For over two decades, James Gritz has traveled the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit across India, capturing the essence of the sacred sites where the Buddha was born, awakened, taught, and passed into parinirvana. Footsteps of Buddha: Buddhist Pilgrimage in India is the culmination of these journeys—a visually rich, spiritually grounded coffee table book that interweaves stunning photography with deep reflection, practical guidance, and teachings on the Buddha’s life.
With a foreword by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche titled Getting to Know the Buddha, this book invites readers not just to learn about the historical Buddha, but to walk in his footsteps. Below is an excerpt from the book on Bodh Gaya, the sacred site of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Currently in its final stages of publication, the project is seeking support to bring it to life in print. To learn more or support the book, visit James Gritz’s Kickstarter page.
Bodh Gaya: A Sacred Cradle of Awakening
Bodh Gaya, situated in the Indian state of Bihar, is the most revered site in Buddhism—the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. This sacred ground serves as the spiritual center of the Buddhist world, drawing countless pilgrims who seek to connect with the essence of the Buddha’s transformative awakening.
The Bodhi Tree and the Mahabodhi Temple
At the heart of Bodh Gaya lies the Bodhi Tree, under which Siddhartha sat in deep meditation and attained enlightenment, awakening to the truths of suffering and liberation. Though the original tree no longer stands, the current tree is believed to be a descendant of that sacred tree. For pilgrims, meditating under its sprawling branches is a profound spiritual experience, echoing the stillness and resolve of the Buddha’s quest for enlightenment.
The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enshrines the Bodhi Tree. Its spire and carvings inspire awe, with a history that spans centuries, from its construction by Emperor Ashoka to restoration during the Pala dynasty (8th–12th century). Within the temple, a gilded statue of the Buddha in the earth-touching mudra symbolizes the profound moment of enlightenment when Siddhartha called the earth to witness his awakening. The golden Buddha image within the Mahabodhi temple is believed to have been sculpted in the precise likeness of the Buddha. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple along a path lined by ancient railings, some of which date back to the 1st century BCE.
Pilgrimage as a Journey of Devotion
“The experience of devotion is not blind faith. Rather, it is deeply rooted in wisdom and knowledge. Genuine devotion arises when we develop a firm ground of trust and confidence in our own enlightened heart. Ultimately, our commitment to the nature of our own mind.” – Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
For Buddhists, the journey to Bodh Gaya is not merely about reaching a sacred site; it is an act of devotion. Pilgrimage comprises a series of transformative steps—preparation, the journey, worship at the sanctified site, and the return to everyday life. The Mahaparinibbana Sutra emphasizes the merit of visiting places like Bodh Gaya, encouraging devotees to undertake these journeys with faith and reverence.
In Buddhism, the concept of movement bears profound spiritual significance. The act of traveling to Bodh Gaya mirrors Siddhartha’s own journey, both physical and spiritual. Pilgrims are reminded of the trials and perseverance the Buddha encountered on his path to awakening, inspiring them to cultivate similar qualities in their own lives.
Sacred Geography and Cosmic Significance
Bodh Gaya’s spiritual power extends beyond its historical significance. In Buddhist cosmology, certain places on Earth serve as intersections of the mundane and the sublime. Bodh Gaya, being the site of Buddha’s enlightenment, holds a central position in this sacred geography. It acts as a spiritual axis—a place where the barriers between the earthly and the transcendent dissolve.
The mandala, a symbolic representation of the universe, provides another lens through which to understand Bodh Gaya’s sanctity. This sacred geometric design, central to Buddhist art and architecture, reflects the interconnectedness of all things. Within this cosmology, Bodh Gaya represents the heart of a mandala, a point of unparalleled spiritual significance.
Rupas and Stone Carvings of the Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is adorned with stone carvings and rupas (statues) that reflect the artistic and spiritual dedication of its creators. These intricate carvings depict scenes from the Buddha’s life, including his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, as well as symbolic motifs such as lotus flowers, stupas, and celestial beings.
The craftsmanship of these works speaks to the devotion of the artisans who created them, blending artistic mastery with profound spiritual insight. Each carving tells a story that connects visitors to the Buddha’s teachings, serving as a visual reminder of the path to awakening. The enduring beauty of these carvings is a testament to the impermanence of life—a central teaching of the Buddha—and to the legacy of devotion that has preserved this sacred space.
A Timeless Call to Awakening
For modern pilgrims, visiting Bodh Gaya is not merely a journey into history but an opportunity to reflect on their own path to awakening. Sitting beneath the Bodhi Tree or walking the temple grounds, they are invited to embody the qualities of mindfulness, patience, and compassion that define the Buddha’s teachings.
Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya reminds us that the journey to awakening is ongoing. Whether we arrive by modern means or traverse great distances on foot, the act of pilgrimage connects us to the timeless truths of the Dharma. It is a call to turn inward, to rediscover the spacious awareness and innate wisdom that the Buddha realized under the Bodhi Tree.
Adjacent to the temple, the Lotus Pond provides another focal point for reflection, traditionally linked to the Buddha’s meditation. Together with the Sacred Bodhi Tree, these elements form an interconnected spiritual landscape that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity and profound significance of Bodh Gaya.
The Significance of Mudras in Buddhist Art
One of the most captivating aspects of the rupas is their depiction of the Buddha’s mudras, or hand gestures, each carrying deep symbolic meaning. The most prominent mudra at the Mahabodhi Temple is the Bhumisparsha Mudra, also known as the “earth-touching gesture,” which represents the moment Siddhartha called upon the earth to witness his enlightenment.
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche explains, “Mudras are not just hand gestures; they are expressions of realization. When the Buddha touches the earth in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, he is not asking for validation—he is embodying the truth that awakening is grounded in the world we live in, not apart from it.”
These mudras are more than artistic details; they are teaching tools that invite reflection on the qualities of mindfulness, fearlessness, and compassion. For visitors, they provide a tangible connection to the Buddha’s transformative journey.
A Universal Legacy
Bodh Gaya is more than a historical site; it is a living testament to the Buddha’s realization. For those who visit, it serves as a reminder that enlightenment is not a distant ideal but a potential reality for all beings.
