“The goal of all Buddhist practice is to glimpse the awakened state. Going on pilgrimages, breathing in the sacred atmosphere of these places, and fellowshipping with other pilgrims are simply different ways of trying to achieve that glimpse.”

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

Henrique Lemes

Henrique is an anthropologist, a student of Lama Padma Samten, and a tutor at CEBB. He resides at CEBB Caminho do Meio, where he leads Buddhist studies and practices and mentors practitioners seeking to learn about and deepen their understanding of Buddhism.

In the Footsteps of the Buddha

Pilgrimage is a powerful way to remember the Buddha's teachings and put them into practice. For Buddhists, four sacred places associated with the Buddha's life are considered the most important:

• where the Buddha was born as an ordinary human being,
• where enlightenment was achieved,
• where he first taught the path to enlightenment
• where he entered parinirvana.

Although the pilgrimage is sometimes chaotic, uncomfortable, and full of challenges, traveling to these places is deeply moving and transformative.
Over the next few months, we will come together to reflect on the true meaning of pilgrimage in a Buddhist context—and how this path can become more than just a journey, but a genuine process of inner transformation. Our meetings will be inspired by the book Starting Off Right by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

These meetings will serve as preparation and inspiration for those interested in undertaking a Buddhist pilgrimage. Starting in February, we will embark on a series of journeys to sacred Buddhist sites—in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.