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Source- This post on International Conference on the Life and Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava has been created based on the article “International Buddhist Confederation to organize a Two-day Conference at Nalanda, Bihar on the Life and Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava” published in “PIB” on 28th August 2024.
Why in News?
The International Buddhist Confederation, in partnership with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, will host a two-day International Conference in Nalanda, Bihar.
About International Conference on the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava
| Aspects | Description |
| About | A two-day International Conference on the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava will be organised on 28th and 29th august, 2024 in Nalanda, Bihar. |
| Organised by | International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. |
| Conference Themes | 1. Biographical Insights and Mythology of Guru Padmasambhava. 2. Teachings of Vajrayana Buddha Dhamma and the Tantra 3. Cultural and Artistic Contributions of Guru Padmasambhava 4. Travels and Regional Impact of Guru Padmasambhava 5. Legacy and his Contemporary Relevance in today’s world. |
| Objectives of the Conference | 1. To celebrate the diverse Dhamma legacy of Guru Padmasambhava through manuscripts, relics, paintings, and monuments. 2. To gain insights into his approach of integrating local customs and rituals to effectively transmit the teachings of Buddha. 3. To understand how Guru Padmasambhava adapted Buddha Dhamma to local cultures, making the faith more accessible and relatable. |
About Guru Padmasambhava
1. Padmasambhava is a highly revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism and is often regarded as the “Second Buddha” due to his significant role in spreading Buddhism throughout Tibet and the Himalayan regions.
2. The name Padmasambhava, meaning “Lotus-Born,” reflects his miraculous birth from a lotus flower in a lake within the kingdom of Oddiyana, believed to be in the Swat Valley of present-day Pakistan or a mythical region in northwestern India.
3. Padmasambhava introduced Vajrayana Buddhism, which focuses on esoteric practices such as mantras, mudras, and visualizations, as pathways to enlightenment.
4. He taught numerous forms of meditation and passed down secret tantric teachings that became foundational to Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Nyingma school, which considers him its founding master.
5. Padmasambhava is also known for concealing numerous spiritual treasures, or termas, across Tibet and surrounding areas. These teachings were intended for future generations and were to be discovered by enlightened beings known as tertöns.
6. His life and accomplishments are celebrated in numerous texts, and he is frequently depicted in thangka paintings, sculptures, and religious artwork throughout the Himalayan region.
7. Guru Rinpoche’s Day, observed on the 10th day of the lunar month, serves as a tribute to his enduring influence. Devotees across the Himalayan region participate in prayers, meditation, and rituals to honor his teachings and seek his blessings for spiritual growth.
UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture
