In the presence of the Dalai Lama, union minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday laid the cornerstone of the Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan & Indian Ancient Wisdom in Bodh Gaya. According to Rijiju, the organization will act as a hub for research and teaching. It will also promote other initiatives to further the study of traditional Indian knowledge and philosophy on a global scale.
Rijiju met the Dalai Lama at Bodh Gaya earlier today. Along with him were senior BJP figures Sushil Kumar Modi and Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. The Tibetan leader gave Buddhist teachings for three days at Gaya.
“Ancient knowledge is a precious part of the heritage of India and Tibet. Not many countries have such knowledge traditions,” Sahasrabuddhe said in a tweet.
“Was privileged to join foundation stone laying of The Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan & Indian Ancient Wisdom.. at the hands of HH the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya today!”
The Dalai Lama noted the "increasing interest in Buddhism" in China. He noted that the religion and its adherents had been subjected to years of "suppression and tyranny."
Addressing devotees in Bodh Gaya, the Dalai Lama said, "the Buddhist tradition of Tibet has gained lots of attention from people in the West. In the past, Buddhism was known to be an Asian religion. But today its philosophy and concepts have spread throughout the world. Many scientists are taking interest in this tradition".
"So, this is not only for Tibet…..but even China. It has a direct bearing on China as well. It is because China has been a Buddhist country. But there was so much suppression and oppression of Buddhism and Buddhists in China", said the Tibetan leader. The Dalai Lama had to flee his homeland in 1959, a decade after Mao Zedong’s communist revolution.
"So, there could be much change happening in China and the world. I have always remained optimistic about the possibility of a better world", he added.
"Tibet, which is also called the land of snows, has undergone many tragedies. But it has come as a blessing in disguise. People around the world have now become aware of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition", said the Dalai Lama.
