INTERNATINAL BUDDHIST CONFERENCE :
ART & CULTURE
NEWS : International Buddhist
Confederation to organize a Two-day Conference at Nalanda, Bihar on the Life
and Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?
International Buddhist Conference on
Guru Padmasambhava
Event
Overview:
- Date & Location:
August 28-29, 2024, Nalanda, Bihar.
- Organizers: International Buddhist
Confederation in collaboration with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara.
- Purpose: To explore the life,
teachings, cultural impact, and contemporary relevance of Guru
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.
Dignitaries:
- Chief Guest: Shri Rajendra Vishwanath
Arlekar, Governor of Bihar.
- Guests of Honour:
- Most Ven. Khenpo Chimed, Vice Chairman,
Lumbini Development Trust, Nepal.
- Most Ven. Khenpo Ugyen Namgyel,
Secretary/Chief Monk, Royal Bhutan Temple, Bhutan.
Focus and
Themes:
- Biographical Insights and Mythology:
Exploration of Guru Padmasambhava’s life and legends.
- Teachings of Vajrayana Buddha Dhamma:
Discussion on Vajrayana teachings and Tantric practices.
- Cultural and Artistic Contributions:
Examination of his influence on art, music, dance, and folklore.
- Travels and Regional Impact:
Analysis of his travels and their effects on various regions.
- Legacy and Contemporary Relevance:
Evaluation of his lasting impact and relevance today.
Objectives:
- Celebrate Guru Padmasambhava’s legacy through
manuscripts, relics, paintings, and monuments.
- Gain insights into his adaptation of teachings
to local cultures and traditions, enhancing the assimilation of Buddha
Dhamma.
About
Guru Padmasambhava:
- Highly revered in Tibetan Buddhism, often
regarded as the "Second
Buddha."
- Name "Padmasambhava" (also
known as Guru Rinpoche) means
"Lotus-Born,"
signifying his miraculous birth.
- Introduced Vajrayana Buddhism, focusing on esoteric practices like
mantras, mudras, and visualizations.
- Foundational figure in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism,
known for secret tantric teachings.
- Concealed spiritual treasures (termas) for
future generations, to be discovered by tertöns.
- Celebrated in numerous texts, and frequently
depicted in religious art throughout the Himalayan region.
- Guru Rinpoche’s Day is observed on the 10th
day of the lunar month, honoring his teachings.
Source : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049093