Buddhavanam, the 274-acre Buddhist heritage theme park under construction on the left bank of river Krishna here, is the right place for revival of Buddhism in Telangana.
As in the past, the region should once again become a centre for Buddhist teachings, and to bring about a social transformation, speakers present here for the 2,563rd Buddha Jayanthi celebrations on Saturday said.
“Like Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila which have been centres of transformation, and not degree-issuing institutions, this place should also start Buddhist education to cultivate minds,” Mahesh Ashok Deokar of Savitribai Phule Pune University said.
The principles of modern democracy — liberty, equality and fraternity — enshrined in the Constitution of India, also were rightly from Drafting Committee Chairman B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of Buddhism, he added.
Besides monks from India, Member of Parliament from Sri Lanka Athuraliye Rathana Thero and Geshe Prema Dorjee from Tibet House, New Delhi, scholars and followers paid tributes at the Buddha Pada in the Buddhacharitha Vanam.
Minister for Tourism and Culture and Archaeology V. Srinivas Goud unfurled the multi-coloured Panchasheel Buddhist stoles for members present.
Protector of Buddhism
Sharing experiences from his country, Mr. Rathana Thero took pride in saying that Sri Lanka has been the protector of Buddhism in South Asia, whether through practice of religion, tourism or through education and research. And for the world in turmoil, ‘socially engaged Buddhism’ can build better societies, he said.
“Buddhism is about simple and community-based lifestyle. I suggest four things that can make Telangana number one: better agriculture practice, harvesting solar power, preserving forests and encouraging cooperative systems,” he said.
Mr. Prema Dorjee said the essence of Buddhism can be encapsulated in two sentences: “Do not harm anyone, directly or indirectly. And if possible, as an add on, help others as much as possible.”
Special Officer Buddhavanam Project Mallepalli Lakshmaiah, who guided the event, peppered the programme with accounts of Buddhism in Telangana — its influence, spread, past neglect and steps for revival.
