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Sarnath & Dharmarkjika
Stuba
Sarnath is the site of the deer park where
Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath
is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for
pilgrimage. The other three sites are: Lumbini (birth); Bodh Gaya
(enlightenment); and Kushinagar (death). Sarnath has previously been
known as Mrigadava, "deer park," and Isipatana, meaning the place where
holy men fell to earth. The latter name is based in the legend that
when the Buddha was born, devas came down to announce it to 500 holy
men. The holy men all rose into the air and disappeared and their
relics fell to the ground.After his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath seeking his five former companions. He found them, taught them what he had learned, and they also became enlightened. This event is referred to as "the turning of the wheel of the Dharma" and also marks the founding of the Sangha, or the community of monks. Buddha's first ever discourse, delivered here at Sarnath, is known in Pali as the Dhammacakkhapavathana Sutta. The Buddha's central teaching after his enlightenment centered around the Four Noble Truths (concerning the meaning of life) and the Noble Eightfold Path (concerning the right way to live). All of the ancient buildings and structures at Sarnath were damaged or destroyed by the Turks. However, amongst the ruins the Dharmekh Stupa is impressive at 128 feet high, and 93 in diameter. This dates from around 200 BC and is the spot where the Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon. Only the foundations remain of the Dharmarajika Stupa, but it is notable as a rare pre-Ashokan stupa. |
