The International Buddhist Confederation, in collaboration with the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, will host a two-day International Conference on the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava. The conference is scheduled for August 28th and 29th, 2024, at Nalanda, Bihar. Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, lived in the eighth century in ancient India and is one of the most revered figures in Buddhism today. He played a crucial role in the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma across the Himalayan region.
Key Guests
- Chief Guest: Governor of Bihar, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
- Guests of Honour:
- Most Ven. Khenpo Chimed, Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, Nepal
- Most Ven. Khenpo Ugyen Namgyel, Secretary/Chief Monk of the Royal Bhutan Temple, Central Monastic Body, Bhutan
Key Themes of the Conference
- Biographical Insights and Mythology
- Exploration of Guru Padmasambhava’s life and the mythological aspects surrounding him.
- Teachings of Vajrayana Buddha Dhamma and the Tantras
- Discussion on the Vajrayana teachings and the Tantras that Guru Padmasambhava introduced.
- Cultural and Artistic Contributions
- Examination of Guru Padmasambhava’s influence on culture and art, including Yogic and Tantric practices, meditation, art, music, dance, and folklore.
- Travels and Regional Impact
- Analysis of Guru Padmasambhava’s travels across the Himalayas and their impact on the regions he visited.
- Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
- Evaluation of Guru Padmasambhava’s enduring legacy and his relevance in the modern era.
Conference Objectives
The conference aims to celebrate Guru Padmasambhava’s Dhamma legacy through various mediums such as manuscripts, relics, paintings, and monuments. It will also focus on how Guru Padmasambhava adapted his teachings to the local cultures and sensibilities, making the assimilation of Buddhism more accessible.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When and where will the International Conference on Guru Padmasambhava be held?
- A) August 28-29, 2024, in Kathmandu, Nepal
- B) August 28-29, 2024, in Nalanda, Bihar
- C) August 30-31, 2024, in Lumbini, Nepal
- D) August 30-31, 2024, in Bhutan
- Who will be the Chief Guest at the conference?
- A) Most Ven. Khenpo Chimed
- B) Governor of Bihar, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
- C) Most Ven. Khenpo Ugyen Namgyel
- D) The Dalai Lama
- Which theme of the conference includes discussions on Guru Padmasambhava’s influence on art and culture?
- A) Biographical Insights and Mythology
- B) Teachings of Vajrayana Buddha Dhamma and the Tantras
- C) Cultural and Artistic Contributions
- D) Travels and Regional Impact
- What is one of the main objectives of the conference?
- A) To promote modern art inspired by Guru Padmasambhava
- B) To celebrate Guru Padmasambhava’s Dhamma legacy through manuscripts, relics, and monuments
- C) To analyze contemporary issues in Buddhism
- D) To explore the economic impact of Buddhism in the Himalayan region
- Which guest of honour is associated with the Royal Bhutan Temple?
- A) Most Ven. Khenpo Chimed
- B) Most Ven. Khenpo Ugyen Namgyel
- C) Governor of Bihar, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
- D) The Dalai Lama