The spiritual head of Sikkhim monastery said that Buddhist scholars from India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan and other Buddhist countries should undertake research on Buddhist principles of different sects to incorporate common values in a uniform doctrine acceptable to all.
“It will benefit the people all over the world who seek answers, clarifications and solutions,” he said. His Holiness said that germinating of positive and good motivation leads to ultimate bliss and enlightened that the teachings of Buddha Sakyamuni is as relevant today as it was initially preached by the Sakyamuni about 2500 years ago in India.
Minister Counsellor of Sri Lanka High Commission, Sugeeswara Senadhira, who was the gust of honour, emphasizing the special significance of Poson to Sri Lankan said that it was on this day 2350 years ago Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka by the Arahat Mahinda, son of the Emperor Ashoka. “Buddhism is the guiding light in Sri Lankan society, and has influenced the country’s history, culture, literature, and social values.
Buddhism has taught us to move forward in our lives on the path of kindness, tolerance, humanity, equality and harmony,” he said.
“As a Buddhist I feel privileged today to pay my obeisance to most sacred Buddha relics recovered during excavations at Kapilavastu, the kingdom of Sakyas,” Minister Counsellor Senadhira said. He added that the Government of India has acceded to a request made by President Rajapaksa to loan the sacred Kapilavastu relics to Sri Lanka for exposition during the 2600th Sambuddhathva Year which ends in the month of Vesak in 2012.
Ven Yapo Sonam Yongda of Assembly of Sikkhimese Monasteries thanked the Sri Lankan Government for honouring Ven Sikkhim Mahinda Thero, popularly known in Sri Lanka as Ven S Mahinda of Tibet, by naming a road in Colombo and put up a statute of this monk, who made a valuable contribution to the freedom struggle of Sri Lanka.
Ven Bante Sumedha of Pondichery Buddhist Society, Ven Badant Sadhananda of All India Buddhist Sangh and Dr Ravinder Singh of Buddhist Cultural Foundation also addressed the gathering. Buddha Pooja was conducted at the Buddhist Section of the Museum where the Kapilavastu Buddha relics are kept for veneration.