On Thursday on a momentous occasion at Mecleodganj in Dharamsala, HP, a long-cherished dream of a group of Sri Lankan Buddhists, spearheaded by the Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero, the head of Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanodaya Maha Nikaya, and orchestrated by Dr. Damenda Porage, the Founder President of the Sri Lanka-Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood in Sri Lanka, came to fruition. The group, which included monks and lay supporters, embarked on a significant journey to Dharamsala with the noble intention of presenting relics of the Buddha to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
As they made their way to the Main Tibetan Temple, monks ahead of the procession scattered flower petals in a symbolic gesture of reverence and celebration. The Dalai Lama greeted them at the entrance of his residence, marking a significant moment of cultural and spiritual exchange.
The relics, precious fragments of the Buddha’s bones and teeth, hold immense historical and religious significance, tracing back to the time immediately following the Buddha’s cremation. These relics, once enshrined by the Buddha’s Shakyan relatives in Kapilavastu, were unearthed during excavations at Piprahwa, which is identified with Kapilavastu. In a profound gesture of faith and respect, these relics were presented to His Holiness, symbolizing a bridge of spiritual connection and mutual reverence between the Sri Lankan Buddhists and the Tibetan spiritual leader.
The delegation’s arrival was met with enthusiasm and respect by the local Tibetan community, many of whom gathered along the route to His Holiness’s residence, offering silk scarves, flowers, and incense as tokens of reverence and welcome. This event not only highlighted the deep spiritual ties between these two Buddhist communities but also showcased the Dalai Lama’s role as a global spiritual leader who transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
During the meeting with the Sri Lankan delegation, the Dalai Lama and the Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero engaged in meaningful dialogue, reflecting on the Buddha’s teachings of loving-kindness, compassion, and the significance of peace in the modern world. His Holiness emphasized the importance of a scientific approach to Buddhism, which has garnered interest from the global scientific community for its insights into human psychology and ethics.
This historic event was not only a testament to the enduring legacy of the Buddha’s teachings but also a reflection of the shared commitment to peace, compassion, and understanding across Buddhist traditions. As the relics were offered to the Dalai Lama, they symbolized a profound gesture of respect and a shared aspiration for a world guided by the principles of kindness and universal brotherhood.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
