Rank the two columns according to which you think are the most significant reasons for/against to the least significant reason. Explain your most and least choices.
For
Most
The money spent through going on pilgrimage would be better spent on helping others through dana, which in turn would gain spiritual benefit through the accumulation of good karma. Acts of kindness to others should be the priority.
Buddha did not want followers to worship him, but would rather have them focus on personal spiritual attainment through following the middle path. Going on pilgrimage as a form of worship towards the Buddha would be ignoring his wishes.
Puja’s primary purpose is to allow a devotee to show veneration to the Buddha while reciting mantras. This would be better achieved at home without the distractions of tourists and pilgrims around you.
Least
Against
Most
Going on a pilgrimage to the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath allows a devotee to circumambulate this sacred monument – and doing so, reminds a devotee of the Buddha’s dharma as this was the place where he gave his first sermon.
Sarnath is one of the holiest places on earth for Buddhists. This site is where the first sangha originated and through travelling to Sarnath a devotee is able to remain mindful of the first sangha and the Three Jewels.
Travelling to Bohdgaya enables a devotee to see the Bodhi Tree where Siddhartha Gautama reached enlightenment. They are following in his footsteps both spiritually, through following the Dharma, and physically to the site of significance.
It also gives a devotee time away from their busy lives to reflect on teachings of the Buddha.
There are several viharas at Sarnath and so travelling to this holy place a devotee can make a retreat. This will enable them to focus on the dharma, perform dana, give alms to the bhikkhu and bhikkhuni and gain spiritual insight from their understanding.
Going on pilgrimage, to any site of sacred significance, allows a devotee to join others from their community in communal worship.
