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| Governor inaugurates Buddhist Deepa Centre | | Buddhist philosophy effective tool against extremism: Sinha | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Feb 23
Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said that the philosophy of Buddhism continues to be dear to most people of India and a source of inspiration to them, irrespective of their religion. The function was organized by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh, in collaboration with the Centre for Buddhist Studies, University of Jammu.
In his impromptu reaction to a reference made by a speaker during the inaugural ceremony of Mahabodhi Jammu Deepa Centre at the University of Jammu here this morning, the Governor though agreed that Buddhism did not now occupy the centre stage in India but to say that it got extinct would not be right as it continues to influence the Indian ethos.
General Sinha referred to the reverence and respect for Buddhism among Hindus, some of whom described Lord Buddha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He said that Buddhism continues to dominate in South Asia and Far East countries.
'Buddhism greatly influenced the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi who used of non-violence, brotherhood and love, the hall mark of Buddhist philosophy, and forged them into a weapon in his crusade colonialism in 20th century', the Governor said. The Buddhist philosophy used by the Mahatma against colonialism can be equally effective in the fight against extremism, terrorism and threat of nuclear weapons. He added that if the Mahatma was Buddha reborn, Jawaharlal Nehru was an Ashoka the Great reborn. Nehru may have been an agnostic but like Ashoka he adopted peace and amity as the corner stone of his foreign policy, he said.
General Sinha said that our great moral and spiritual heritage together with attainments in science and technology can lead India to become a super power. He hoped that setting up of Mahabodhi Deepa Centre in Jammu and other cities will serve as a beacon for present and future.
To an observation of Mr Rigzin Jora that religion in public life might have become a source of conflict between communities, the Governor observed that this has no doubt been so in the case of other religions but it is remarkable that Buddhists have never in history got involved in communal clashes. Even the destruction of Bamyan statues and more recently the Budha statues in Swat did not evoke any violent reaction from Buddhists, he maintained.
General Sinha wished the conference a success and hoped that the Buddhist Centre in Jammu will help disseminate the message of peace, love and non-violence, which still is very relevant when humanity is shrouded under the dark clouds of hatred, intolerance and violence.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Mr Rixin Jora, while highlighting the philosophy of Buddha, said that religion should have no role in public affairs. 'Use of religion in public domain turns to be cause of dissent, he said, adding that it should be a private affair to attain the bliss of satisfaction and purity in life.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Amitab Mattoo complimented Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh for launching the first ever Deepa Centre in Jammu and hoped that it will emerge as a vibrant destination for meditation. He said a Buddhist Study Centre has been set up in the University of Jammu about two decades ago and it was ready to play a collaborator role in promoting the philosophy of Buddha and his teachings.
Professor Mattoo regretted that the number of students from Ladakh and abroad in the Centre of Buddha Studies had dwindled over the years which needed to be addressed urgently. He said Jammu has been a destination of Buddha studies in the past and every effort would be made to promote it. He said a museum has been set up in the name of noted Buddhist philosopher, Rinchan Zangpo.
Ven Sanghasena, President, Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh, Ven Gao-Sang and Ven Fa-Ju from Taiwan and Ms Kwanne Chu from Japan were among those who spoke on the occasion. Prof Baidya Nath Labh, Head of Buddhist Studies, University of Jammu presented welcome address while Dr Smanla T Phunstog presented vote of thanks.Prominent at the function were T Samphel, Member, National Commission for STs and Lama Zodpa, Member, National Minority Commission and it was anchored by Dr Kavita Suri. |
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