Crystal Mirror 9: Holy Places of the Buddha

An illustrated guide to the eight holy places of the Buddha - Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagara, Shravasti, Samkashya, and Vaishali - and the six Dharma regions of the South Asian subcontinent. This volume of the Crystal Mirror begins with a review of the shrines in eight Indian locations important in the life of the historical Buddha, including his birthplace and the place of his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Citing relevant Mahayana texts, the text explains why these places are important for Buddhism and includes a review of each site's physical characteristics, the types of pilgrimage and veneration traditionally associated with it through the centuries, the results of archaeological investigation, various modern pilgrimages to the shrine, and what may currently be seen there.

This new edition also includes 57 color photos of these pilgrimage sites.