Buddhist Studies Varsity in Sanchi
Posted on September 14th, 2012

by LALIT SHASTRI-Courtesy:ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Buddhist Channel

Sanchi, India — Sanchi University for Buddhist Studies is being set up at the initiative of the Madhya Pradesh government at Sanchi ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬‚ the historic town near the state capital known for the world heritage Buddhist monuments dating back to the period of Ashoka in the third century BC.

Briefing mediapersons, MP culture minister Laxmikant Sharma said the Sanchi University for Buddhist Studies will be devoted to the study and research on Buddhist thought in all its dimensions. He announced that the universityƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s foundation stone would be laid on September 21. Coinciding with the foundation laying ceremony, Bhopal will be hosting the first ever international conference on ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Dharma-DhammaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ (Dharma in Sanskrit means religion and Dhamma in Pali also means religion but is focused around Lord BuddhaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s teachings) on September 22-23.

Mr Sharma said that the Bhopal conference is significant from the stateƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s point of view in several ways. ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-It will underscore the pre-eminence of Sanchi in Particular and Madhya Pradesh in general in the context of our spiritual heritage,ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ the minister observed.

The New Delhi-based India FoundationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s Centre for Study of Religion and Society, Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka and Madhya Pradesh culture department are jointly hosting the conference.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand has been invited to be the chief guest at the inaugural function on September 22. Ananda Guruge and David Frawley (both from USA), Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero (Sri Lanka), Prakash Ambedkar, former Union ministers Arun Shourie and Murali Manohar Joshi will be among the main speakers. At the sideline of the conference, there will be a week-long artistsƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ workshop and an exhibition of Mandala and Thanka paintings.


One Response to “Buddhist Studies Varsity in Sanchi”

  1. Ananda-USA Says:

    This is a significant step in the right direction by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to develop and foster cordial relations with our Indian cousins in North India given the jaundiced attitude of most Tamils in Tamil Nadu, even as Racist Demagogues in Tamil Nadu threaten hell, fire and brimstone against President Rajapaksa.

    Let us hope that the Hindu majority of India will not reject their hallowed heritage of Buddhism, just as we Buddhists of Sri Lanka do not reject our hallowed Hindu heritage.

    Let us hope that the Hindus of India will revere their Golden Heritage of Buddhism unlike the narrow minded Taliban Muslims of Afghanistan who blew up the Bamiyan Buddha statues built by their own enlightened ancestors.

    Blowing up the Bamiyan Buddhas would be akin to modern Orthodox Christian Greeks blowing up the “Pagan” Parthenon … a step the Greeks would not contemplate in their wildest dreams …. for Rationality remains an enduring characteristic of the Greek mind.

    All Hail President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his wisdom and courage bearding the Lion in its den!

    May the Noble Triple Gem Bless & Protect him ALWAYS!

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