By Arun Kumar Das
LEH, May 1: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ladakh is not just a geographical region but a “living laboratory” of Buddhist culture and compassion.
While inaugurating the exposition of the relics of Lord Buddha in Leh, Shah said the arrival of the sacred relics will inspire followers of Buddhism as well as other faiths.
Shah said that, much like in the life of Lord Buddha, it is rare for anyone to experience their birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana all occurring on the very same day; for this reason, today is a highly auspicious and inspiring day for all of us.
Shah said that the presence of these sacred relics in Ladakh is a reminder that India’s civilization has been giving the message of peace and coexistence for thousands of years.
He said that in places full of diversity like Ladakh and Kargil, this message becomes even more relevant.
“This heritage still tells us that amidst conflict and unrest, the path of peace and compassion alone can provide solutions,” he said.
Union Home Minister said that for centuries, Buddhism reached Ladakh in different ways and at different times, flourished here, and later spread beyond Ladakh.
He said that Ladakh was an ancient center of Kashmir’s Buddhist studies, Mahayana philosophy, and Buddhist art, and from there Ladakh first received contact, association, and spiritual engagement with Buddhism.
The envoys of Emperor Ashoka laid the foundation of Buddhist influence in Ladakh.
He highlighted that India’s civilisation has long promoted the message of peace and that knowledge and cultural traditions have been preserved in the region for centuries.
“In a way, the significance of today’s Buddha Purnima has increased greatly. After 75 years, these sacred relics have arrived in Ladakh. When these relics came here 75 years ago, very few people were able to have their sacred viewing, experience their spiritual energy, or receive the message of Lord Buddha,” he said.
Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. (BVI)
