A Circle of Connection: The Calling to Circumambulate
Some days have a way of steering us toward unexpected adventures, and my time at Bodh Gaya proved that beautifully. It started with a simple piece of advice from my sister Karen: “Why don’t you try circumambulating the Bodhi Tree 100 times?”
I was halfway through my meditation retreat at the Root Institute, trying to keep my focus despite the challenges of my health. Eating often triggered relentless coughing fits, and even drinking water wasn’t much help. It felt like my throat was conspiring against me, and I couldn’t shake the discomfort. The meditation hall I had intended to use was occupied, adding another twist to the day.
For those unfamiliar, the Bodhi Tree isn’t just any tree—it is the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. To Buddhists, it represents awakening, wisdom, and the hope of liberation. The idea of circumambulating, or walking prayerfully around it, felt like a soothing alternative to my thwarted plans.
As I prepared to head to the Mahabodhi Temple, fate seemed to step in. On my way out, I met Dekcheng La, a gentle and kind nun who lives at the Root Institute. She had accidentally dropped her circumambulation prayer text, and I instinctively picked it up to return it to her. Her eyes met mine, and without hesitation, she said what I hadn’t yet articulated: “Would you like to keep this prayer text and do some circumambulations at the temple?”
Her words felt like a confirmation of what was already in my heart—a calling I hadn’t fully realized. This is your sign, Kyle.
“Fifty times is a great start,” she added with a warm smile that was impossible to refuse. There’s something about a nun’s kindness, especially one so gentle she reminded me of Mother Teresa, that makes you feel you’re exactly where you need to be.
Walking the Path, Round and Round
I made my way to the temple, unaware of the bustling crowd that awaited me. As I began my circumambulation, I was struck by how symbolic the act felt. Walking in circles, weaving through the throng of people, I couldn’t help but see it as a reflection of samsara, the endless cycle of existence. Life itself felt mirrored in this act: round and round we go, meeting obstacles, enduring frustrations, and yet persisting.
The journey wasn’t easy. Some people obstructed the path, and the sheer number of bodies in motion felt overwhelming. But then a thought anchored me: This is exactly what life is like. The crowd represented the chaos and challenges we face in our personal cycles of existence, the hurdles we must overcome to move forward.
Yet, as I walked, I also felt a quiet sense of purpose. Each step became a prayer, each turn a gathering of merit—not just for myself but for others, too. I imagined these small efforts lighting the way, building a path out of the cycle and toward liberation.
The Circle Completes
By the time I finished, I realized this was more than a simple walk around a tree. It was a calling that had found me, a reminder that even when life feels repetitive and hard, every step matters. Circumambulation isn’t just about moving in circles; it’s about finding meaning in the journey. It’s about trusting that each small effort accumulates into something greater, something transformative.
And as I made my way back, a thought crossed my mind, bringing a playful smile to my face: Thank goodness for the Bodhi Tree—because no tree, no Buddha.
When Dekcheng La handed me that prayer text, she wasn’t just encouraging me to walk. She was reminding me that guidance often comes when we least expect it, and sometimes the way forward is to embrace the moment—even if it feels repetitive or challenging.
Walking around the Bodhi Tree that day felt like a microcosm of life: full of stops, delays, and the occasional bump with people. But with each step, I found clarity, purpose, and a renewed commitment to keep going.
It’s funny how something as simple as walking in circles can feel like a way out. Maybe that’s the beauty of it—sometimes the way out is through.
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