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Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition
The Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) organized a one day national seminar and workshop on Nalanda Buddhism in the Himalayan Region of India: Emerging Trends and Developments in the 21st Century, alongside the Recognition of Monastic Education by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) Education Board by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, on 3rd sFebruary, 2025. The event was held at the Tuting Gompa Nyesang Dongag Jamchup Daryeling’s Hall in Tuting, Upper Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh.
This significant event attracted a diverse group of participants, including delegates from various regions of Arunachal Pradesh, such as Tawang, as well as nuns from the Singsur Nunnery of Tawang. Additionally, local Buddhist community members and heads of Buddhist monasteries from Tuting and the surrounding areas were present.
The seminar was presided over by Ven. Khen Rinpoche Tsering Dorjee, the head and founder of Tuting Gompa Nyesang Dongag Jamchup Daryeling, who acted as the Chief Guest. Ven. Tulku Orgyan Phuntsok Rinpoche, the founder and head of Yortung Gompa and Visiting Professor at California University, USA, graced the event as the Guest of Honor.
The inauguration of the seminar was further dignified by the presence of local dignitaries, including Mr. Ravi, a prominent Army Commander as a Special Guest, and members of the Chimey Yangsang Society, an active local Buddhist youth organization, Colonel Mandeep Shaw of the 5th Dogra Regiment and ADC of Tuting, Mr Pandob Perme. These dignitaries added their esteemed presence, enhancing the solemnity and importance of the occasion.
Mr. Mechung Khampa, President of Chimey Yangsang Society had given Welcome speech and followed him by Mr. Maling Gombu, the General Secretary of IHCNBT and the event organizer, delivered the keynote Speech. He stated, "The seminar aims to spread the teachings of Nalanda Buddhism, emphasizing its philosophy, science of the mind, logic, and its relevance as a way of life." He further expressed the importance of the Baudh Darshan and Bhoti language courses being recognized by the NIOS Education Board. According to Mr. Gombu, this recognition will significantly aid in the preservation and promotion of Nalanda Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Furthermore, the certification of monastic education will allow monks to pursue further studies if they wish to continue their education beyond the monastery setting.
Mr. Gombu also mentioned that 136 monasteries in the Himalayan region have been identified for this initiative. Out of these, 20 monasteries have already affiliated with the NIOS Education Board and will begin offering courses starting in April of this year. This move marks a significant milestone in the integration of monastic education with formal academic recognition.
Ven. Tulku Orgyan Phuntsok Rinpoche, the Guest of Honor, highlighted the importance of engaging with Buddhist teachings, particularly in today's rapidly changing world. He emphasized that many young people, especially in Western countries, are increasingly turning to Buddhist practices and philosophies as a means of personal development and spiritual growth. He called on the Buddhist youth of the Himalayan region to delve deeper into the study of Buddhist philosophy and stressed the importance of preserving the Buddhist heritage, especially the sacred sites in the Tuting area and its surrounding regions.
As the Chief Guest, Ven. Khen Rinpoche Tsering Dorjee spoke passionately about the significance of the Pemakoe area for Tibetan Buddhism. He explained that this region, particularly the area encompassing Tuting, Gelling, and Singha, holds deep spiritual significance due to its association with Guru Padmasambhava, a revered Buddhist teacher. This area is considered a sacred pilgrimage site, drawing Buddhist adherents from across the globe. Ven. Khen Rinpoche praised the efforts of IHCNBT and NIOS for advancing Buddhist studies and monastic education, particularly in remote regions like Tuting, which is geographically isolated yet spiritually important.
Col Mandeep Shaw had highlighted about the Indian Army’s role in the development of the border region and the promotion of spiritual pilgrimage and adventure tourism in the Tuting area. Whereas, ADC, Pandab Perme emphasized the role of Buddhism in promoting peace and fostering good citizenship.
The Tuting region, which shares border with China (Tibet) located in the Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, particularly within Nalanda Buddhism. It is a key location within the Pemako Zone, a region revered in Nalanda Buddhist tradition. The Pemako Zone holds a special place in the hearts of Nalanda Buddhists due to its association with Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), a pivotal figure in the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have visited and meditated in this region, contributing to its sacredness and veneration.
The Pemako Zone is often referred to as a "sacred triangle," comprising the areas of Tuting, Gelling, and Singha. This region is highly regarded by Nalanda Buddhists and is believed to be the site of many important spiritual events, with some traditions suggesting that it holds the potential for individuals to achieve a higher state of spiritual realization. The area is often considered a sacred pilgrimage site where followers of Nalanda Buddhism journey to meditate and engage in religious practices, seeking blessings and spiritual insight. The beliefs surrounding Pemako suggest that it is a place where spiritual practices can be intensified and where one can access more profound layers of sacredness, making it an essential spiritual destination for both lay followers and monastics.
The region of Tuting and its surroundings are crucial to the continuation of the Nalanda Buddhist legacy, both in terms of religious practice and academic scholarship. The monasteries offer a space where ancient wisdom is passed on to new generations, and where individuals can find solace, peace, and spiritual guidance. These institutions, along with the natural beauty and spiritual energy of the Pemako Zone, contribute to the continued vibrancy and influence of Nalanda Buddhism in the region.
Though Tuting is very remote and there isn’t any local news channel over there. However, the news channels, such as Kaming News, State News, The Downlit Post and Northeast Live, extensively covered the news of the event, sharing detailed reports and updates across their various platforms, including television channels, online news websites, and print publications. These outlets ensured that the story reached a wide audience, with reporters offering in depth coverage, interviews with key participants, and analysis of the event's significance, allowing it to capture the attention of viewers, readers, and online users alike.
In conclusion, the seminar marked a significant step forward in the development of Nalanda Buddhism in the Himalayan region and the recognition of monastic education through the NIOS Education Board. It highlighted the need for continued preservation of Buddhist teachings and practices, particularly in remote areas like Tuting, and reinforced the importance of formalizing and supporting monastic education to ensure its relevance in the 21st century.
