TAWANG, 16 Aug: Carrying a message of peace, compassion, non-violence and universal brotherhood from the sacred land of Tawang to the wider world, a "Dhamma Walk for Universal Peace and Compassion" was organised in Tawang district on Sunday to commemorate the 91st birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The event was organised by the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT), Arunachal Pradesh chapter, in collaboration with Tawang Monastery, Khinmey Monastery, Sera Jay Jamyang Choshorling Monastery, Monpa Mimang Tsokpa (MMT), Being Monpa Foundation, the Tawang Foundation and Mon Drati Educational & Cultural Society.

In his address, the Abbot of Tawang Monastery, His Eminence Tulku Phara Dramey Rinpoche, highlighted the immense contribution of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in spreading the teachings of Buddhism and the universal message of peace and compassion across the world.

He said that the life and teachings of His Holiness serve as an inspiration for people to cultivate inner values and incorporate the principles of Buddhism into their daily lives.

Emphasising that genuine peace begins with inner peace, he said that compassion, wisdom and harmony can contribute to improving individual lives as well as society as a whole. He further observed that the Dhamma Walk provides a meaningful platform for carrying the universal message of Buddhism to the wider world.

Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering, in his address, stressed the importance of disseminating the teachings of Buddha more widely, particularly at a time when different parts of the world are witnessing conflict and instability.

He said that the Buddha's message of peace, compassion and harmony remains deeply relevant in addressing the challenges confronting humanity. He added that the Dhamma Walk carries a powerful message from the people of Tawang to the wider world that peace, compassion and coexistence remain essential foundations for building a harmonious society and a peaceful world.

Addressing the gathering, IHCNBT General Secretary Maling Gombu highlighted the significance of the Dhamma Walk in the present global context. He said its primary objective was to create greater awareness about peace, harmony, compassion and peaceful coexistence.

He observed that despite living in the 21st century, conflicts and wars continue in different parts of the world. Against this backdrop, he underlined the growing relevance of the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha, particularly the principles of compassion, harmony, coexistence and peace.

He emphasised that the Dhamma Walk was not merely a walk, but a collective expression of humanity's aspiration for peace and compassion, providing an opportunity for people to come together, reflect upon the teachings of Buddha and carry forward the message of peaceful coexistence.

Gombu also highlighted the formation, history and activities of IHCNBT and its efforts to bring Himalayan Buddhist communities, particularly members of the monastic Sangha, onto a common platform through conferences, seminars and other programmes across the Indian Himalayan region.

Highlighting one of the Council's major initiatives, he spoke about the monastic education curriculum, which seeks to integrate traditional Buddhist learning with modern education and provide formal certification for studies undertaken by monks in monasteries.

Under the initiative, traditional subjects, including Buddhist philosophy (Darshan), are taught in the Bhoti language and medium alongside modern education, enabling monks to preserve their traditional system of learning while gaining recognised educational qualifications. He informed that students have already appeared for Class X and Class XII examinations under the initiative, marking an important step towards addressing the long-standing issue of formal certification of monastic education.

Monpa Mimang Tsogpa (MMT) President Phurpa Wangyal said that the Dhamma Walk reflected the collective aspiration of the people of Tawang to share the universal values of Buddhism and the message of peace and compassion with the world.

Following the inaugural programme, the Dhamma Walk was flagged off from Tawang Monastery. Monks and nuns, students, youth, local residents and members of the wider community participated enthusiastically, carrying the message of peace, compassion, harmony and universal brotherhood through the streets of Tawang.

The walk culminated at Dzongtse, Tawang, where the concluding programme featured a cultural presentation by MIPA.

Among other dignitaries, Lungla MLA Tsering Lhamu also attended the programme. (DIPRO)