Renowned spiritual leader and socially engaged Buddhist venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena on Sunday led observations to celebrate Mahakaruna Diwas (Day of Great Compassion) 2024 in New Delhi. The program, held annually, has launched a series of events and initiatives in India and internationally aimed at sharing the timeless wisdom of the Buddha and his teaching on compassion for the benefit of all beings.
Mahakaruna Diwas 2024 was jointly organized by International Mahabodhi Meditation Center (MIMC) Ladakh, Mahakaruna Foundation, Delhi and Adhyatm Sadhna Kendra, Delhi. Fri. Bhikkhu Sanghasena is the spiritual director of the International Mahabodhi Meditation Center, a non-profit organization located in far north India. He is also the founder of the Mahakaruna Foundation, Save the Himalayas Foundation and spiritual advisor to the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).
“This magnificent event was graced by many spiritual luminaries, representing the major religions of the world: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism,” MIMC shared with BDG. “Several ambassadors from various countries were also in attendance, as well as prominent scholars and educators, including Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi and Dr. Sandeep Marwah, alongside a number of notable peace activists and human power advocates. State. mahakaruna— Great Compassion.
The day's program began with the lighting of a sacred lamp by the spiritual masters present, followed by prayers for world peace, chanted by venerable monks from Vietnam. More than 400 people attended the celebration, including a large number of male and female Buddhist monks from various Buddhist countries, including India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
“All were united by a single intention to manifest, as well as communicate, the radically transformative power of compassion in a world plagued by so much suffering, both natural and inflicted through greed, hatred and of the illusion of so many people. of humanity,” noted the MIMC. “Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, himself, called on all present to come together to work in partnership to pass on the ancient wisdom teachings and practices of India:mahakaruna, ahimsa, Mastermeditation, yoga and vasudhaiva kutumbakam (Skt. “The world is one family”) – in the four corners of the world.
Fri. Bhikkhu Sanghasena founded the International Mahabodhi Meditation Center in Leh, the common capital of Ladakh, in 1986. It has since become an example of socially engaged Buddhism in the region, launching numerous humanitarian projects, events and initiatives. Its outreach work includes providing educational opportunities and shelter for disadvantaged children, empowerment and literacy programs for women and other socially disadvantaged groups, healthcare for the sick and needy, and a retirement home for the elderly and destitute. MIMC's growing campus has become a hub for a multitude of socio-cultural and community programs in the region.
During Sunday's proceedings, the 2024 Mahakaruna World Peace Awards were presented to over 30 eminent peace activists, educators and peace advocates. mahakaruna. The VBS Young Embodiment of Compassion in Education Awards 2024 were also presented to students from various schools in Delhi.
The occasion also saw the launch of a 640-page book titled Mahakaruna: A holistic movement for world peace through compassion in action, co-authored by Dr. PR Trivedi and Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena.
“This book, a long-time dream of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena is a cause of great personal gratitude to Chancellor Dr. PR Trivedi, who contributed so enormously and entirely selflessly to its preparation and final publication,” explained the MIMC. “And it is now hoped that it will be used as a textbook in many universities and educational establishments. »
MIMC has already organized many well-received “Mahakaruna – Compassion in Action” events in cities across India as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Europe. Fri. Bhikkhu Sanghasena also requested the United Nations to recognize Mahakaruna Diwas as World Compassion Day in Action.
In addition to integrating spiritual development and human well-being, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena and the MIMC are also closely involved in peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue, environmental conservation and in promoting Buddhist and Himalayan cultural heritage through national and international festivals. Fri. Bhikkhu Sanghasena has traveled extensively to participate in international conferences, seminars and workshops aimed at promoting spiritual and cultural values, environmental awareness, non-violence and world peace, and to elevate the status of women in society, especially those from disadvantaged communities.
In 2021, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena led an MIMC team on a humanitarian relief mission to the border regions of Ladakh, offering material aid in the face of COVID-19 as well as much-needed emotional and spiritual guidance to local residents who were living in fear during the double crisis in Ladakh. pandemic and the military standoff on the border between Indian and Chinese troops. The same team also led a peace campaign in the conflict zone, calling on both nations not to resort to violence, but to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.*
“Mahakaruna is a fully embodied, highly engaged and socially transformative program to address the many challenges and crises facing our world today – from bigotry, violence, poverty, hunger, disease and environmental degradation to uncontrolled consumerism,” said Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena observed. “Through Mahakaruna Diwas, we aim to raise awareness and recognize the inestimable value of all life, to demonstrate the power of gratitude and compassion, and how this can profoundly benefit humanity and our planet. This is why we call on all to be part of this auspicious program, whether physically, mentally or spiritually. To help us carry out this ambitious program of events, we humbly appeal to you for any donations or support to manifest our dream of universal compassion into action.
* Work, walk and pray for peace: Bhikkhu Sanghasena embarks on peace pilgrimage to Ladakh (BDG) and Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Sanghasena calls for a peaceful resolution amid Sino-Indian border tensions (BDG)
Français
Français
English