Final's Week

On Saturday the group traveled 2 hrs north to Rajgir (the capital and largest city of the Buddha's world). It's incredible because Old Rajgir has not been a city of prominence and wealth for 2500 years, so it has not been built over. The Ruins were magnificent. Vulture's peak is the location that the Buddha delivered many of his most important early teachings and gained legitimacy among ascetics. We also visited the locations of the first Buddhist monastery (a mango grove) and a few retreat caves in the hills. Afterwards we went to the ruins of Nalanda which were truly impressive. It was first constructed in fifth century and grew until its destruction in 1193 by Muslim invaders who miss took it for a fortress. At its peak, this university housed 8500 students from all over Asia, and 1500 teachers. Many famous scholars went to this university. It is 7km by 3km in size and contains 11 7 story monasteries for lectures and residencies and an 11 story library. Today these massive brick buildings are reduced to 3 stories. Apart from the impression the structures left on me, it is remarkable to reflect on what the place was like as Shantideva gave his Bodhicaryavatara. Again if interested in the details refer the Claire's blog.

Anyways, got finals this week and then off to Sikkim and my project. I feel as if I arrived in India a year ago and at the same time that time has flown by.