Devotees gather at Sarnath to celebrate Ashadha Purnima and Buddha's first sermon
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Mahabodhi Society of India, hosted a solemn and graceful celebration to mark Ashadha Purnima, a day revered as the Buddha's First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.
This sacred day also marks the onset of Varsha Vassa, the traditional monastic rain retreat--a period of contemplation and study for the Buddhist Sangha, mirroring the inward journey as rains quiet the world outside.
The event commenced with a meditative parikrama (circumambulation) of the Dhamek Stupa. Monks, nuns, and lay followers walked in peaceful unison, hands folded in devotion, as ancient chants filled the air.
The solemnity of the moment was amplified by the stupa's timeless presence--its weathered stones standing as sentinels of centuries-old teachings.
In his welcome address, Ven. Summitananda Thero, In-charge of Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, reflected on the spiritual weight of Sarnath and the gathering's deep symbolism--where memory and devotion unite beneath the open sky.
One of the highlights was the heartfelt message by Ven. Dieu Tri, a senior nun from Vietnam, who spoke of the powerful emotions felt during the recent Relic Exposition of the Buddha in Vietnam. A short film showcased the event, which saw an overwhelming 17.8 million devotees venerate the sacred relics across nine cities.
Ven. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, beautifully blended scholarship with spirituality, highlighting the symbolism of Ashadha Purnima--the Buddha's first teachings, the formation of the Sangha, and the legendary dream of Queen Mahamaya, who envisioned a six-tusked white elephant foretelling the Buddha's birth.
Representing the long-standing spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka, Most Ven. Sumedha Thero, President of the Indo-Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, emphasized the historic friendship nurtured through the shared Dharma. He lauded the Indian government for selecting Sarnath as the venue for this year's celebrations, calling it 'a most fitting and sacred choice.'
The event concluded with powerful words from Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of IBC, who stressed the importance of unity, empathy, and mindful action in today's interconnected world. 'Bridging differences and fostering inclusive dialogue is not just noble--it is essential,' he noted.
Ven. Seelawanso Thero, Principal of Pali and Buddhist Dhamadoot College, closed the event with a sincere vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to all attendees and supporters for their trust and unwavering commitment to the Dharma.
As twilight deepened and prayers echoed in the air, the celebration stood as a testament to Buddhism's timeless message of peace, compassion, and inner awakening--offering hope and harmony to a world in need. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
5 hours ago
- India Gazette
Scholars, researchers unite to discuss relevance of Buddha Dharma in 21st century
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 14 (ANI): Buddhist scholars, researchers, practitioners, and eminent spiritual leaders who had closely interacted with the 14th Dalai Lama, over several years, including the supreme hierarchy of international and national Buddhist Monks on Sunday discussed three pertinent subjects that 14th Dalai Lama had been concerned with these past years at an International Conference organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in commemoration of the 90th birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama. The topics were 'Relevance of Buddha Dharma in the 21st Century', 'Quantum Physics, Neurosciences and Buddhism and on the 'Future of Tibetan Buddhism and the Preservation of its Culture.' Alexander Berzin from Harvard University in Far Eastern Languages, Sanskrit and Indian Studies said the 14th Dalai Lama considered three themes most relevant for the 21st century- the oneness of humanity, bodhichitta and the view of emptiness being the main focuses of his daily practice, and his great commitments. These are, firstly, promoting secular ethics and universal values and introducing their teaching into the modern school systems. Second is the preservation of Tibetan culture, language and environment. Promoting religious harmony is the third, and the fourth is the integration of the ancient Indian teachings on the mind into the curricula of the schools in India. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University, explored the continued relevance of the Dalai Lama's core spiritual teachings, particularly compassion, mindfulness, and ethical responsibility, especially relevant in today's complex and fast-changing world. He noted that the Dalai Lama had been a pioneering force in bridging science and spirituality, actively engaging with world-renowned scientists and help giving rise to the field of contemplative science, especially the study of compassion. 'His vision and calls to action have directly inspired impactful global programs like SEE Learning and CBCT, which integrate secular ethics and emotional well-being into education and society. Together, these contributions offer a timeless and practical framework, and vital tools, for cultivating empathy, resilience, and a sense of universal responsibility in the 21st century,' explained. Professor Ceon Ramon, Affiliate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, US, speaking on Quantum Physics, Neurosciences and Buddhism, explained these concepts with examples with the aim to demonstrate the similarities and differences between scientific theories and Buddhist philosophy. Another area of interaction is the combination of quantum and superluminal (faster than light) physics with Buddhist philosophy. He said that with this, one can explain the Buddhist concept of the luminous nature of the mind, which helps to describe the spontaneous transfer of information between two events that are separated in space. Associate Professor Edi Ramawijaya Putra, Sriwijaya State Buddhist College of Tangerang Banten, Indonesia, said the Dalai Lama was concerned about the lack of individual responsibility toward social and global welfare. This deliberately violates the ultimate goal of education itself. Therefore, learners must accentuate themselves that their presence in this world is not merely about individual purpose, but also for the benfits of other being, he explained. Educational stakeholders, including policy-makers worldwide, must start reimagining the curricula that provide more on 'educating the heart' not only 'education the mind'. More importantly, designing outcomes that equips learners' resilience as an equalizer of life through the voltailities, uncertainities, complexities and biases, Prof. Putra mentioned. Kate Saunders, Co-Founder of Turquoise Roof research network and Tibet Watch, London, UK, said Tibetan Buddhism was standing at a critical crossroads, the future will determine not only the preservation of Tibet's ancient spiritual traditions but also the continuity of its cultural identity under unprecedented Chinese control strategies. This presentation examined how China's systematic campaign to eliminate the Dalai Lama's influence extended far beyond Tibet's borders, employing what Beijing characterises as a 'protracted war' to control religious succession while simultaneously promoting 'unyielding Marxist atheism.' The analysis was based on new research revealing the international dimensions of China's reincarnation politics, demonstrating how Beijing's multi-dimensional approach threatens traditional Tibetan governance structures that uniquely interweave religious and political authority based on the belief that leaders are enlightened beings who choose reincarnation to serve humanity. 'At this pivotal moment of global instability, the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism represents more than cultural survival; it embodies a vital force offering practical guidance on compassionate education systems, ethical leadership, and sustainable resilience, providing alternative frameworks that humanity desperately needs to navigate an increasingly fractured world order where pluralism faces systematic assault from transnational authoritarian networks,' she concluded. A special message to IBC by Dalai Lama was read out by Most Venerable Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, the Guest of Honour at the event. At the event, the Special Guest was Most Ven. Phrarat Vajarasuttiwong Dhammalongkornvibhusit Arayawangso, of Thailand, the Keynote Speaker was Dalai Lama, the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche of Dehradun, India, and the concluding remarks were by Most Ven. Nicholas Vreeland of the USA. In a declaration at the end of a day-long conference in New Delhi on three pertinent subjects close to Dalai Lama's heart: The 'Relevance of Buddha Dharma in the 21st Century', the 'Future of Tibetan Buddhism and the Preservation of its Culture,' and 'Quantum Physics, Neurosciences and Buddhism,' more than 500 participants, both nationals and from around the world unanimously supported the public statement. The key message read that 'from the highlands of Tibet to the farthest corners of the world, the Dalai Lama's teachings had transcended borders and beliefs. Inspiring millions to walk the path of non-violence, harmony, and inner awakening as the revered manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, the Dalai Lama has upheld and revitalised the precious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, while also emerging as a global voice of conscience in contemporary times. It further stated that the Dalai Lama 'has consistently championed the preservation of rich Tibetan culture and religious freedom, guiding his people with unwavering resolve.' His recent statement announcing the continuation of his reincarnation, and only by Tibetan people without any foreign interference, is a testament to preserving its culture and heritage, as mentioned in the Declaration. (ANI)
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Bamiyan-style 80ft tall Buddha statue at Thai temple in Sarnath damaged in lightning strike
1 2 3 4 Varanasi: Some parts of the top of an 80-foot-tall Bamiyan-style Buddha statue, installed on the Thai temple campus in Sarnath in memory of the statue destroyed by Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001, were damaged in a lightning strike in the early hours of Sunday. The temple said it would ensure repair of the damaged statue in a month. Thai temple caretaker Bhikkhu Mangliko said on Sunday that lightning struck the statue of Lord Buddha at the Thai Buddhist Temple in Sarnath, causing some damage. The broken part was preserved and the sculptors who were called in assured that it would be repaired within a month, he added. The district witnessed massive lightning on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The region saw 67 mm of rainfall as recorded by the Indian Meteorological Department. Lightning struck the top part of the statue around 4:30 am and some parts of the statue fell to the ground. At the Thai Buddhist temple in Sarnath, built in 1933, the Buddha statue was sculpted in the style of the two giant Buddha statues in Afghanistan, carved on Bamiyan cliffs in the 1st century. Replica of the Bamiyan Buddha statue was constructed at the Thai temple between 2001 and 2011. The 80ft statue depicts Lord Buddha in a standing posture. Despite a lightning conductor installed behind it, the damages were caused.
India Gazette
9 hours ago
- India Gazette
J-K: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board dedicates 5 Temples to public in Reasi
Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 13 (ANI): In an initiative aimed at fostering spirituality and preserving cultural heritage, the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, during its 75th Meeting held under the chairmanship of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the dedication of five newly constructed temples to the public in the month of July along with the construction of five additional temples in District Reasi. According to a release, as part of this initiative, the Shrine Board has formally dedicated the five temples today at each location in distinct villages across the district, namely Gorta Kalika Sathaan, Village-Harotkote; Pancheri Galli, Village-Dangakote; Tote Devsthan, Village-Tote; Village-Devigarh of Tehsil Bhomag and Village-Chasana. Prior to the installation of the Holy Idols at the newly constructed temples, the Shrine Board organised a spiritually enriching three-day Hawan and Puja ceremony at the Spiritual Growth Centre (SGC), Katra. These rituals were conducted with deep reverence by the Shrine Pujaris under the guidance of Padma Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri for invoking divine blessings and sanctifying the proceedings in alignment with age-old Vedic traditions. Following these preparatory rites, the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremonies-rituals and Kanya Poojan were performed at the respective temple locations. Each ceremony marked the formal consecration of the temple and its deity, carried out by learned Pujaris of the Shrine Board in the presence of local community members and Shrine Board officials. During the dedication ceremony of the newly constructed temples, Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, stated that the Board has decided to entrust the management of these temples to the local communities after the sacred Pran Pratishtha rituals. He underscored that by handing over the responsibility for daily worship and routine maintenance to local residents, the Board aims to strengthen grassroots spiritual engagement in preserving cultural heritage while ensuring that the temples are maintained in a manner that reflects the community's devotional spirit and traditions. CEO also exhorted that the Shrine Board shall be installing CCTV cameras at each of the newly constructed temples as a vital measure to ensure the sanctity of the premises and support the effective management of temple activities. Notably, as part of the sacred Pran Pratishtha rituals, the Shrine Board upheld the tradition of offering communal blessings by distributing Halwa and Channa Prasad to all those present on the occasion at the respective locations. (ANI)
