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Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition
The Conclave started with Lighting of Land and Mangalacharan and national Antham. Shri Thupstan Chewang, President Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), welcomed all Chief Guest Skyabjey Tokden Rinpoche, the Guest of Honour Skyabjey Thuksey Rinpoche, Skyabje Khamtak Rinpoche, SG IBC Dr Dhammapiya, Hon'ble MP Sh. Jamyang Tsering Namgyal with Traditional Khatak.
The meeting was addressed by President LBA Kaga Thupstan Chewang,Sh. Maling Gombu, Secretary, Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) gave keynote address highlighting the basic objective and way forward, by H.E Skyabje Thuksey Rinpoche spoke of the strong Buddhist heritage and culture in Ladakhi society and how it has been protected for centuries in the region, Dr. Dhammapiya spoke on Buddhism and teachings of Buddha and how the Himalayan region is important as seat of Nalanda tradition, the address by Hon'ble MP Sh. Jamyang Tsering Namgyal spoke on the need to improve the education and the Monastic education Board will go a long way in solving the issue and providing the support system for the monastic education system, the address by the Chief Guest
H.E Skyabjey Togden Rinpoche spoke that Ladakh region is known as Little Tibet and the Nalanda Tradition that is in the Himalayan region should be developed and prepared for the challenges of 21st century, President, Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) Ven. Shatup Champa wherein he extended thanks to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honor, Monks from all the monasteries, Nuns, Delegates and Scholars for attending the program, and thanked IHCNBT, IBC, LBA and LGA for organizing the program at Leh in winter despite the odds of harsh winter and dry season.
The first session on “Indian Himalayan Buddhist Communities-Cultural Preservation and Identity- Challenges and Way forward in 21st Century”, chaired by H.E Skyabjey Togden Rinpoche and the speakers were Dr. Jamyang Gyaltsen and Sh. Tsultim Gyatso. They spoke on the status of Buddhist communities in the Ladakh region and issues that they are facing and suggested for united work for all traditions and to change with time on the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The next session on the formation of Board of Sangha and regional chapters and Block representatives was chaired by H.E Skyabjey Thuksey Rinpoche and speakers were Sh. Maling Gombu, Secretary, IHCNBT and Ven. Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Secy., IBC. The session deliberated and finalized the nominations for the Board of Sangha and Regional chapters by unanimous decision of all the members.
The session on “History, Cultural preservation and Identity in Ladakh: Challenges and way forward in 21st century”, was chaired by H.E Thuksay Rinpoche and the speakers were from all the different regions of Ladakh like Changthang, Nubra, Aryan Valley, Dah-Hanu like Ven. Stanzin Targis, Changthan, Sh. Stanzin Donang, Zanskar, Dr. Sonam wangchuk, Nubra, Sh. Sonam Gurmet, Leh and Ven. Jamyang Tashi, Thiskey Monastery, Leh. It was followed by an open forum discussion and views and comments. The first day ended with chanting of Prayer for world peace and wellbeing of all sentient beings.
The next session on Buddhist heritage Sites in Ladakh, its preservation and development was chaired by Ven. Shatup Chamba Lama, President, LGA and the speakers on the session were Ven. Thupstan Palden and Dr. Lobzang Tsewang. The speakers discussed and spoke about the very rich cultural heritage and Buddhist sites and the need to protect, develop and promote them.
The program ended with traditionally rich cultural presentation by the young artist presided over by Skyabjey Thiksey Rinpoche and The Chief Execuive Councillor and Hon'ble MP Ladakh Sh. Jamyang and other dignitaries. Skyabjey Thiksey Rinpoche spoke of the importance of the deliberations in the conclave and the challenges ahead. He expressed happiness that IHCNBT along with IBC and LBA & LGA are taking steps to develop the Nalanda tradition and it is important for all the traditions to come together.
The CEC, Ladakh Hill Council also spoke on the need to change with time and prepare for the challenges and appreciated the efforts of IHCNBT and IBC.
The Ladakh Buddhist Conclave and meeting ended with Prayer for World Peace and well being and followed by National Antham.
The important achievements from this Buddhist conclaves and meetings all across the Himalayan region has been the participation and awareness on the Nalanda Buddhist traditions and the emphasis on Nalanda tradition ratherthan the existing understanding of different traditions and sectarian differences. With this now the narrative of Nalanda tradition of Buddhist and focus on root Buddha teachings and the root from India i.e ancient Nalanda university has come back to focus. This has created an awareness of looking to Buddhism be it Mahayana, Tibetan or Vajrayana from Indian perspective of Nalanda Buddhism and great Archayas from Nalanda Archarya Sahntarakshita, Padam Sambhava and Dipangkar Atisa. The essence of India and nationalistic perspective of being an Indian was also instilled with singing of National Antham for beginning the program and ending in all the places. This has been specially a new feeling with the monastic community with ancient monastic education where the stress on nationalism has been low and not emphasized i.e to be proud of nation and to be proud of being Indian.
