In a profound display of spiritual camaraderie, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet‘s revered spiritual leader, has been presented with ancient Buddha relics, a gift symbolizing peace and compassion. The esteemed Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, expressed that the Dalai Lama‘s significant contributions to Buddhism make him the “most eligible recipient” for this sacred treasure, reports ANI.
The historic relics, which were once under the guardianship of the RajaGuru Sri Subuthi Waskaduwa Maha Viharaya in Sri Lanka, found their new home with His Holiness the Dalai Lama this Thursday. This gesture marks a significant moment in the relationship between the Buddhist communities of Sri Lanka and Tibet.
The relics, discovered during the British era in India through the Piprahwa excavations, hold immense spiritual importance to Buddhists globally. The Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero, in a statement shared by ANI, highlighted the Dalai Lama‘s embodiment of Buddha’s teachings through his life’s work, fostering a deep connection with these relics.
The initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Damenda Porage, the Founder President of the Sri Lanka-Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood, culminated in a six-year journey of meticulous planning and preparation. The revered Sri Lankan monk underscored the collective aspiration of the Sangha community in Sri Lanka to honor His Holiness the Dalai Lama‘s unparalleled service to Buddhism.
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According to ANI, the gift of relics to His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not just an act of homage but a symbol of the shared heritage and enduring values that unite the Buddhist world. The relics, dating back to the time of Lord Buddha and his Shakyan relatives in Kapilavastu, were originally entrusted to the Most Venerable Waskaduwe Sri Subhuthi Mahanayake Thero in 1898 by British official William Peppe.
This offering to His Holiness is celebrated as a fulfillment of a deeply held wish, bringing immense joy and a sense of accomplishment to all involved. The Most Venerable Mahanayake Thero’s statement, as reported by ANI, reflects the profound respect and admiration the Sri Lankan Buddhist community holds for the Dalai Lama’s tireless advocacy for peace, wisdom, and compassion across the globe.
The Sri Subhuthi Maha Viharaya in Waskaduwa, the temple that housed these relics, continues to be a site of spiritual significance, now linked ever more closely to the global Buddhist community through this gesture of goodwill.
The sharing of Buddha relics across nations and communities, such as the recent exposition in Thailand that drew millions, underscores the unifying power of these sacred artifacts, fostering a sense of collective faith and devotion across the Buddhist world.
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