The Rainbow Connection: Rainbodhi Singapore’s First LGBTQ Buddhist Pilgrimage

When we set out on this journey to Bodh Gaya, the spiritual heart of Buddhism, it felt like stepping into a rainbow — diverse colors blending into a shared path of compassion and self-discovery. Rainbodhi Singapore, an LGBTQ spiritual friendship group, embarked on its first Buddhist pilgrimage and retreat, a historic moment filled with profound insights, unexpected lessons, and deep bonding.

As the tour leader of this pilgrimage, I was privileged to guide the group in meditation and dharma, sharing not only the sacred spaces of Bodh Gaya but also our own stories, struggles, and joys. Here's the story of our transformative experience.

Day 1: Arrival at Bodh Gaya and a Shoe Lost in Impermanence

The journey began at Bodh Gaya airport, where I met five excited participants, four of them first time in India. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity and the anticipation of what lay ahead. After the hotel check in, without delay, we headed to the Mahabodhi Temple, the site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree over 2,500 years ago.

The temple’s towering spire seemed to pierce the heavens, and its serene grounds buzzed with devotion as monks chanted and pilgrims prayed. Together, we joined in circumambulation, walking mindfully around the sacred Bodhi tree.

Then, the unexpected happened—one of the participants lost his shoes! Amidst the initial surprise or shock, he found himself laughing at the irony. “I guess this is my lesson in letting go,” he said with a grin. That lighthearted acceptance was a dharma moment, a real-life teaching on impermanence and attachment.

Day 2: Thai Temples, Flavors, and the Stars Above

The following day, we returned to the Mahabodhi Temple to immerse ourselves in meditation once again. The stillness of the morning set a serene tone for the day. Afterward, we made our way to the Thai Temple for breakfast. Since the restaurant wasn’t open yet, we found ourselves at the cozy Pilgrim’s Café nearby, sipping tea and coffee as we enjoyed the tranquil ambiance.

There, we met the most delightful bodhisattva—a 63-year-old grandmother who had been volunteering at the café for three years. Her warmth and friendliness radiated the quintessential charm of Thai hospitality, instantly making us feel at home.

Once the restaurant opened, we indulged in a simple yet satisfying meal of the day: a hidden gem of a Thai eatery just a short walk from the Mahabodhi Temple. This spot, so under-the-radar it doesn’t even appear on Google Maps, quickly became a cherished discovery for the group.

Astrology entered the conversation too, sparking a new kind of connection. While not traditionally Buddhist, astrology became a lens for exploring our personalities and spiritual journeys. These conversations underscored the Buddhist concept of upaya (skillful means), showing how even unconventional tools can nurture understanding and bonding.

Day 3: The Sacred Heights of Vulture Peak and the Wisdom of Nalanda

On the third day, we ascended Vulture Peak, where the Buddha delivered some of his most profound teachings, including the Heart Sutra. The climb was a gentle challenge, but the view from the top was worth every step. Standing where the Buddha once taught, we chanted the Heart Sutra together. Our voices harmonized with the rustling wind, creating a moment of deep spiritual unity.

Next, we visited the Hsuan Tsang Memorial Hall, a tribute to the legendary Chinese monk who traveled to India to deepen his understanding of Buddhism. His dedication to preserving and spreading the Dharma was inspiring, reminding us of the bridges we, too, were building between cultures and communities.

The day culminated with a visit to Nalanda, the world’s first Buddhist university. Walking through its sprawling ruins, we marveled at the achievements of ancient scholars who made Nalanda a beacon of learning for centuries. It was humbling to stand where history had unfolded, feeling connected to a lineage of seekers and teachers.

Day 4 & 5: A Retreat of Stillness and Connection

The final two days were dedicated to meditation and reflection in a serene retreat setting. The hotel’s spacious outdoor spaces, designed with simplicity and elegance, became our haven for stillness.

Mornings began with seated meditation, focusing on the breath and grounding ourselves in mindfulness. Afternoon walking meditations led us through lush gardens, while evening discussions allowed us to explore the dharma and share our personal insights.

The retreat wasn’t just a time for silence; it was a time for bonding. Each moment spent in practice or conversation deepened our connection, leaving us with a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Reflections on the Rainbow Path

This pilgrimage was more than a journey to sacred sites; it was a journey into ourselves and each other. As an LGBTQ group, our presence in these spaces was both historic and deeply meaningful, a testament to the inclusivity of the dharma.

From the lessons of impermanence at Mahabodhi to the shared laughter over Thai meals, from chanting on Vulture Peak to meditating in stillness, we discovered the beauty of spiritual friendship—a rainbow of love, compassion, and growth.

As I look back on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for each moment and each person who made it extraordinary. As we walked away from Bodh Gaya, I couldn’t help but hum the words that captured the essence of our experience:

Why are there so many songs about rainbows,

And what’s on the other side?

Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,

And rainbows have nothing to hide.