This Sunday we decided to visit the Buddha Temple in Dehradun. I went there in 2004. I didn't live in Dehradun then. We were going to Mussoorie from Delhi to see the snowfall, so we stopped in Dehradun for a little rest and also because my uncle's house was there.
I remember that time in a very hazy way. I don't even have photos of that time since I didn't have a smartphone. So this Sunday, after breakfast, we got ready, kept a bottle of water, and since we decided to eat outside, we didn't pack any food for the outside. Buddha Temple is about 15 kilometers from our house. We booked an Uber taxi, as there were four of us. It took us about 40 minutes to get there. Traffic was a bit slow on the road, as it was a Sunday.
The name of this Buddhist temple is Mindrolling Monastery, which is located in Clement Town of Dehradun. From the information on the board installed here, it is known that it was built in 1965 and is one of the largest Buddhist centers of India. A huge variety of beautiful flowers starts from the entrance of the Buddha temple itself. What I liked the most was the clean environment, the flowers, the temple structure and the stupa. Entry is free here, and the area around the temple is like a big park which looks very beautiful due to the beautiful green grass and beautiful flowers on the edges.
I also read many quotes written on the boards there, the one I liked the most was 'No public display of affection'.
I also found interesting the first line of the 14th Dalai Lama's message about the true meaning of life 'We are visitors on this planet' very thoughtful. It is very important to display some amazing things that have already been said, so that it can reach out to those who do not read books in their daily life or may be do not read books of all kinds of religions. Because many things are related to living life, which is very much related to our daily routine.
I am quite influenced by the words of Buddha, although I have not read much, but in June this year I went for Vipassana for 12 days where one has to observe complete silence for 10 days. Silent does not only mean being silent but also reducing the feeling of your existence for others. Paying attention to every step you take, keeping your consciousness awake.
The entire Buddha Temple complex is spread over 2 acres, with a 220-foot stupa, gardens, and a peaceful environment for prayer. We were only able to visit inside one temple here because the other was closed for a grand puja being held the following week. So, we got a chance to roam around the complex.
After leaving here, we ate momos and lapping in the market. I ate lapping for the first time. I am not a fan of momos and lapping but I came out with the kids and tasted a little of their favorite food. We had decided beforehand that after leaving here, we would go to Decathlon or some other restaurant where we could eat North Indian food because that is what I like the most. After shopping and eating, we reached home by evening.
Declaimare: All the photos are clicked on my phone one plus and languege transalted from hindi to english by google translator.
