Events Archives - Indo-Buddhist Heritage Forum

India’s Enduring Commitment to Promote Buddhism Globally: Insights from Ambassador Pavan Kapoor’s Address

On August 18, 2023, the Indian Ambassador to Russia, Pavan Kapoor, delivered an inspiring address underscoring India’s unwavering dedication to upholding and spreading the principles of Buddhism across the world. Kapoor’s remarks were made in the presence of Pandito Khambo Lama, the senior lama of a Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and Russia, during the International Buddhist Forum held in Buryatia. This significant event brought together dignitaries, scholars, and practitioners to celebrate and explore the profound spiritual connections between India and Russia. Highlighting the Rich Spiritual Ties Ambassador Kapoor emphasized the ancient spiritual ties between India and Russia that stretch back millennia in his address. Kapoor’s statement resonated deeply with the attendees as he acknowledged the shared heritage and cultural affinities fostered by these spiritual connections. This profound bond has woven Buddhism into the fabric of both nations’ cultural identities. Shared Spiritual Heritage Kapoor’s Twitter update captured the essence of his address, stating, “Spoke about the spiritual roots of Buddhism and the shared heritage this provides among countries, including Russia. Also mentioned are GOI (Government of India) initiatives to promote Buddhism.” This acknowledgement underlined the importance of Buddhism in Russia, where it is one of the four officially recognized religions. The echoes of Buddhism reverberate throughout Russia, particularly in regions like Buryatia, Tuva, and Kalmykia, where approximately 1.5 million Buddhists reside. Buddhism’s Universal Values Kapoor’s words echoed the profound teachings of Buddhism, emphasizing compassion, wisdom, peace, and harmony. He highlighted how Buddhism has been an integral part of Indian society for centuries and continues to be a beacon of these principles globally. Kapoor recognized the enduring power of spirituality in bridging geographical and cultural gaps, cementing the Indo-Himalayan and Russian Buddhist traditions as living testaments to this transcendent potential. India’s Initiatives Ambassador Kapoor took pride in sharing India’s substantial efforts in nurturing the spirit of Buddhism. He highlighted the establishment of the ‘Buddhist Tourism Circuit,’ linking significant pilgrimage sites associated with Buddha’s life. Additionally, Kapoor unveiled an ambitious project in Lumbini, Nepal, where the foundation stone for the ‘India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage’ was laid in collaboration with the Nepalese government. This initiative reflects the deep commitment to preserving and propagating the legacy of Buddhism. A Shared Path Forward Kapoor’s address concluded with a call to action, urging attendees to draw inspiration from the shared heritage of Indo-Himalayan and Russian Buddhism. He encouraged them to utilize the wisdom embedded in this legacy to navigate contemporary challenges. Kapoor’s sentiment underscored the timeless relevance of these teachings, symbolizing the unity and enduring connection that transcend borders. Beyond the podium, Ambassador Kapoor engaged in discussions with Aleksey Tsedenov, the head of Buryatia, encompassing potential collaborations in culture, tourism, and the economy. Expressing his gratitude for organising the International Buddhist Forum, Kapoor’s interactions emphasized the potential for India and Russia to cultivate multifaceted partnerships inspired by their spiritual heritage. In a world seeking harmony and understanding, Ambassador Kapoor’s address served as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the universal values embedded in Buddhism and the transformative power they hold in shaping societies and fostering global unity. Source:https://organiser.org/2023/08/19/190812/world/india-upholds-promotes-principles-of-buddhism-globally-ambassador-to-russia-pavan-kapoor/

The Significant Visit of Venerable Ling Rinpoche to Russia: Strengthening Global Harmony through Buddhist Teachings

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The recent visit of His Eminence Ling Rinpoche to Russia on 22nd July 2023, holds immense significance for Buddhist communities both locally and globally. At the invitation of Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheev of Buryatia, Venerable Ling Rinpoche embarked on a short pastoral journey filled with spiritual blessings and teachings. The warm welcome from representatives of the Traditional Sangha of Russia, the monastic community, and believers in Buryatia added to the auspiciousness of the visit. The visit of such an esteemed spiritual leader to Russia is an invaluable opportunity for believers to receive blessings, teachings, and guidance on the Buddhist path. It also strengthens the ties between the Buddhist communities of India and Russia, fostering peace, friendship, and mutual understanding. The interactions during the visit, including the consecration ritual at the Aginsky datsan and discussions with lamas and believers, further deepen the spiritual bond between the regions. As a sign of respect and friendship, Ling Rinpoche presented the Aginsky datsan with commemorative tablets with signatures to the statue of Bakula Rinpoche and 108 volumes of the sacred Ganjur (Kangyur). This gesture of goodwill symbolized his wishes for the datsan’s prosperity and well-being for the benefit of all living beings. During his visit to the datsan, Rinpoche expressed surprise and admiration at the grandeur of the large statue of Buddha Maidari (Maitreya). During his stay, Venerable Ling Rinpoche performed the consecration ritual of the statue of Bakula Rinpoche and paid respect to the protector deities of the Aginsky datsan in Tsogchen dugan. He also engaged in meaningful conversations with lamas and believers, bestowing blessings and presenting protective amulets to all who came to pay their respects to him. “This interaction between the Buddhist communities of India and Russia is part of Ling Rinpoche’s big mission to strengthen peace, friendship, and mutual understanding. May all living beings be in peace and harmony,” said Badma Tsybikov, Shireete Lama of the Aginsky datsan, emphasizing the profound significance of the visit. Venerable Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a major international Buddhist political figure in India, played a crucial role in the revival of Buddhism in Russia and Mongolia as a diplomat. His legacy continues to inspire, and his contributions have been commemorated through the visit of Venerable Ling Rinpoche, reinforcing the connection between the two nations and their shared pursuit of peace, harmony, and spiritual growth. Amidst his spiritual leadership in the past, Venerable Ling Rinpoche has actively engaged in international events dedicated to preserving Buddhist traditions and fostering dialogues on relevant contemporary topics. His presence at events like the International Conference on Vinaya and World Peace Puja in Bodhgaya, India, and the conference on the relevance of Buddhism in the 21st Century in Rajgir, India, organized by the Indian Government Ministry of Culture and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, has been instrumental in promoting Buddhist teachings and values globally. Furthermore, since 2004, Ling Rinpoche has participated in the Mind and Life Institute dialogues held in India, where he has joined the His Holiness Dalai Lama in engaging with scientists on various subjects, including physics, neuroplasticity, and the exploration of destructive emotions. These dialogues have facilitated a harmonious exchange of knowledge and wisdom between Buddhism and scientific disciplines, fostering a greater understanding of the human mind and its potential for inner transformation. As an active participant in these international events and visits, Venerable Ling Rinpoche’s contributions transcend geographical boundaries, reinforcing the universality of Buddhist principles and their relevance in addressing the challenges of the modern world. His commitment to promoting peace, harmony, and mutual understanding is a testament to the enduring impact of Buddhism on the global stage and his recent visit to Russia is a testimony to it and thus is significant.

Indo Buddhist Heritage Event in Srilanka

Indo-Buddhist Heritage showcased at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Srilanka

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In a magnificent celebration of the Indo-Buddhist heritage, the High Commission of India, Colombo, orchestrated an awe-inspiring exhibition that enthralled attendees during the sacred Esala Poya Day at the esteemed Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. This extraordinary event coincided with the auspicious Indian festival of Guru Purnima, a time-honored occasion that reveres the guru or spiritual mentor who bestows wisdom, guidance, and enlightenment upon seekers of truth. Remarkably, it was on this very Poya day that The Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon at the sacred site of Sarnath in India. Within the exhibition’s enchanting halls, a tapestry of evocative photographs adorned the walls, vividly portraying pivotal moments from The Buddha’s extraordinary life and showcasing some of India’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. These captivating images served as gateways to the past, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the profound teachings and remarkable history of Buddhism. Furthermore, the exhibition unveiled age-old sculptures and intricately carved artifacts that have withstood the test of time, bearing witness to the enduring legacy of India’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage. Leading luminaries, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera and High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay, graced the exhibition with their presence, embarking on a mesmerizing journey through its captivating displays. Their discerning eyes and profound appreciation for the profound wisdom encapsulated in the exhibited works added an air of distinction to the event. This enthralling showcase of India’s Buddhist heritage is one in a series of extraordinary exhibitions organized by the High Commission, each one dedicated to illuminating the magnificence and timelessness of this profound tradition. Notable exhibitions commemorating Vesak and Poson Poya were hosted earlier this year, enchanting visitors with their ethereal beauty and profound spiritual significance. Seema Malakaya and Homagama Poson Zone bore witness to these awe-inspiring displays, encapsulating the essence of India’s venerable Buddhist legacy. The Indo-Buddhist Heritage Forum continues to serve as a beacon, drawing individuals from all walks of life to revel in the resplendence of India’s ancient spiritual tapestry. With each exhibition, a profound connection is forged, inspiring a deep appreciation for the teachings of The Buddha and the enduring legacy of India’s sacred heritage.