The Buddha's mahaparinirvana brought about many changes in the Sangha. The eras following His death witnessed many changes, the most prominent being the upcoming of different schools of thought into Buddhism - Theravada, Mahayana, Tantrayana and Zen Buddhism. The Japanese monastery, situated in Bodh Gaya, marks the philosophies of the Zen Buddhism and its practices in India.

Basically a firm believer in devotional practices based on meditation, the Japanese monastery of Bodh Gaya conducts individual and group meditation for monks and other people as well. Through meditation, they aim for the purification of one's heart to attain salvation or nirvana.


Bodhgaya
Situated in the southern Bihar, Bodh Gaya is reckoned as the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre. The site marks the enlightenment of the Buddha and subsequently, the origin of Buddhism.


Other Major Attractions

• Maha Bodhi Tree : Named after the Lord Gautam Buddha, the Maha Bodhi tree is a sacred place for all the Buddhsits. The sacred peepal tree standing as high as 80 feet in the Maha Bodhi complex, is the fifth generation plant of the original peepal tree, under which the Buddha was showered with the divine light of enlightenment.
  
  
• Maha Bodhi Temple : The magnificent Maha Bodhi temple, built by the great Indian emperor Ashoka, is a true symbol of the amalgamation of religion with architecture. Revered by the Buddhists as an important sacred place, the temple also hosts a huge tower, an image of the Buddha and a Shiva lingam.
  
  
• Shaivite Monastery : Adjacent to the Maha Bodhi temple, lies the Shaivite monastery, which further consists of four temples and several samadhis. It was at this place where Adi Shankaracharya, the religious head of the Hindus in the medieval period had a heated discussion with the Buddhists.

Festivals
The Japanese monastery marks the important days in the history of Buddhism and by celebrating several festivals. The Buddha Jayanti is the most important among all these festivals and is celebrated every year on a full moon night in the month of April-May. The monastery also celebrates Hiroshima day on August 6.