Srinagar, May 1 (UNI): union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said Indian culture, along with Lord Buddha’s profound message, points the way toward finding solutions through dialogue and following the Middle Path, as he inaugurated an exposition of the Buddha’s sacred relics in Leh on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
In his address, Shah said that today’s Buddha Purnima marks a historic and truly golden occasion for the residents of Ladakh. He said that on this auspicious occasion, after 75 years, the arrival of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha here will inspire followers of Buddhism as well as other faiths.
Shah said that, much like in the life of Lord Buddha, it is rare for anyone to experience their birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana all occurring on the very same day; for this reason, today is a highly auspicious and inspiring day for all.
The minister said that today is not only a religious event but also a historic reunion.
“After so many years, Tathagata Buddha has returned to this sacred land, his most beloved land, which is a matter of great fortune. Ladakh has been a living land of Dhamma for centuries,” he said, adding that when the Dalai Lama comes here, he says that this land is not merely geographical but a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion.
Shah said that knowledge has been preserved and nurtured on this land.
“Whenever Buddhism faced challenges, this land worked to preserve Lord Buddha’s message. When peaceful times came, it also worked to further propagate that preserved and enriched knowledge,” he said.
He added that this path became the medium through which the teachings of Tathagata spread from India to China and many other countries.
Union Home Minister said that Ladakh’s spiritual identity has been shaped by four major traditions: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug.
“First, see things as they are. Second, the grace of the Guru and continuous self-reflection are the gateway to liberation. Third, knowledge is incomplete without practice, and practice is blind without knowledge; therefore, the union of knowledge and practice is the right path. Fourth, without moral discipline, a wise life cannot be formed,” Shah said adding that this message emerging from the land of Ladakh has become a guiding force for the world today.
The minister, who arrived in Leh on Thursday, said that the “presence of these sacred relics in Ladakh reminds us that India’s civilization has been giving the message of peace and coexistence for thousands of years.”
“In places full of diversity like Ladakh and Kargil, this message becomes even more relevant. This heritage still tells us that amidst conflict and unrest, the path of peace and compassion alone can provide solutions,” he said.
Union Home Minister said that for centuries, Buddhism reached Ladakh in different ways and at different times, flourished here, and later spread beyond Ladakh.
The Home Minister urged the Ladakh administration to make full arrangements for followers of all faiths, especially Buddhism, to visit and have darshan. He said that when Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and spread his teachings through monks, his knowledge was highly relevant, and today, after 2,500 years, it is even more relevant for the world.
Shah said that the entire world should understand and accept India’s knowledge and the great message of Lord Buddha, and move on the middle path and the path of solutions.
On this occasion, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh V.K. Saxena and the union Home Secretary, along with many dignitaries, were present.
