Lankan monks present Buddha relics to Dalai Lama

A delegation of Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka on Thursday presented to Dalai Lama at Dharamshala, the Buddha relics that had been kept at their monastery for the last one and a quarter century, the Tibetan Review said.

It was stated to be a long-standing aim of a group of Sri Lankan Buddhists led by Ven 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.

Lama greeted the relics at the gate of his residence from a ceremonial procession led by the Venerable Thero and his party from Sri Lanka.

Lama 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 Venerable Thero was quoted as having told Lama.

“We, members of the Sri Lankan Mahasangha appreciate your service to the world,” the Venerable Thero has told Lama. “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 Thero, joined by Prof Samdhong Rinpoché, Ling Rinpoché, Kirti Rinpoché, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Lama 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 Thero has responded.