Life, Death and Rebirth in Nepal, the Land of the Buddha
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Aatish Taseer begins his three-part travel feature at Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha, exploring the historical and spiritual significance of the site.
- The Indian emperor Ashoka the Great, who ruled two centuries after the Buddha's death, erected a pillar at Lumbini, marking his pilgrimage and promoting Buddhism across his empire.
- Basanta Kumar Bidari, a retired archaeologist, highlights the unique inscription on Ashoka’s pillar stating “I myself came here,” underscoring Lumbini’s importance as a sacred Buddhist site.
- Taseer reflects on the Buddha’s early life and quest for enlightenment, noting the prince Siddhartha Gautama’s sensitivity to human suffering and his transformative journey from royal privilege to asceticism.
- The author connects personal childhood memories with the broader historical narrative, emphasizing the enduring impact of the Buddha’s teachings on understanding suffering and spiritual awakening.