New Delhi/Jalandhar, July 21, 2013: Teachings of Buddha are very much relevant even today and can promote world peace.
This was stated by the Member of Minorities Commission Namgyal Shanu, at a function in New Delhi today. The function was organised in the National Museum at Janpath, New Delhi on the eve of Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Day by the society of Friends In Dhamma and National Museum. This day is celebrated on Aashadh Purnima. On this day Lord Buddha had given his first sermon to monks at Sarnath in Varanasi. Later, Emperor Ashoka erected a Lion Capital at this place and after independence, India adapted Lion Capital at Sarnath as its national emblem.
Condemning the recent bomb blasts at Baudh Gaya Mandir some days back, Shanu said that there should be fool proof security arrangements for the Mandir and its management should be entrusted to Baudh Societies. Minorities Commission will talk to Central Government and Bihar government in this connection, he said. He also emphasised that Pali language should not be removed from the Civil Services exams conducted by UPSC.
The Chairman of Buddhist Society of India Professor P.G. Jyotikar, Director of Dharmawar Buddhist Monk Training Institute, Pondichery, Bhante Sumedho and other Buddhist scholars said that the country can progress by following the teachings of Lord Buddha. They also said that the incidents like the blasts in Dant Mandir in Sri Lanka and in Baudh Gaya Mandir are a blot on humanity.
On this occasion, prayer was held for world peace.