On February 8th we flew from Madrid to India to embark on an exciting trip to Bodh Gaya, a region in the heart of India where an incredible adventure awaited us: the Gratitude Bootcamp, an introspective retreat in which we would also participate as volunteers at the Bodhi Tree School.
What is the Bodhi Tree School?
The Bodhi Tree Educational Foundation (BTEF) was established in 2008 with the aim of universalizing access to education in marginalized communities in rural areas of Bodh Gaya in the state of Bihar, the second poorest in India.
Bodh Gaya is known as the world capital of Buddhism and is famous for its Buddhist temples and the Bodhi Tree, under which Siddhartha Gautama found enlightenment and became Buddha. However, communities living around the city suffer from marginalization and extreme poverty.
BTEF is dedicated to helping these communities, especially children, by providing them with education and teaching them values. The foundation has grown over the years and now includes nurseries, a school, a unit for disabled children and a women's support unit.
Bodhi Tree School offers a comprehensive, quality education and strives to make each person aware of their worth, regardless of the social status into which they were born. Boys and girls develop their abilities, learning values such as gender equality and social integration.
He Bodhi Tree School was founded by Dhirendra Sharma and currently houses 700 students. Despite coming from an illiterate family and a low caste background, Dhirendra overcame discrimination and hardship to reach university thanks to his perseverance and motivation.
His personal mission is to provide children of all genders, castes and special abilities with the tools and confidence to overcome poverty through education. Despite not having any resources of his own, Dhirendra managed to inspire hundreds of people around the world to contribute to making his project a reality through donations.
In addition, the school has 80 disabled children, who live in inhumane conditions in these parts of India. Thanks to the Bodhi Tree School, these children have the opportunity to have a more normal life and grow up with more self-esteem.
Another of the school's goals is simply to feed the children. Many of these children cannot eat at home, so, thanks to the school, the children will have at least one plate of food a day.
Gratitude Bootcamp
The Gratitude Bootcamp is an immersive personal development experience that takes place in this region of India. The program is designed to help participants reconnect with their essence, dream without limits, and chart a path to a purposeful life. It is a journey from reason to heart, where participants have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves .
The Gratitude Bootcamp was organised by two couples from Madrid who knew Dhirendra's story and decided to take the plunge and organise a retreat, thereby helping the school as well.
I can't say much about the retreat itself, but I can say that it was 7 wonderful days surrounded by good people, activities and a very special environment.
We stayed in a Buddhist monastery, so we were part of the daily life of many of the monks who live there. The streets of Bodh Gaya were very authentic: you could see everything from the hustle and bustle of Indian streets (which cannot be compared to New Delhi) to the most representative scenes of Tibetan monks. One of our excursions was to meet the second in command of the Dalai Lama, since he lives there.
What to see in Bodh Gaya
Mahabodhi Temple
This temple stands on the sacred site where the prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha, making it a pilgrimage hub for Buddhist followers. It is important to note that before crossing its threshold, mobile phones and cameras are not permitted, unless a special fee is paid for the latter.
As you enter this temple, you will be immersed in an atmosphere of devotion: monks in deep prayer, some camping and making the temple their temporary abode, and young apprentices on their spiritual path to become monks. Without a doubt, visiting this temple is an essential experience when traveling through the Bodh Gaya region.
The Great Buddha Statue
The majestic Great Buddha Statue stands as an emblem of peace and serenity. Known for housing the impressive figure of the Buddha, this temple is distinguished by the stone statue that guards it with dignity. Consecrated in 1989, the statue rises to 25 meters in height, dominating the landscape next to the venerable Mahabodhi Temple. It is a testament to devotion and art, inviting visitors to reflect on the Buddha's teaching and legacy.
International Buddhist Temples
As a place of deep spiritual significance for Buddhism, it houses a variety of temples that embody the traditions and architecture of different Buddhist countries.
In addition to the Mahabodhi Temple, the region boasts temples built by international Buddhist communities, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its country of origin. For example, the Sinhalese temple, one of the oldest after the Mahabodhi, was built by Sri Lankan monks. Other notable temples include the Chinese pagoda and the Japanese temple, which features a typically Japanese structure.
These temples are not only places of worship, but also expressions of the cultural diversity within Buddhism, offering a window into the different interpretations and practices of this ancient religion. Visiting Bodh Gaya is therefore an experience that transcends borders, uniting the faithful in their common search for peace and spiritual understanding.
Streets and market of Bodh Gaya
Exploring the streets and markets of Bodh Gaya is like immersing yourself in a vibrant tapestry of experiences. This stroll becomes an adventure among shops and stalls, where the friendliness of the locals shines with a warmth that surpasses other destinations in India.
It is important to remember that when you venture into this environment, you should be prepared for interaction with vendors and bargaining, an integral part of the shopping experience in Bodh Gaya. Every step is an opportunity to discover unique crafts, sample local cuisine, and connect with the community in an authentic and memorable way.
If you want to see more photos of this exciting trip , click on this link .