Relics of Buddha Presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Sri Lankan Delegation

The Buddhist Channel, 8 April 2024

Dharamsala, HP (India) -- On 4 April 2024, a longstanding aspiration of a group of Sri Lankan Buddhists was realized as relics of the Buddha were presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero, head of Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanodaya Maha Nikaya. The delegation, led by Dr. Damenda Porage, Founder President of the Sri Lanka-Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood, journeyed to Dharamsala for the auspicious occasion.

The relics, consisting of fragments of bones and teeth, trace back to the time following the Buddha's passing, where they were divided among eight kingdoms and enshrined in stupas across various locations. Notably, relics discovered at Piprahwa in 1898 were entrusted to the erudite Sri Lankan monk, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Sri Subhuthi Mahanayake Thera, who later brought them to Sri Lanka.

The arrival of the Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe and his entourage at Kangra airport was marked by a warm welcome from Tibetans, who lined the roads from the town of Dharamsala to McLeod Ganj, bearing silk scarves, flowers, and incense as tokens of respect. The atmosphere was festive, with traditional music and dance performances by artistes from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.

Upon reaching His Holiness's residence, monks from Namgyal Monastery performed a formal welcome ceremony, escorting the relics with reverence and adorning the path with flower petals. His Holiness greeted the delegation outside his residence, expressing his gratitude for the offering and emphasizing the universal values of compassion and peace advocated by Buddhism.

During the ensuing discussions, His Holiness highlighted the growing global interest in Buddhist teachings, particularly among scientists drawn to its rational approach. He underscored the importance of promoting secular ethics and universal values, with an emphasis on compassion as a means to foster peace in the world.

In a gesture of reciprocity, His Holiness presented statues of the Buddha and Dharmachakra to Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe and other members of the Sri Lankan delegation, symbolizing the shared commitment to spreading the teachings of Buddhism.

The meeting concluded with personal exchanges of respect and appreciation, commemorating a historic moment that signifies the enduring bond between Sri Lankan and Tibetan Buddhist communities. Photographs captured the significance of the occasion, marking a milestone in the spiritual journey shared by these two ancient traditions.