflections on the profound impact Lumbini had on each of us.
Ultimately, this commemorative learning experience went beyond the limits of a typical school tour. It was a life-changing adventure that profoundly affected the way we live and served as a reminder of a journey within oneself. As we returned, we were not just students but pilgrims, forever changed by the scaled journey to Lumbini.
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