Indian Minister of Culture has shared a special message from Ven. Borelle Seeladassana of Sri Lanka’s Sihanada International Meditation Community, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and India’s efforts to preserve and promote Buddhism worldwide.
In a post on X marking Abhidhamma Day, the minister highlighted the monk’s message appreciating India’s initiatives to strengthen the global Buddhist community through spiritual diplomacy, the sharing of sacred Buddha relics and the preservation of Buddhist heritage.
Ven. Seeladassana, who delivered his Dhamma reflections at the invitation of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), said Abhidhamma Day commemorates the Buddha’s return from the Tavatimsa heaven after expounding the Abhidhamma to the Devas.
He said the occasion was an opportunity to reflect on India’s contribution to spreading Buddhism and Sri Lanka’s role in preserving the teachings in cooperation with India.
Referring to Buddhist pilgrimage sites such as Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar, the monk said initiatives enabling Buddhists worldwide to pay homage to sacred relics and visit places associated with the Buddha’s life had strengthened the global Buddhist community.
However, he emphasised that the essence of the Dhamma lay in its practice and in following the Noble Eightfold Path, rather than merely visiting sacred sites.
He also commended the efforts of the Indian Government and the IBC to promote Buddhist teachings through discussions, cultural exchanges and engagement among Buddhist communities worldwide.
The monk highlighted India’s recognition of Pali as a classical language, describing it as an important step towards preserving the Buddha’s original teachings. He noted that linguistic accuracy was particularly important in understanding Buddhist teachings and guiding meditation practitioners towards spiritual liberation.
Recalling the historical links between the two countries, Ven. Seeladassana referred to Arahat Mahinda’s arrival in Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa and the relationship between the Sri Lankan ruler and Indian Emperor Ashoka.
He said continued cooperation among Indian cultural authorities, the IBC, the Sri Lankan Government and the Sangha community was essential to preserving the shared Buddhist heritage for future generations.
The monk urged Buddhists to take responsibility for safeguarding the practical and theoretical aspects of the Dhamma, describing Buddhist teachings as a source of spiritual guidance in an increasingly fast-paced world.
He also conveyed blessings to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India on the occasion of Abhidhamma Day.