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BHUTAN, May 30, 2005: On a six-day visit to Bhutan, the leader of a Hindu-Buddhist joint delegation from India, Venerable Bhadant Gnana Jagat Thero, who is the president of World Buddhist Cultural Foundation, said that the intention of the mission was to bring the people of the ancient cultures of the East together and closer to each other. “The ancient cultures and religions of the East like Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism all belong to the same family,” he said. “The aim is to develop love, regard, and concern for all the ancient Eastern cultures and religions and for this we are seeking the guidance and the thoughts of the saints and thinkers of different cultures and religions.” Venerable Bhadant Gnana Jagat Thero, who received an audience with His Majesty the King on May 27, said that he had a long and lively discussion with His Majesty. “His Majesty was very clear about his sentiments and feelings,” he said. “His Majesty commended our mission and said that this was a right path and must be done for the welfare of not only the Hindus and Buddhists but for the humanity as a whole.” He described Hinduism and Buddhism as non-aggressive and peace loving religions that must be safeguarded. “If religion teaches hatred, then it is very difficult to remove the conflict of mind,” he said. “We must make ourselves very strong and develop ways and means to promote and exchange understanding so these sufferings do not come.”



Venerable Bhadant Gnana Jagat Thero, who had visited Bhutan six years ago, said that although there was a distinct change in the environment with much development taking place, Bhutan still retained its peace and culture. “This credit goes to the deep culture of Bhutan that has brought about changes, but not at the cost of the culture, peace and environment,” he said. “We believe that one should have the pleasure of the outer life like a good house to live in, a good salary, and things that give you a better life. But more than that, we need inner peace, and I am glad that Bhutan has the seed of both. It is trying to grow and develop but at the same time maintain spiritual sentiments,” he added. The minister for home and cultural affairs, Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley, said that he and the Dorji Lopon of Dratshang had a very good meeting with the delegation. “We had wide ranging discussions on subjects of how Hindus and Buddhists in particular, and the followers of other ancient traditions of Asia, can contribute to promoting greater understanding and peace in the troubled world of today,” he said.



This report was written by By Karma Choden, kchoden@kuensel.com.bt

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