TAWANG, AUG 16:
A “Dhamma Walk for Universal Peace & Compassion” was organised at Tawang on Sunday to commemorate the 91st birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and spread the message of peace, compassion, non-violence, harmony and universal brotherhood.
The event was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh chapter of the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) in collaboration with Tawang Monastery, Khinmey Monastery, Sera Jay Jamyang Choshorling Monastery, Monpa Mimang Tsokpa (MMT), Being Monpa Foundation, The Tawang Foundation and Mon Drati Educational & Cultural Society.
Tawang Monastery Abbot His Eminence Tulku Phara Dramey Rinpoche attended the programme as chief guest, while Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering and Lungla MLA Tsering Lhamu were the guests of honour.
Addressing the gathering, IHCNBT General Secretary Advocate Maling Gombu highlighted the relevance of the Dhamma Walk amid continuing conflicts and instability across the world. He said the event was aimed at creating greater awareness of peace, compassion, harmony and peaceful coexistence and providing a platform for people to reflect on and carry forward the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Gombu also highlighted the activities of IHCNBT in bringing Himalayan Buddhist communities and monastic Sanghas onto a common platform through conferences, seminars and other programmes. He outlined the Council’s Monastic Education Curriculum initiative, which seeks to integrate traditional Buddhist learning with modern education and provide formal certification for monastic studies.
He said traditional subjects, including Buddhist philosophy, are taught in the Bhoti language alongside modern education under the initiative. Students have already appeared for Class X and XII examinations, marking progress towards formal recognition of monastic education.
Tsering stressed the need to disseminate the Buddha’s teachings more widely in the face of global conflict and instability. He said the message of peace, compassion and harmony remains relevant to humanity and described the Dhamma Walk as a message from Tawang to the wider world on the importance of peaceful coexistence.
MMT president Phurpa Wangyal said the initiative reflected the collective aspiration of Tawang’s people to share the universal values of Buddhism and the message of peace and compassion.
Tulku Phara Dramey Rinpoche highlighted the contribution of the 14th Dalai Lama in spreading Buddhist teachings and the universal message of peace and compassion. He said genuine peace begins with inner peace and emphasised the role of compassion, wisdom and harmony in improving individuals and society.
Following the inaugural programme, the Dhamma Walk was flagged off from Tawang Monastery. Monks and nuns, students, youth, local residents and members of the wider community participated in the walk, which culminated at Dzongtse Tawang.
The concluding programme featured a cultural presentation by MIPA, followed by refreshments and a closing ceremony.
The organisers expressed hope that the Dhamma Walk would continue to serve as a platform for carrying the values of wisdom, compassion, non-violence, harmony and peace from the Himalayan region to the wider world. (DIPR)
