Dalai Lama inaugurates Nagajurna Faculty Building at Nav Nalanda Mahavihara

NEW DELHI (INDIA): On the 2nd day of the ongoing International Buddhist Conference today, a new history was made when  Dalai Lama visited the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara near Rajgir in Nalanda district of Bihar after a gap of 60 years and planted the sapling of the Bodhi Tree and inaugurated Nagajurna Faculty Building as well as Santarakshita Hostel.nnThe Vice-Chancellor, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, M.L. Srivastava offered Lama a plaque of Nava Nalanda bearing its seal, originally found in the Ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. Registrar Dr. S.P. Sinha was among the dignitaries present on the occasion.nnLama remembering His past visit to Nava Nalanda Mahavihara said that sixty years ago, it was the Chinese Prime Minister who was supposed to come. But for some unavailable reason, he sent His Holiness The Dalai Lama on his behalf to offer the body Relics of Master XuanZang to the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.nnThe  Lama thanked India for being a wonderful host which has offered him guest status for such a long time. Mentioning the tradition of Nalanda He said that Dignaga and Dharmakriti?s contribution is unforgettable for the world. He also mentioned about the contribution of Chandrakirti, Nagarjunand Buddhapalit.nnHe said that Buddhism is science and it has compatibility with quantum physics. The  Lama praised the rich spiritual tradition of India.nnHe said Nava Nalanda Mahavihara should design its curriculum based on Nalanda tradition and focus on Ancient India. He praised India?s rich tradition of inner wisdom and secular tradition. The Dalai Lama said He Himself respects all the religious of the world, for all of them preach truth.nnOn the occasion The Lama offered the Vice-Chancellor M.L. Srivastava Thangka Painting with His message and a Buddha statue.nnDuring the day, various sessions and deliberations were held on the theme of ?Buddhism for Twenty First Century- Perspectives and Responses to Global Issues? with the following themes:n1. Conflict Avoidance and Peace Building: The Buddhist Responsen2. Environment & Nature Conservation: Buddhist Perspective & Response(Sub Theme/Groups: Environment Consciousness, Response to Climate Change, Wildlife Trade & Conservation, Water)n3. Buddhism & Sciences: Expanding Newer Grounds with Ancient Wisdom (Sub Theme/ Groups Mindfulness, Quantum Science, Neuroscience and Psychology, Astro Science)n4. Women in Buddhism: Contemplation on Past, Present and Futuren5. Preservation of Nalanda Traditionn6. Ethics & Values: Universal Responsibility (Sub Theme/ Groups: Governance, Education, Business and Economy, Society and Social Responsibility, Media)n7. Secular Ethics & Interfaith Understandingn8. Buddhism & Global Engagement (Sub Theme/ Groups: Engaged Buddhism – Compassion in Action, Sustainable Economy, Buddhism in Multi-Cultural World)n9. Preservation & Development of Buddhist Holy Sites & Heritage (Sub Theme/ Groups: Holy Sites, Tangible and Intangible Heritage, Conservation of Buddhist Heritage sites)n10. Divergence in Buddhism- Developing a Collective WisdomnnThe conference’s key objective is to deliberate on Buddhist perspective towards addressing or approaching issues such as ecological sustainability, social and economic justice, ethics and values, a holistic approach to education, inter-religious harmony and cooperation, gender equality etc. Discussions about fundamental human values and modes of disseminating and internalizing these ideals in contemporary settings are being organised. Reflecting on these questions in light of the teachings of the Buddha and of the great Buddhist masters, the Conference will recommend ways of addressing our most pressing problems and provide us with solutions to the challenges faced by humanity.nnRenowned Kathak dancer Manisha Guliyani and sarod players brother duo Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash gave performances today.nnThe International Conference is graced by more than 600 delegates from 32 countries.nnThe President Pranab Mukherjee will grace the valedictory function of the Conference tomorrow as the Chief Guest. Governor of Bihar, Ram Nath Kovind and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will also attend the function tomorrow.