Day 5: Vulture Peak (Ling Shan) – Nalanda – Xuan Zang Memoria

Travel Date: April 10, 2025

Vulture Peak (Ling Shan)

Vulture Peak, also known as Gṛdhrakūṭa, is located near Rajgir in Uttar Pradesh, India, and is one of the most significant Buddhist sacred sites. Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, delivered many teachings here, including the Lotus Sutra. Vulture Peak is renowned for its association with the Buddha’s sermons, symbolizing the wisdom and compassion of Buddhist teachings. The mountain offers serene beauty and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a vital site for Buddhist worship and meditation. It is also the origin of the “Vulture Peak Assembly” mentioned in Buddhist traditions, attracting countless pilgrims for reflection and reverence.

Nalanda

Nalanda, located in present-day Bihar, India, was a renowned Buddhist center and academic institution in ancient India. Established in the 5th century CE, it was one of the world’s earliest universities, attracting scholars from various countries to study Buddhism, philosophy, and science, symbolizing the glory of Buddhist culture.

Xuanzang Memorial

The Xuanzang Memorial Hall, located in Nalanda, India, was built to honor the Chinese monk Xuanzang. He studied Buddhism here for many years and brought Indian Buddhist scriptures back to China, making significant contributions to cultural exchange between India and China.