Before you travel

You can visit the sites in any order you like – there is no need to follow the order given in this book. That said, to be a savvy traveller, do take note of the following:

* To reduce unnecessary waste and keep the sites clean, bring your own water bottle and a recyclable shopping bag.

* Make an effort to support local communities by buying products from local craftsmen where possible.

* When visiting Buddhist temples, do remember to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. Women should wear skirts that cover their knees.

Why 108?

Prayer bracelets, which are traditionally made up of 108 beads or smaller numbers divisible by nine, are commonly used by Buddhists to keep count as they recite, chant, or mentally repeat a mantra. According to Buddhist thought, human beings are said to have 108 afflictions or klesas. There are six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and consciousness), multiplied by three reactions (positive, negative, or indifference), thus making 18 "feelings". Each of these feelings can either be “attached to pleasure or detached from pleasure”, making 36 “passions”. Each of these passions can in turn manifest themselves in the past, present or future. The combination of all these manifestations makes a total of 108, which is represented by the beads.

What's Nirvana?

Nirvana (Sanskrit: निर्वाण; Pali: निब्बान) is the state of being free from suffering in sramanic thought. In Pāli, "Nibbāna" means "blowing out" — that is, blowing out the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion.

SOurce: Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana