(TibetanReview.net, Apr04’24) — A delegation of Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka has on Apr 4 presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Dharamshala, relics of the Buddha that has been kept at their monastery for the last one and a quarter century. It was stated to be a long-standing aim of a group of Sri Lankan Buddhists led by the Most Venerable Dr Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero, head of Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanodaya Maha Nikaya, to realise this historic occasion.
The presentation was coordinated by Dr Damenda Porage, Founder-President of the Sri Lanka-Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood in Sri Lanka.
His Holiness greeted the relics at the gate of his residence from a ceremonial procession led by the Most Venerable Thero and his party from Sri Lanka.
His Holiness respectfully touched the portable reliquary with his bowed head as the Sri Lankan party chanted auspicious verses.
“We pray for your good health and long life and offer these relics to you,” the Most Venerable Thero was quoted as having told His Holiness.
“We, members of the Sri Lankan Mahasangha appreciate your service to the world,” the Most Venerable Thero has told His Holiness. “Teaching the world loving-kindness is one of the Buddha’s accomplishments. You too are doing what the Buddha did. We have metta for everyone. Cultivating warm-heartedness is what the Dharma is about.” (Metta is a Buddhist concept meaning benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, good will, and active interest in others.)
Sitting with the Most Venerable Thero, joined by Prof Samdhong Rinpoché, Ling Rinpoché, Kirti Rinpoché, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering, His Holiness has said, among other things: “I respect all religious traditions, but it’s Buddhism in particular that employs reason. This is why we are able to hold our own in discussions with scientists. I’ve met scientists who were initially sceptical about religion in general who eventually became Buddhists.
“Now, on a practical level, the world needs peace and that’s the core of the Buddha’s message. However, I’m prepared not to mention Buddhism as such but to emphasize secular ethics and universal values crucial among which is compassion. The important thing is to have a warm heart. Consequently, I’m committed to encouraging people to cultivate loving-kindness. What I want to convey is that I’m fully committed to promoting the Buddha’s message from a secular point of view. What do you think?”
“It’s a good way to approach the future,” the Most Venerable Thero has responded.
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After Buddha Shakyamuni’s mortal remains were cremated following his passing away, what remained of his relics, in the form of fragments of bones and teeth, were divided among eight kingdoms. Stupas were then erected over them in Allakappa, Kapilavastu, Kushinagar, Pava, Rajagriha, Ramagrama, Vaishali, and Vethapida.
During excavations at Piprahwa, which is identified with Kapilavastu, relics of the Buddha were discovered that had been enshrined by the Buddha’s Shakyan relatives in Kapilavastu. In 1898, a British official, William Peppé, made a gift of these relics to the erudite Sri Lankan monk Most Venerable Waskaduwe Sri Subhuthi Mahanayake Thera, who brought them to Sri Lanka.
The Most Venerable Dr Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero and his party arrived this morning at Kangra airport at Gaggal and drove up from there to His Holiness’s residence to make its presentation to him.
(Source: Dalailama.com)