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Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition
The Conference on Nalanda Buddhism held in Kalimpong at Town Hall on 12.09.2023, was a remarkable gathering of scholars from different Indian Universities, practitioners. enthusiasts of Buddhism, and delegates from around the Himalayan region. The conference aimed to delve into the rich history and philosophy of Nalanda Buddhism, explore its contemporary relevance, and foster discussions on its potential to address modern challenges through re-tracing the source in the footsteps of Nalanda Masters. The National Conference on Nalanda Buddhism was organized by the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Traditions (IHCNBT).
The National Conference started with the lighting of the lamp to dispel the darkness of ignorance by Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Hon' ble Vice Chancellor of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath Varanasi along with other dignitaries: H.E. Khen Rinpoche La Tsering Bhutia, Tashiding Monastery, Sikkim, Trulku Choedaar Rinpoche,
National Conference on Nalanda Buddhism
Nalanda Buddhism in 215 Century-Challenges and Responses
The Conference on Nalanda Buddhism held in Kalimpong at Town Hall on 12.09.2023, was a remarkable gathering of scholars from different Indian Universities, practitioners, enthusiasts of Buddhism, and delegates from around the Himalayan region. The conference aimed to delve into the rich history and philosophy of Nalanda Buddhism, explore its contemporary relevance, and foster discussions on its potential to address modern challenges through re-tracing the source in the footsteps of Nalanda Masters. The National Conference on Nalanda Buddhism was organized by the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Traditions (IHCNBT).
The National Conference started with the lighting of the lamp to dispel the darkness of ignorance by Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath Varanasi along with other dignitaries: H.E. Khen Rinpoche La Tsering Bhutia, Tashiding Monastery, Sikkim, Trulku Choedaar Rinpoche,
Mendrolling Monastery South India, Acharya Sangay Lodoe Rinpoche, founder of all India Mahayana Manipa association, Jaigaon, Geshe Choephel Zotpa, President of Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Adv. Maling Gombu, General Secretary, IHCNBT, Delhi, and Chairman of Tamang,Sherpa,Lepcha, Nawer, Dami, and Gurung board followed by Mangalacharan/Tashi Gakpa by Manipa Woman's Group.
Subsequently, the Presentation & felicitation of the Chief Guest, Guest of Honor, and dignitaries from all parts of the Himalayan Region with Momento & Khathak.
Next, Adv. Maling Gombu was invited for the welcome speech, In his welcome address, he highlighted the importance of Nalanda Buddhism and its importance in the Indian Himalayan region with the changing times. Adv. Gombu also said that the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition is working hard to retrace the magnificent tradition of Nalanda in the footsteps of the Nalanda Masters. Further, he shared a quotation from His Holiness the 14th Dalia Lama that " Tibetan Buddhist Tradition is regarded to be a continuation of Nalanda Tradition and it spread to Tibet through the great Nalanda Masters like Acharya Shantarakshita, Arya Nagarjuna, Dharmakirti, Chandrakriti, Guru Padmasambhava, Kamlashila etc" Then Mr. Gonbu said that IHCNBT is playing an important role in preserving and propagating this noble tradition through different activities like conducting series of conferences in different parts of the Himalayan region and also introducing Nalanda Buddhist tradition at school level in different monasteries in the Himalayan regions. At last, he concluded his speech
by welcoming the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Special Guest, Revered Ripoches, Dignitaries, and Other Delegates for this beautiful conference.Hereafter, Trulku Choedaar Rinpoche was invited to the podium to address and Ripoche highlighted the importance of Nalanda University and the contribution of its masters to humanity. He also said that the effort IHCNBT is putting into preserving this treasure is highly appreciable and he concluded his speech by wishing the organizer of the conference a great success.
Fragrant a radar gate
Subsequently, Acharya Sangay Lode Rinpoche said in a speech that the Tamang population is quite high and the majority of them are followers of Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism which is the living tradition of Nalanda Buddhism. Rinpoche further said Buddhists should focus and study the works of literature that had been written by Masters of Nalanda and he concluded his speech by thanking IHCNBT for organizing a wonderful conference in Kalimpong and he requested to conduct such conferences in Darjeeling and Kalimpong for the preservation of Nalanda Buddhism and the benefit of all living beings.
Geshe Choephel Zotpa, President of the Himalyan Buddhist Cultural Association then said in his speech that IHCNBT has signed an MoU with NIOS for recognition of the Bhoti language and Bodh Darshan practice in the monasteries, the new syllabus will consist of both modern education and Buddhist studies and monks who study in the monasteries will also get a certificate. Further, Geshe said that all of us should come together in the preservation of Nalanda Buddhism, which is the source of Tibetan Buddhism that is followed by the people of the Himalayan region. Lastly, he concluded his speech wishing everyone for the great success of the conference. Then, the Chairman of Lepcha and Gurung expressed their gratitude to the organizer for organizing the important conference in Kalimpong for the first and they also said that the relevance of Nalanda Buddhism in the 21st Century and how this can benefit bring peace and tranquility in the society.
In his speech, Khenchen La Tsering Rinpoche highlighted the importance of Nalanda Buddhism and how it can be preserved for the welfare of all living beings, particularly, devotees of the Himalayan region. He also expressed his happiness to see young scholars from different parts of the Himalayan region participating in this important conference.
Further, he explained the proper lineage of Nalanda Masters in detail.
At last, the Chief Guest, Professor Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies was invited to address a speech. In his address, the Chief Guest, Professor Neg started his speech by greeting everyone and expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the organizer and all the participants. Further, he highlighted the great quality of Buddha and told all the participants to work for the preservation of Buddhism, particularly the great tradition of Nalanda Buddhism by getting inspired by the Buddha. Subsequently, he also highlighted how Buddhism developed in different countries and assimilated with the local culture of respective countries, unlike other religions due to having a distinctive approach for the internal advancement in Buddhism. Moreover, he explained different Buddhist councils that took place before the development of Nalanda Buddhism. Further, he highlighted the development of Mahayana during the great king Ashoka and explained the origination of Nalanda Buddhism in detail. The professor also elaborated on how Tibetan Buddhism is the proper combo of all the teachings of Buddha that include both the Sutra and Tantra as other schools developed merely based on particular texts of Buddha. Professor also said that the opportunity to study and practice the great teachings of Nalanda Buddhism is because of Nalanda Masters especially guru Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita all of us should remember their gratitude. In addition, he told the importance of the preservation of this precious tradition for the benefit of this and the next life. Lastly, he concluded his speech by requesting IHCNBT to work hard to make all monastic education recognized by the Government of India.
Mrs. Neera Lama Lopchen, Secretary of the Organizing Committee delivered the vote of thanks and the inaugural session ended with the national anthem followed by the beautiful cultural dance of Sherpa, Tamang, and Lepcha.
Speaker: Geshema Tenzin Lhadron, Dharamsala, India.
Followed by distribution of certificate and momentos.
2:45 to 4:45
Lunch Break
Second Session - Uddiyana, the legendary birth-place of Padmasambhava: Its different narration.
Chair: Khenchen Sangay Lode Rinpoche la
Co-Chair: Gyurmet Bhutia, Darjeeling
Speakers:
1. Dr. Aniket Mahapatra, Assistant Prof. New Alipore College, University of Calcutta
2. Dr. Sudash Lama, Associate Prof. North Bengal University, WB
3. Mr. Nyima Tsering, Scholar, University of Delhi, India.
4. Dr. Sangmu Thendup Sherpa, Asst. Prof. Sikkim University
5. Mrs Neera Lama Loppchen, Adviser, Tamang Development Board, Govt. of West Bengal.
Followed by distribution of certificate and mementos.
4.50 to 6:15
Third Session - Nalanda Buddhism in 21St Century: Challenges & Response.
Chair: Mr. Hukum Chand Negi, Himachal Pradesh Co-Chair: Mr. L.S Tamsang la Speakers:
1 Mr. Wangyal Lama Tamang, North Bengal University, India.
2 Mr. Tenzin Lhaskyab, JNU, Delhi.
3 Mr. Khentse Gyatso, IT Madras.
4 Geshe Kelsang Choephel, Central institute Himalayan cultural Studies, Dahung, Arunachal Pradesh.
5.Mr. Sonam Dargey Kharm, Central institute Himalayan cultural Studies, Dahung, Arunachal Pradesh.
Followed by distribution of certificate and mementos.
Fourth Session - Nalanda Buddhism in 21 Century: Challenges & Response.
Chair: Prof. Buruh Co-Chair: Mr. Lakpa Sherpa Speakers:
1. Mr. Thupten Khedup, Central institute Himalayan cultural Studies, Dahung, Arunachal Pradesh
2. Ani Geden Lhamo. University of Delhi.
3. Dr. Tenzin Sonam, University of Delhi.
4. Mr. Norbu Gurung, Phd Scholar, Sikkim University.
5. Mr. Aman Tamang, Scholar, Nav Nalanda University, Nalanda, Bihar
Followed by distribution of certificate and mementos.
At the end, Adv. Maling Gombu gave the conclusion note thanking everyone to make this conference successful and he further told that IHCNBT is committed to organize series
conferences in different parts of the Himalayan region. Eventually, Mementos and Khatak were presented to the volunteers and supporters.
