The Faculty of Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) and the Indian Embassy in Nepal jointly organized a seminar titled “Buddhist Cultural Heritage of India and Nepal” on December 8, 2024 (Mangsir 23, 2081). The university’s conference hall at Dean’s Office housed this highly enlightening seminar on the shared Buddhist heritage between the two traditionally related countries of the subcontinent, reflecting the cultural, historical, and spiritual value of such a legacy.
Events kicked off at 10:00 AM with the registration and started in an official sense by Prof. Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies at LBU.
The national anthems of Nepal and India were the next in line, portraying the spirit of unity that underlined the seminar’s theme. The Mangal Path, to pay obeisance to the Triple Gem, chanted by the venerable monks and Lama Gurus, made the atmosphere reverential and spiritual. The traditional Khada offering to Lord Buddha and to the distinguished guests marked the seminar’s cultural and ceremonial significance.
Inauguration and Welcome: The formal inauguration was performed jointly by Ms. Gitanjali Bradon, First Secretary (Political and Information & Culture) of the Indian Embassy, along with Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, lighting the metaphorical lamp of knowledge.
Ms. Bradon, through her welcome address, brought the audience’s attention to India and Nepal’s Buddhist heritage, whose ties have remained closely intertwined and enduringly important for cultural and spiritual self-concepts. “Let this seminar reaffirm our shared commitment to a rich Buddhist legacy that binds our nations and inspires their people together,” she said.
Dr. Shakya, during his opening remarks, elaborated on the importance of Lumbini to the world as a birthplace of Lord Buddha and a focal point for Buddhist heritage. He insisted on the importance of academic initiatives in deepening historical and cultural understanding.
Scholarly Contributions
A key aspect of the seminar was a set of presentations by eminent scholars from both India and Nepal, each looking differently into the Buddhist cultural heritage of the two countries:
• Dr. Basant Bidari, Professor and Head, Archaeology Department at LBU presented an enlightening account of the archaeological contribution of Nepal towards Buddhist studies and came out with some important discoveries of ancient monasteries and Stupas.
• Prof. Jyoti Rohilla, Head of the Department of History of Art at Banaras Hindu University, spoke on the evolution of Buddhist art in India and how it influenced religious iconography throughout Asia.
• Mr. Sanjay Shakya, Assistant Professor at LBU, discussed the contemporary relevance of Buddhist traditions in Nepal with reference to efforts at the preservation of intangible cultural heritage regarding rituals and oral traditions.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arun Kumar Yadav of the Dept. of Pali and Buddhist Studies at BHU examined the philosophical and textual ties binding the two countries’ common Buddhist heritage.
This presentation by all speakers held the audience in great thrall and gave valuable insights into Buddhism’s historical, artistic, as well as philosophical dimensions.
Honor And Reflections
To honor their contributions, all speakers were presented with a Token of Metta, a symbol of gratitude and respect, by Ms. Gitanjali Bradon.
Prof. Dr. Bimalendra Kumar, ICCR-Chair at LBU, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the organizers, speakers, and participants for their dedication to the seminar’s success.
Concluding remarks by Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya underlined the need for ongoing academic cooperation in preserving the shared Buddhist heritage. He expressed his expectation for further initiatives in bringing together scholars and practitioners for the benefit of future generations.
The seminar ended with refreshments, allowing participants to have informal discussions and network. This event was full of meaning, as it reassured India and Nepal of their common responsibility in preserving and promoting their shared Buddhist heritage.
By bridging the past with the present, the seminar reaffirmed the spiritual and cultural bond between the two nations, setting the stage for further academic collaborations and cultural exchanges in the years to come.
It is an excellent initiative identifying the depth of Buddhist studies and culture. The Buddhist Chair at Lumbini University was a successfully initiated by Hon’ble PM.