1 Buddhist monks participate in Guru Padmasambhava chanting program in Odisha, India

- through Henry Oudin

Published

Celebrating the Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava. At sambadenglish.com

More than 1 Buddhist monks from 200 countries gathered in the eastern Indian state of Odisha (formerly Orissa) to take part in the first-ever Guru Padmasambhava chanting programme, which took place from January 17 to 12.

Organised by the Buddhadharma Light Foundation in collaboration with the Odisha State Government and supported locally by the Udaygiri Buddha Mahotsav Committee, the event aimed to commemorate the spiritual legacy of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.

The programme was inaugurated on January 12 by Sikkim Minister Sonam Lama along with Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera, Barchana Legislative Assembly MLA Amar Nayak and others.

This event was of particular significance because many believe that Guru Padmasambhava was born in Udaygiri, in present-day Jajpur district, Odisha, in the 8th century. Guru Rinpoche played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism to Tibet and the Himalayan region. His teachings became the cornerstone of Vajrayana Buddhism and he is considered a "second Buddha" for his essential contributions to the establishment of Buddhist practices and doctrines far beyond India.

Participants not only commemorated this legacy but also prayed for world peace in these uncertain times marked by forest fires in Odisha and an earthquake in Tibet.

Jajpur MP Behera pointed out that Jajpur was an important district of India, being the birthplace of the national poem and song 'Vande Mataram'. The Toshali dynasty of Emperor Ashoka (r. 268-232 BCE) was based in this district, with its capital at Radhanagar. Historically, Jajpur has also been a centre of intellectual and cultural excellence.

Delegates from the United States and Bhutan. From aninews.in

The head of Padmasambhava Monastery in Jiranga, Odisha, said, "There is (a) long-standing aspiration in the hearts and minds of all Buddhists who follow the teachings of Padmasambhava to hold such a gathering in memory and gratitude of Guru Padmasambhava. Especially here at this holy place, because we believe, and many historians now believe, that Guru-ji was probably born in Odisha, but it is very certain that from here he carried the Buddhadharma to Tibet and the rest of the Himalayas. (ANI)

Odisha Culture Minister Suryavanshi Suraj participated in a session highlighting the importance of the state’s Buddhist sites in global spiritual tourism. He noted that Odisha was a treasure trove of Buddhist heritage, with sites such as Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri offering deep insights into history and culture. Such gatherings, he said, were essential to promote their heritage and share the timeless teachings of peace, compassion and enlightenment across the world.

Udaygiri, Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri are collectively known as the Buddhist Golden Triangle of Odisha, with local Buddhists campaigning for the region to be designated as a World Heritage Site.

Delegates from Thailand. From aninews.in

"In an effort to attract more tourists, especially foreign tourists, the authorities should draw up plans to develop the famous Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, known as the 'diamond triangle'," suggested Dhavarahu Dhummo, a Cambodian monk.India Time)

“I wish that this Guru Rinpoche programme is held every year in Orissa and tourism is also developed here along with Dharma because wherever there is a Buddhist shrine, temple or any other holy place, many tourists go there. They get blessings from it,” said Sonam Lama. “I want to see tourists and devotees of Guru Rinpoche coming to Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udaygiri.” (ANI)

See more

Light of Buddhadharma Foundation 5-day Buddhist chanting program in Jajpur draws to a close (India Time)
Buddhist monks gather in Ratnagiri, Odisha, remember Guru Padmasambhava (The Print)
Over 1 Buddhist monks from across the world gather in Odisha to participate in first Guru Padmasambhava chanting programme (ANI)

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Henry Oudin

Henry Oudin is a Buddhist scholar, spiritual adventurer and journalist. He is a passionate seeker of the depths of Buddhist wisdom, and travels regularly to learn more about Buddhism and spiritual cultures. By sharing his knowledge and life experiences on Buddhist News, Henry hopes to inspire others to embrace more spiritual and mindful ways of living.

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