FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR UNIFYING THE BUDDHIST WORLD BEGINS….
Translated to English by Devindi Manatunga.
It is common knowledge that the spiritual world acclaims Buddhist philosophy and the ‘Sambuddha Sasana’. Over time, the ‘Sambuddha Sasana’ evolved through various genres, classifications, Nikayas, sects, and parties. At present, bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, as well as the lay community, represents these traditions, cultures, and schools that came from the same word of the Buddha. Emphasizing this fact, the ‘Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Program’, which is to be started in the coming December at Bodh Gaya, India, can be appreciated as a highly organized five-year program created according to a far-sighted plan to represent Buddhist monks from all over the world.
According to the fundamental concept of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the most compassionate supreme leader of the spiritual world, through this noble program, the fundamental sects of Theravada and Mahayana, as well as all the other institutions which hold the same Buddhist teachings, traditions, and cultures of the ‘Buddha Sasana’ are united here under one objective. This five-year organizational effort is to be marked by the arrival of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is the pinnacle of the spiritual world on the 27th of December at the WAT-PA Thai temple in Bodhgaya. Another peculiarity of this historic event is that the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony will be the Most Ven Dr. Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Thero, Mahanayake of Asgiriya Chapter of Siyam Maha Nikaya, representing the Sri Lankan Maha Sangha together with the Most Ven. Dr. Niyandagoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thero of Malwatta Chapter, Siyam Maha Nikaya, Most ven. Agga Maha Panditha Makulewe Wimala Mahanayake Thero of Ramagna Maha Nikaya, Most Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya and a group of prominent prelates will also join to bless this program in India.
While Bhikkhus from India, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Tibet will impend for the inauguration of this program, a delegation of 18 Sri Lankan monks will be participating representing the Sri Lankan Maha Sangha. The main objectives of this program are, to promote unity and corporation among the young bhikkhus, to create an understanding about different traditions, schools, and institutions, and to quantify the future effectiveness of the Bhikkhus in conflict resolution and peace. Meanwhile, various spiritual leaders and religious leaders have already agreed to give their generous contribution to this program.
Especially, this program will be carried on for over a period of 25 days in connection with Bodh Gaya and Karnataka, India, will also be continued in different Buddhist states around the world for another four years. Many world-renowned organizations such as the International Buddhist Confederation Tibetan Buddhist Center, Singapore and Malaysia, Thai Bharat Association, and the Garden Tri-Tuk-Khang have given their irresistible commitment and contribution to this. It should also be remembered that the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood is also engaged in a special role in incorporating the Sri Lankan Maha Sangha with this program and keeping Sri Lanka in the partnership of this timely long-term program.
Also, it is appropriate to appreciate the intervention and contribution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other allies, in this timely and very valuable act to create new awareness, inspiration, close brotherhood, and religious understanding in the world Buddhist community. The Buddha Dharma which was born in India spread through various sects, traditions, and cultures. Buddhism and Buddhist teachings are a great prospect in the process of bringing the World community of Buddhist monks together with the supreme guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The fact that great and historic need for a revival is ensuing like this is extremely promising for the future.
Alongside the beginning of this Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Program, in 2023, another specialty will be added up to Sri Lankan Buddhist History. The construction of the World’s first-ever Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Center is currently going on in Sri Lanka and the work is about to conclude. It will also be open to the world community from 2023. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who gives his blessings and advice for all these operations, is also expected to remain active with this operation for the entire five years, and it is our duty to wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama a long life to see the success of this International Bhikkhu Exchange Program in the future.
The end result of all these efforts is Nirvana. Therefore, it is my wish that all beings will not be far away from the aspiration of attaining nirvana….!
Original article by Akash Tharuka Perera
Published on November 2022 Issue of © Satipatthana Magazine
