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| Sunday, 7 March 2004 |
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Buddhism: A spiritual journey by J. B. DisSanayaka India, where Buddhism was born, hosted an International Conclave on Buddhism, the first of its kind, at New Delhi on the 17th and 18th February under the title 'Buddhism: A Spiritual Journey'. It was perhaps one of the largest gatherings of Buddhists in recent times - representing twenty five countries including Sri Lanka. It was organised by the Indian Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The distinguished invitees who met at Vigyan Bhavan conference hall in New Delhi, covered a colourful spectrum of the Buddhist world: monks and nuns of both the Theravada and Mahayana schools, lay dignitaries representing Buddhist organizations and, eminent Buddhist teachers and scholars. It was, indeed, a wonderfully unique experience to see the Sangharajas of Bangladesh and Mongolia intermingle and interact with the Maha Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter, the Diyawadana Nilame, the lay custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and distinguished Buddhist scholars like Ven. Olande Ananda (from Holland) and our own Ven. Prof. Dhammavihari. India should be complimented for bringing together more than five hundred delegates from Buddhist countries across the world - of various colours and hues - to discuss all the wonderful aspects of Buddhism that highlight its spiritual path. The discussions covered not only the philosophical aspects of Buddhism that transformed the life of millions over the last twenty five centuries but also its artistic heritage, architectural splendour and literary treasures. The Conclave was an invitation by the Government of India to revisit the Buddhist heritage in the land of its birth. The invitation was not only to revisit these sites but also to seek the advice of these eminent men and women on issues relating to Buddhist pilgrim centres. It is claimed that the Buddha had visited 45 places particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Kapilavastu, the home town of the Buddha, is now located in two places - the one part of it belonging to India and the other part belonging to Nepal. Can anything be done to help the pilgrim to cross the border without barriers? The inaugural session of the Conclave was a memorable experience. As Subhadra Desai, a well-known musician, played the sitar singing the Maha Mangala Sutta, the Conclave was inaugurated by the Honourable President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The President, though a non-Buddhist, began delivering his keynote address mesmerizing the Buddhist audience by saying in Pali - Buddham saranam gachchami. Dr. Kalam, who was sworn in as the eleventh President of India, was until then the Professor of Technology and Societal Transformation at Anna University in Chennai. Though a scientist by profession, he has poetry in his heart and mind. Like a poet and philosopher, he discussed the message and role of Buddhism, in particular and other religions, in general, in the modern world that is characterised by turbulence and instability. He paid his highest tribute to the monks and scholars of Buddhist universities in India such as that at Nalanda for creating a vibrant tradition of intellectual scholarship. He stressed the need for a University of Bodh - a university of universal understanding that will generate a unity of minds to bring about peace and tranquillity. The conclave was also addressed by His Highness the Dalai Lama. He began his speech in his mother tongue, Tibetan, but excused himself to talk in his 'broken English' to save time. His Highness, who is noted for his sense of humour, kept the audience spell-bound for a whole hour talking about the plight of Buddhism in the modern world. The inaugural session was also marked by the presentation of bodhi saplings from the bodhi tree at Bodhgaya to fifteen spiritual heads which included three Sri Lankan monks: Ven. Udugama Buddharakkhita, the chief prelate of the Asgiriya chapter, Ven. Weragoda Sarada, Head of the Singapore Buddhist Meditation Centre and Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi, Head of the Kingsbury Temple in London. The other Buddhist countries that received a bodhi sapling were Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam. Over the two days at Vigyan Bhavan, two major themes were taken up for discussion: first, on global issues and the second, on Indian issues. Global issues touched upon topics such as Buddhism in the 21st century, Buddhism and World Peace, Buddhism and Globalization. Indian issues touched upon Buddhist Heritage sites of India, Promoting the Indian Buddhist Circuit and Issues and Prospects of Buddhist Pilgrimage to India. Issues such as the control of the Bodhgaya temple, the need to demarcate it as a sacred area, the desirability of providing easy access to the two Kapilavastu segments, were among the issues discussed. Sessions also included multi-media presentations: 'What did the Buddha teach?' by Dr. Titus Leber, an American working in Thailand, and Benoy Behi's 'Art of Ajanta'. The Conclave was followed by the Dedication of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex as a World Heritage Site on 19th at Bodhgaya. The delegates were taken to Bodhgaya by a special train to attend this Ceremony. The Dedication Ceremony was held at the upper lawn of the Mahabodhi Temple complex overlooking the Muchalinda Pond. As the monks - both of the Theravada and Mahayana schools - chanted gathas in honour of the Buddha (namo tassa bhagavato), in praise of His virtues (itipiso bhagava) and showing blessings (sabbitiyo vivajjantu) Mr. Jaagmohan, the Minister of Tourism and Culture unvailed the plaque dedicating the Temple as a World Heritage Site. In his address, Mr. Jagmohan said that the Buddha was the greatest saint that ever lived - who carved a new path for the liberation of humanity. In the modern world where 80% of the people live in deprivation and poverty and 20% enjoy the wealth, Buddhism with its infinite compassion has a special role to play - to open up a spiritual path to justice and happiness. It is thus heartening to note that India where Hinduism is the dominant faith has decided to promote this spiritual journey through Buddhism. The Government of India deserves the gratitude of the Buddhist world for being so tolerant and generous. Let us hope that this Conclave on Buddhism create among the Buddhists a new image of India as a friend, philosopher and facilitator. President of India presenting the bodhi sapling to Ven. Udugama Buddharakkhita, Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya chapter. |
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