Useful Information for Lay Attendees

All people interested in attending the Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony are most welcome.

Registration is reserved for the Bhikkhu Sangha as the organizing committee sponsors their travel expenses within India, but laypeople form an important and valued part of the ceremony itself. The Tipitaka Chanting Council welcomes all who wish to attend, and whilst attendees are requested to make their own arrangements for travel, accommodation and food.

The schedule of the ceremony comprises daily chanting evening, dhamma talks, and a pilgrimage following the completion of the ceremony. Please come and continue the growth of the chanting ceremony as a true festival of the Buddhadharma in India.

Volunteer Opportunities

Food Serving Team

Registration Team

Tea and Coffee Serving

Cooks

Decoration Team

Clean up Team

Medical Team

General Information Team

12th-14th November 2015

06:00 – 06:45 a.m
Breakfast at YBS Grounds

07.00 – 09.00 a.m
Chanting (Abhidhamma)

09.00 – 09.15 a.m
Tea Break (YBS Grounds)

09.15 – 11.00 a.m
Chanting (Abhidhamma)

11.00 – 01.00 p.m
Lunch (Offering by local Upasikas
and International Guests)

01.30 – 03.30 p.m
Chanting (Abhidhamma)

03.30 – 03.45 p.m
Tea Break (Offering by local Upasikas)

03.45 – 05.00 p.m
Chanting (Abhidhamma)

06.00 – 09.00 p.m
Dharma Talk

The best way to connect from New Delhi to Sankasya

From New Delhi, take a train to Agra (3 hours)

• Recommended trains
  • Shatabdi express #2002, Departs at 6:15am, a/c is available
  • Kerala Express #2626, Departs at 11:30am, a/c is not available

Agra was the capital of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, who started the building of the Agra Fort. His grandson Shah Jahan built the beautiful monument to love, the Taj Mahal, as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Siris 18 (B, L, D)

• From Agra, drive to Sankasya (2 hours)

Sankasya was an important city in ancient India. Sankasya received its fame from statements and claims recorded in the ancient commentaries to the Tipitaka After the Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana (passing away) Emperor Ashoka developed this place and installed one of his famous Pillars of Ashoka in the city, from which the elephant capital survives. He also built a stupa and a temple commemorating the visit of the Buddha. This temple exists even today and the ruins of the stupa are also present as a temple of Vishari Devi, said to be the mother of Gautama Buddha
The Royal Residency Sanksaya (B, L, D)

** Note that passport must have at least six months’ validity to the date of departure from India. **

WHAT TO BRING?

Clothing

• Comfortable shoes with good tread.
• A sweater and outer jacket are recommended since temperatures can drop close to freezing in January.
• Men should bring lightweight cotton pants and women should bring long skirts or dresses of a lightweight material with long sleeves. Men may wish to take one tie and jacket for formal meetings. To respect local customs, shorts and tank tops should be avoided.
• Socks/ Sock slippers for the temple (To wear in dirty/dusty shoe-free locations. e.g. inside temple grounds)

Luggage

• Luggage locks are strongly recommended.
• A carry-on bag or daypack. International flights may only allow one piece of carry on luggage.
• If carrying along expensive electronics or photography equipment, declare before entering India.

Supplies

• Extra pair of glasses and/or your prescription in case of theft or loss.
• A flashlight (power can go out several times a day).
• A small pocket-knife for peeling fruit.
• An electrical coil for boiling water.
• An India wall plug adapter for electrical equipment. Also India has 220V/50Hz power so you might need a converter.
• Money belt for passports, credit cards, cash etc.
• For your own protection, please have a photocopy of the first 2 pages of your passport and the page with Indian Visa.
• We recommend that you bring some light food with you for snacks. Ex. Granola bars, power bars, powdered protein drinks, instant oat meal, nuts, herbal tea, hot chocolate and dried fruits.
• You may need mosquito repellent. Mosquito nets are usually provided by guest houses. Enclosed, zipped net tents are available in Bodhgaya for ~300 Rs
• Please carry hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• You may also need hand gel/liquid hand soap, disposable face masks, rags/antibacterial cleaning liquid, plastic sheet/cushion for meditation, sleeping bag for overnight stay and medicines as necessary.