Bihar Japanese Monastery
Japanese Monastery is a part of the rich culture of Buddhism, located in the outskirts of Rajgir town of Bihar. This was the place, which was under the rule of powerful Magadha ruler King Bimbasara, during the time of Lord Buddha. The Japanese Monastery is also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Temple and was built by the famous Zen sect of Buddhism. After the passing away of Lord Buddha, a number of sects were formed such as Theravada, Tantrayana, Mahayana and Zen. The one which is present near Rajgir, near to Bodh Gaya had been built by the Zen sect and the rituals are practised as per their philosophies, although these are in accordance to the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Rituals And Festivals
The Zen sect of Buddhism, basically believed in meditations and devotional practices and hence, the Japanese Monastery conducts a number of group meditations as well as individual meditations, for the monks as well as general people. the aim of such meditations was to aim for the purification of one’s Soul and attain nirvana. Inside the Japanese Monastery, there are certain festivals held, which mark the important days of history of Buddhism. Buddha Jayanti is one such festival which is held with lots of meditations and sermons, and is celebrated every year during the month April-May during the full moon night. Another festival which is markedly held during the period of Hiroshima Day is on the 6th of August.
Reaching There
Airport is located in Gaya, which is 12 kms away from the Japanese Monastery and from Gaya, one can reach the monastery by travelling through private taxis and buses. Regular transportation facilities are found from Patna, which is about 108 kms away. Gaya is having the nearest railway station, which in turn is connected with major cities all over the country.
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