Lumbini, Nepal – The Faculty of Buddhist Studies celebrated the 10th International Yoga Day on June 21, 2024, with a series of insightful speeches emphasizing the profound connection between yoga and Buddhism.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Manik Ratna Sakya, who delivered an opening speech that highlighted yoga as a transformative practice that purifies both mind and body. Dr. Manik Ratna Sakya underscored “the deep meaning of yoga, explaining its role in the combination of microcosm and macrocosm“. He expressed the necessity to explore yoga from a Buddhist perspective, noting the absence of this viewpoint in a recent International Yoga Day webinar. Dr. Manik Ratna Sakya announced the organization of a special talk program dedicated to this objective, inviting Professor Dr. Mahesh Deokar from Pune University to deliver a keynote lecture.
Professor Dr. Mahesh Deokar, head of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies at Pune University, provided an extensive lecture on the Buddhist perspective of yoga. Addressing the audience, including the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, the Registrar, and distinguished deans, Dr. Deokar articulated the interdisciplinary nature of yoga as it integrates the mind, body, and wisdom.
Dr. Deokar elucidated the multifaceted interpretations of yoga across various traditions, from physical postures and breath control to meditation and moral discipline. “He emphasized that yoga in Buddhism is a comprehensive system encompassing moral conduct (Sheela), mental cultivation (Samadhi), and wisdom (Prajna). He discussed the Satipatthana Sutta and Visuddhimagga, which provide foundational texts for understanding Buddhist yoga practices”.
Highlighting the significant overlap between Buddhist practices and other yoga traditions, Dr. Deokar called for a broader recognition of Buddhist yoga as a full-fledged system. He praised the collaborative efforts between Lumbini Buddhist University and Pune University, expressing hope for formalizing their partnership.
The event concluded with a shared aspiration to disseminate the understanding of Buddhist yoga worldwide, underscoring its relevance in today’s context.
This celebration of International Yoga Day not only honored the ancient practice but also bridged the gap between different philosophical interpretations, fostering a deeper appreciation of yoga’s universal principles.
Prof. Mahesh Deokar Donates Valuable Publications to University Library
In a notable event, Prof. Mahesh Deokar, accompanied by his wife, presented a significant collection of publications to the university library. The Vice Chancellor was invited to receive these contributions, which include three distinct sets of works:
- Departmental Publications: A compilation of general publications from Prof. Deokar’s department, including collaborative works with the National Institute.
- Dictionary Project: The “Dictionary of Buddhist Terms in Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Chinese,” an ongoing project with seven published fascicles, offering a comprehensive resource for students of comparative studies.
- Pune Indological Series: This series features diverse works related to Indology, including Haribhatta’s “Jataka Mahala” and a Sanskrit translation of a Spanish novel.
Prof. Deokar expressed his hope that these resources will greatly benefit the students and faculty, and encouraged further collaboration with the university.