Established in 1995, the Buddha Vihar monastery in Assam is the first monastery following the Mahayana culture and practices under Buddhism.
The sanctuary is situated in Silamahekhaity, far away from the busy and noisy life in the main city of Guwahati. The journey could be a bit long, but the breathtaking view from the top of the monastery makes it all worth it. The sanctuary cannot be missed because of the huge Buddha statue that can be seen from miles away. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the view from the small viewpoint built there. Almost the entire city is visible from the top. Moreover, the peaceful vibes and fresh air, which seem impossible to be found in Guwahati, are available there and are enough to make anyone want to spend the day in such a location. The huge rocks there are the perfect place to be seated in a location like that, and the cool breeze helps one cool down in the terrible heat of Guwahati. Furthermore, the enormous number of trees there provide the perfect shade from the scorching sun, making it an ideal hangout place for a peaceful time to reconnect with nature.
[ADVT]193[/ADVT]Adding to the delightful outside view, the monastery, too, is magnificent. The Buddhist architecture provides a sense of relief and peace when looked at. The domes, the shrines, and the Buddhist flags waving outside have some sense of ease attached to them. Even without a hard-blowing wind, they wave on their own as they have their mind and control over themselves. Even though they are grouped together, they are still separated from one another. In a way, it signifies individuals coming together as a unified group while simultaneously being their individual selves. Moreover, the Buddhist symbols engraved on the walls add to the already pleasing monastery, making it even more marvellous to look at.
One usual question that we have before visiting a place of religious significance is whether people of different religions would be allowed or not, or maybe we wonder about how to show our respect there. When the Guruji of the monastery, Lama Damcho Rinchen, was interviewed, he said that people should have no doubt before visiting the monastery as anyone of any religion can enter and pray there. A person’s religion does not matter, which is another thing that makes this monastery so beautiful. As to paying respect and offerings, Guruji said that people can bring fruits; however, it is not necessary to do so. One can simply visit the monastery and pray.
According to the Guruji, the monastery is similar to temples. Morning and evening aartis are done in the sanctuary. Moreover, in the evening, a Mahākāla pooja is done. Mahākāla is a form of Shiva. Guruji said that more people show up on weekends; however, it is not necessary for people to come only during weekends. They can come any day at any time and pray. Whenever someone comes to pray, Guruji does a small pooja for their well-being, gives them pavitra jal, which is supposed to cleanse their mind, and ties a suta (a red thread) on the wrist of their right hand.
It is believed that the suta absorbs negative energy from and around the person and opens and drops itself when it absorbs enough negative energy. Moreover, other than the well-being of people, the monastery also does pooja for the well-being of the world as a whole. It prays for rain in drought areas, it prays for food for starving people, it prays to prevent other diseases like covid from arising in the future, etc. According to Guruji, if everyone prays together as one and wishes for the well-being of everyone, it will work, and God will help us, regardless of which god we pray to.
When asked about the best time to visit the monastery, Guruji said that any day is a good day to visit the monastery; however, Buddha Jayanti and Buddha Poornima are the two big festivals celebrated there. Even this year, Buddha Jayanti was celebrated nicely in the monastery, and a good number of people showed up to participate in the celebration. He hopes that more people will join the festival next year and plan to celebrate it grandly.
Being a tourist, a devotee, a curious learner, or someone who just wants some time away from a busy life and just wants some peace, the Buddha Vihar monastery is the perfect place for them. It offers a perfect blend of peace, beauty, and religious significance. All this makes the Budhha Vihar monastery a must-visit site in Guwahati.
Source: G News
