While inaugurating the Grand International Exposition titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, the Prime Minister also highlighted that the wisdom and path shown by Bhagwan Buddha belong to all of humanity.
- This historic event marks the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha, repatriated after 127 years.
About Piprahwa Relics
- Discovery: Unearthed in 1898 by British Civil Engineer William Claxton Peppé.
- Location: An ancient Buddhist stupa at Piprahwa (Uttar Pradesh), near the India-Nepal border.
- Significance: Archaeological evidence associates the Piprahwa site with ancient Kapilavastu, widely identified as the place where Bhagwan Buddha spent his early life prior to renunciation.
- The relics are believed to be associated with the mortal remains of Gautama Buddha.
Contemporary relevance of Buddha’s teachings
- Governance and political integrity: By applying the concepts of Right Speech, conduct, and livelihood to public administration Buddhist principles can promote citizen-centric governance.
- Social equity and justice: Gautama Buddha opened the institution of the Sangha to all individuals regardless of status, which provides a modern basis for eliminating discrimination against vulnerable groups, including women, transgender individuals, and sex workers.
- Environmental sustainability and Consumerism: The teaching of middle-path advocates for a life of moderation between extreme luxury and austerity, offering a solution to over-exploitation of resources and climate change.
- Ethics in Technology and Science: By applying principles of simplicity and reverence for all life, society can ensure technological progress does not come at the cost of moral values.
- Additionally, the emphasis on mindfulness and right understanding fosters a scientific temper and a spirit of inquiry.
