By Tenzin Menkyi
McLeod Ganj, June 18: The 12th religious conference of four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition began today at Surya Hotel. A three-day forum is organized biannually by the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration.
The function was presided over by Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche, Sakya Trizin, Menri Trizin Rinpoche, Gyalwang Karmapa, Shabdrung Rinpoche, and the Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay. Around one hundred monks representing different sects were in attendance for the gathering.
The inaugural function began with lighting of butter lamp by the heads of the religious sects followed by an observation of a minute’s silence to mourn the death of Tibetan self-immolators and those perished in the massive earthquake in Nepal recently.
Kalon for Religion and Culture, Mr Pema Chhinjor, mentioned that the forum was first initiated in 1963 and such a gathering is unprecedented in the history of pre-1959 Tibet. He spoke about richness and uniqueness of Tibetan cultural heritage and the world awakening to its religion. “Since the inception of the congregation, leaders of different sects worked in accordance with the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, with the goal of preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhism has proven to be constructive”.
He stated that the monastic institutions play a huge role in restoration and promotion of rich Tibetan culture. ” Different nunneries and monasteries thrive without much assistance by CTA”. He stressed on the importance of quality of monks and nuns rather than quantity.
He highlighted that all eight agendas laid down in 11th congregation has been implemented within the duration of four years.
Tibetan PM Lobsang Sangay, in his opening speech, spoke about peaceful co-existence of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion within the Tibetan society. He commended that all the leaders of four major different sects of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition having gathered under the same roof exhibits the unity amongst us and signifies Tibetans’ penchant for peace.
He also lamented the mounting incidents of intolerance amongst different religions. “The hostility between Shia and Sunni, Catholic and Protestant, Burmese monks against Muslims are few examples of sectarianism”.
Drawing attention to the increasing practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, Sangay said, “Considering the relevance of Buddhism in modern world, a Buddhist conference was also held in the White House concerning promotion of peace”. He also spoke on the recent Buddh Purnima Divas celebrated in New Delhi, graced by PM Narendra Modi.
All the religious heads espressed regret about the declining number of people opting for monastic life, and number of them going abroad and not returning to their monasteries.
