According to Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has achieved more for Buddhism than any other individual in history, making him the most deserving recipient of Lord Buddha’s sacred Kapilavastu relics.
The Dalai Lama was officially bestowed with these relics on Thursday at the RajaGuru Sri Subuthi Waskaduwa Maha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. These relics, unearthed during the Piprahwa excavations under British rule in India, hold immense significance for Buddhists globally.
In a statement, Mahanayake Thero expressed a long-standing intention to offer a precious Buddha relic to the esteemed 14th Dalai Lama, who symbolizes peace, kindness, and compassion. Recognizing the Dalai Lama’s revered status as a living Bodhisattva and a spiritual leader, Mahanayake Thero emphasized the Dalai Lama’s embodiment of core Buddhist teachings, qualifying him as the most suitable recipient of this sacred offering.
Mahanayake Thero further shared that the idea to present a Kapilavastu relic to the Dalai Lama was initiated by Damenda Porage, Founder President of the Sri Lanka-Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood, in 2017. After meticulous planning spanning six years, this cherished wish has finally come to fruition.
The relics were originally gifted to the erudite Sri Lankan monk, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Sri Subhuthi Mahanayake Thero, in 1898. They hold profound significance for millions of Buddhists worldwide, having been enshrined in Piprahwa by Shakyan relatives of Lord Buddha in Kapilavastu.
The announcement of this momentous occasion brings great joy and fulfillment after years of unwavering effort and longing. The sacred relics remain housed at the RajaGuru Sri Subuthi Waskaduwa Maha Viharaya, serving as a tangible link to the legacy of Lord Buddha.
Additionally, the Sri Subhuthi Maha Viharaya in Waskaduwa currently houses 21 relics of Lord Buddha, further enriching its spiritual significance.
In related events, the Dalai Lama delivered teachings during the Chotrul Duechen festival in February, attracting a large audience. This festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 1st Tibetan month, commemorates significant events in the life of the Buddha.
Moreover, in March, the relics of Lord Buddha and his main disciples embarked on a 25-day exposition across Thailand, drawing millions of devotees from various parts of the world. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), this revered exposition traveled to multiple cities, underscoring the enduring spiritual impact of Lord Buddha’s teachings.
