Saturday 31 August 2024

Guru Padmasambhava - International Conference At Nalanda

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara organized a two-day International Conference, "Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava."

This conference was held on 28th and 29th August 2024 at Nalanda, Bihar. 
The Governor of Bihar, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Most Ven. Khenpo Chimed, Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, Nepal, and Most Ven. Khenpo Ugyen Namgyel, Secretary/Chief Monk of the Royal Bhutan Temple, Central Monastic Body, Bhutan, were the Guests of Honour at the conference.
           

Delegates from many nations, viz Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Russia, etc., attended.

Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is honoured and followed as "The Second Buddha." Guru Padmasambhava's birthplace is Sambalpur, Odisha, India, but most people wrongly believe it to be the Swat Valley in Pakistan.

He was a most revered Buddhist Guru who lived in ancient India in the eighth century. The Emperor of Tibet invited him and he set up the first monastery there. He spread Buddha's teachings across the Himalayan belt. 

The conference's distinguished speakers discussed Guru Rinpoche's life and teachings, his travels across the Himalayas, and his relevance in the present. Guru Padmasambhava represents culture—Yogic and Tantric practices, meditation, art, music, dance, magic, folklore, and religious teachings. The conference highlighted his glorious legacy. Speakers' presentations included information from manuscripts, relics, paintings, and monuments.

Key themes of the Conference included:

1. Biographical Insights and Mythology

2. Teachings of Vajrayana Buddha Dhamma and the Tantras

3. Cultural and Artistic Contributions

4. Travels and Regional Impact

5. Legacy and Contemporary Relevance

Understanding the particularities of a place and the people's sensibilities, Guru Padmasambhava molded his teachings according to the local geographical areas, thereby creating deep connections. The conference explored his life and times, aiming to gain insights into his approach to handling diverse cultures and religious traditions, using local symbols and rituals to transmit Lord Buddha's message. It is interesting to note the belief that his hidden teachings will emerge at the appropriate time from the various places where Guru Padmasambhava has kept them hidden.


Guru Padmasambhava was born in Sambalpur, Odisha, India.

But, many presentations at the conference focused on the Swat Valley, Pakistan.

In his book "Uddiyana Guru Padmasambhava : The Second Buddha", researcher and author Sri Prabir Kumar Pattanaik has shared many references regarding Odisha, India.

https://www.amazon.in/UDDIYANA-GURU-PADMASAMBHAVA-SECOND-BUDDHA/dp/8119348702

Care needs to be taken to establish Odisha, India, as Guru Padmasambhava's actual place of birth.

Some news links-

Press Release by the Ministry of Culture- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049093

The Times of India- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/international-conference-on-guru-padmasambhava-at-nalanda/articleshow/112879488.cms

Many Odia media published about the International Conference about ଗୁରୁ ପଦ୍ମସମ୍ଭବ and about author Sri Prabir Kumar Pattanaik's presentation-

The Sakala- https://thesakala.in/buddha-guru-padmasambhava-was-born-in-odisha/

Odisha Sambad- https://odishasambad.in/prabir-pattnaik-made-a-strong-argument-in-nalanda-that-guru-padma-sambhav-from-odisha/

The Samaja- https://samajalive.in/padmasambhav-from-odisha/592476.html








Thanks to Prof Dr Ravindra Panth, it was great to have the opportunity to attend this conference. 

More such events can dispel wrong notions and share great awareness and action.




Have you heard of Guru Padmasambhava before? Please share in the comments below.

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