Chanting Session of Buddhist Mantras Held

The India Embassy to Laos organised a Chanting Session of Buddhist Mantras on Dec 6 to commemorate the 66th Death Anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution of India.

In India, Dr. Ambedkar is also fondly remembered as Baba Saheb. He was also an eminent Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who relentlessly crusaded for the rights of the dalits, women and workers. His commitment to social justice led him to embrace Buddhism along with many of his followers.

Parinirvan is one of the major principles and goals of Buddhism. While the passing of Lord Buddha at the age of 80 is of course the original Mahaparinirvan, it is on account of Dr Ambedkar’s towering moral stature and colossal moral authority in modern India that Government of India observes 6 December as the Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. Ambedkar.

The event was also part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (the Immortal Festival of India’s Independence), which was officially launched on March 12, 2021 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a 75-week countdown to the 75th anniversary of Independence of India (Aug 15, 2022).

To mark Dr. Ambedkar’s Mahaparinirvan Diwas, Honourable President and Prime Minister of India paid floral tributes at Dr. Ambedkar statue in the lawns of the Indian Parliament. Buddhist monks then recited Dhamma Pooja and special songs on Dr. Ambedkar were sung. Cultural programmes were also held at five places intimately associated with the life of Dr. Ambedkar: Amedbkar’s birthplace in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh State of India); the place in London where he stayed while studying in UK; ‘Deeksha Bhoomi’ in Nagpur, where he received education; and ‘Mahaparinirvan Sthal’ in Delhi; and ‘Chaitya Bhoomi’ in Mumbai. These five places are also revered as Panch Teertha (five pilgrimage spots).

In Vientiane, the event commenced with the address of Mr. Dinkar Asthana, Ambassador of India. He recalled Dr. Ambedkar and his role in framing the Constitution of India as well as his relentless crusade for social justice.

A minute’s silence was also observed to pay respects to Dr. Ambedkar. The Ambassador also referred to Lao PDR – India long-standing religious, cultural, and people-to-people linkages going back long into history. He pointed out that Buddhism being the glue in bilateral ties between India and the Lao PDR, the Chanting of Mantras to mark Dr. Ambedkar’s Mahaparinirvan Diwas in Laos was in harmony with Lao culture and traditions too.

This was followed by the Chanting of Mantras by Venerable Monks from the Saphanthong Neua monastery. The Monks recited the Mantras and blessed the gathering. As part of Buddhist culture, the event concluded with handing over of offerings to the Monks by the Ambassador.

Source: Lao News Agency

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