Historic Spiritual Ties Strengthened: Asgiriya Mahanayake Thero Commends Indo-Lanka Relic Exposition

KANDY – In a significant gesture of spiritual diplomacy, the Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya granted a special audience to a high-level monastic delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) at the Asgiriya Mahaviharaya recently.

The delegation, led by the Most Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche and joined by eight senior Sangha members, including Most Venerable Dr Badanth Rahul Maha Theros, Vice Chancellor Prof Ven Wangchuk Dorji Negi, Ven Dr Anand Bhante, Ven Prof Dhammajyothi, engaged in extensive discussions regarding the preservation of the Buddha Dhamma in the contemporary era.

A Modern-Day Ashokan Milestone

During the exchange, the Mahanayake Thero expressed profound gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating the arrival of the sacred Devni Mori holy relics in Sri Lanka.

Drawing a poignant historical parallel, His Eminence remarked that just as Emperor Ashoka dispatched Arahat Mahinda Thera and Arahant Sanghamitta Mahatheri with the sacred Bodhi sapling over two millennia ago, the current exposition of the Devni Mori relics under PM Modi’s initiative marks a similar milestone of spiritual significance in the 21st century.

National Devotion and Blessings

The Mahanayake Thero noted with joy the immense devotion shown by the Sri Lankan public. He extended his appreciation to both Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for their collaborative efforts in making this historic exposition a reality.

In a concluding gesture of goodwill, the Most Venerable Mahanayake Thero invoked blessings upon the leadership and the peoples of both nations, praying for continued peace, harmony, and prosperity.

Engagement with Malwatte Chapter

Following the audience at Asgiriya, the IBC delegation paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The delegation also held discussions with the Anunayake Theros of the Malwatte Chapter, the Most Venerable Dr. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma and the Most Venerable Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri. These talks focused on the challenges of maintaining the purity of the Dhamma and fostering monastic cooperation across borders.

© Satipatthana