Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Addressing Indian Buddhists, Bhadant Master Hen Junsei Terasawa said that they are fortunate as they belong to the land of the Buddha, the universal teacher whose philosophy embraces the entire world. “Buddhism reached Japan nearly a 1000 years later, yet by embracing Buddhist philosophy Japan achieved remarkable progress. You must devote yourselves to spreading the Buddha’s message of peace, fraternity and equality, because the world has no alternative to the Buddha. War does not benefit any nation,” said Terasawa while speaking as the inaugurator of the five-day Buddhist World Dhamma Conference organised at Vishwashanti Buddha Vihar at Bhimtekdi in the city, on Thursday morning.
In the presence of members of the Bhikkhu Sangha and thinkers from nearly 30 countries across the globe, a 125-foot-high Panchsheel Dhamma flag was hoisted, following which the conference was inaugurated by Bhadant Master Terasawa.
In front of large portraits of Gautama Buddha and B. R. Ambedkar placed on the magnificently decorated stage, more than 200 monks from countries such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan were present. After the recitation of Buddha Vandana, monks from various nations performed Dhamma chanting according to their respective traditions, and the conference formally began.
Bhadant Terasawa, founder of Nippon Myohoji in Asia, said that the Supreme Dhamma Teacher, Gautam Buddha, was born in India. Because of his teachings, countries around the world regard India as a sacred land. However, the Buddha’s philosophy appears to be receding here. In recent times, there has been renewed propagation of Buddha Dhamma in India. A prophecy made by the Buddha two and a half thousand years ago is proving true today.
He asserted that war does not benefit any nation. Russia committed aggression against Ukraine, yet no country effectively opposed it. Nearly four years have passed and the war continues daily in Ukraine. Power stations and essential facilities have been destroyed, and people are living in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees celsius. Violence has never benefited anyone.
“You have embraced Buddhism; now it is your responsibility to spread the Buddha’s teachings. Emperor Ashoka had recognised that war leads only to destruction, and therefore he propagated the Dhamma throughout the world. Through this conference, I appealed to everyone to widely promote and disseminate the Dhamma in the land of the Buddha and to practice it for the sake of world peace, something that is indeed within your power,” said Teresawa.
The main organiser of the conference, Bhikkhuni Dhamma Darshana Mahatheri, delivered the introductory remarks after welcoming the Bhikus and Bhikunis who arrived from across India and abroad. During her speech, she expressed deep regret over the lack of co-operation from the local administration regarding the event's arrangements.
In response, mayor Sameer Rajurkar expressed his apologies for the lapse and provided an assurance that such issues would not recur in the future. Dr. Arvind Gaikwad, Special Officer on Duty (OSD) of the Government Cancer Hospital, made an introductory speech.
The dignitaries Bhadant Dr Satyapal Mahathero, archaeologist Bhadant Atul Bhosekar, industrialist Vilas Dolas, corporator Jalinder Shendge, Anil Kumar Baste and other distinguished citizens of the city were also present.