azibaza's blog

Newly constructed Relic Chamber at the historic Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Raja Maha Vihara premises offered to the Buddha Sasana

Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated at a ceremony held on Sunday (August 24) to offer the newly constructed Relic Chamber at the historic Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Raja Maha Vihara premises to the Buddha Sasana

Following the unveiling of the commemorative plaque by the Chief Incumbent of the historic Kotte Raja Maha Vihara, Most Venerable Dr. Aluthnuwara Anuruddha Nayaka Thero, the Prime Minister made a floral offering to the relic chamber, after which  the Prime Minister also joined the opening of the newly established temple museum located on the lower floor of the chamber.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Chief Incumbents of the Lankarama in Los Angeles, the Indiana Buddhist Vihara, and the Ohio Maitri Bhavana Center in the United States, as well as the Chief Sanghanayake Thero for the Western and Central States of USA, and the Chief Incumbent of the historic Kotte Raja Maha Vihara, Most Venerable Mangala Dharmakirti Sri Dharma Duta Seva Bhushana Talangama Devananda Nayaka Thero along with the Maha sangha, and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Mayor of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Arusha Athapaththu, other political authorities, and a large number of devotees.

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and the heart of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, is bursting with colour and tradition as the annual Shoton Festival unfolds, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the region’s establishment. Known as the “yogurt banquet,” Shoton is one of China’s earliest recognised intangible cultural heritage events, dating back to the 17th century.

The festivities began on August 23 with the dramatic unveiling of giant thangka paintings at Drepung and Sera monasteries. These sacred scrolls, painted on silk or cotton with mineral pigments, were unfurled on hillside platforms, drawing crowds from across the region. Despite persistent rain and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, the atmosphere remained orderly and reverent. Locals and monks distributed bread, milk tea, and water to visitors, adding warmth to the solemn occasion.

Throughout the week, Lhasa transforms into a vibrant stage for Tibetan Opera, horse racing, and regional exhibitions. Norbulingka park becomes an open-air theatre, where performers in hand-painted masks and vivid costumes sing and dance from morning to dusk. Families gather for “guolinka,” the tradition of picnicking in parks, sharing butter tea and barley wine while cheering on the performers.

For many, Shoton is deeply personal. Local resident Danzen Zhuoga described it as a time to wear traditional dress, relax with family in tents, and enjoy the cultural richness of the region. Unlike Losar, the Tibetan New Year, which focuses on family visits, Shoton is about communal joy and spiritual reflection.

Tourists, too, are swept up in the celebration. Wu, a visitor from Shanghai, described the thangka unveiling as “awe-inspiring,” and was moved by the unity and generosity of the local community.

According to researcher Ciren Yangzong, Shoton reflects the evolving spirit of Tibet’s people—preserving tradition while embracing modernity. As Lhasa continues to celebrate, the festival stands as a testament to cultural resilience, spiritual devotion, and shared happiness.

Bhaktapur’s ancient alleys came alive this week with the rhythmic pulse of drums and the towering presence of Dipankar Buddhas, as the city marked the annual Panchadan festival—a centuries-old Buddhist ritual rooted in the practice of almsgiving and spiritual merit.

Celebrated on Triodashi, two days before Kushe Aunsi (Father’s Day in the lunar calendar), Panchadan is more than a procession. It is a ceremonial tour of five Dipankar Buddha effigies through the city, accompanied by offerings, chants, and the display of Buddhist artifacts in homes and monasteries. The Dipankar Tathagat, along with Shakyamuni and Vajracharya figures, receive alms from devotees, continuing a tradition that dates back to Nepal Sambat 512 (AD 1390).

The festival’s core lies in the symbolic offering of five elements—wheat, rice, salt, money, and fruit—each representing a facet of life: sustenance, purity, prosperity, vitality, and fortune. These gifts, given according to one’s means, reflect the Buddhist principle of dana (charity) and reinforce communal bonds. As Surya Bahadur Chitrakar, a local devotee, noted, “It is counted as a good deed once you donate or give alms. The volume of donations is dependent on one’s capacity.”

Though monastic Buddhism has faded in Nepal, the ritual persists through the Shakyas and Vajracharyas, who now receive the offerings. Their presence, moving from house to house, evokes the ancient image of Bhikshus collecting alms—a practice believed to have originated in regions like Kinnaur, Tibet, Lahoul, and Spiti, where monks once relied on Cordyceps sinensis for sustenance.

Dipankar Buddha, revered as a precursor to enlightenment, embodies a transitional stage toward Buddhahood. His effigies, paraded through Bhaktapur, are not merely icons but reminders of the spiritual journey and the enduring legacy of Newar Buddhist culture.

In a time of rapid change, Panchadan remains a vibrant assertion of identity. It is not only a religious observance but a cultural affirmation—where heritage, generosity, and devotion converge. For Bhaktapur, the festival is a living archive, preserving the rhythms of the past while nourishing the spirit of the present.

Once a quiet hilltop sanctuary southeast of Kathmandu, Namo Buddha is fast emerging as one of the world’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. With its deep spiritual roots, dramatic legends, and growing international appeal, the stupa is drawing thousands of devotees seeking compassion, reflection, and renewal.

Located in Nepal’s Kavrepalanchok District, Namo Buddha is famed for the ancient tale of Prince Mahasattva, who offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs—a supreme act of generosity that remains central to Buddhist teachings. The site, known in Tibetan as Takmo Lu Jin (“Tigress Body Generosity”), has long been sacred, but only recently has it begun to rival Kathmandu’s more accessible stupas—Swayambhu Nath and Boudha Nath—in global recognition.

Unlike its urban counterparts, Namo Buddha’s remote setting preserved its authenticity but limited its visibility. That’s changing. Pilgrims from across Asia and beyond now travel to the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, built in 1976, which anchors the site’s spiritual life. Festivals, especially during the full moon in November, attract thousands, and the monastery’s teachings have reached a global audience.

Historically, the stupa’s origins trace back over 6,000 years, with legends linking it to visits by Guru Padmasambhava and King Mana Deva I. The site’s layered history includes meditations by incarnate lamas, devotional music traditions, and symbolic architecture that reflects centuries of reverence.

While Swayambhu and Boudha benefited from royal patronage and urban proximity, Namo Buddha’s resurgence is driven by a modern rediscovery of its timeless message. In an age of rapid change, its story of selfless compassion resonates deeply, offering pilgrims not just a destination, but a spiritual anchor.

As Nepal continues to promote its cultural heritage, Namo Buddha stands poised to become a cornerstone of global Buddhist pilgrimage—where legend, devotion, and serenity converge.

A 1,000-year-old Buddha statue containing the mummified remains of the monk Liuquan has become the focus of a complex saga involving theft, spiritual heritage, and international law. Originally enshrined in Puzhao Temple in Fujian, China, the statue—known as Zhanggong Zushi—was stolen in 1995 and resurfaced in Europe a year later, acquired by Dutch art collector Oscar van Overeem. He claimed to have purchased it legally in Amsterdam, though no documentation was provided.

In 2014, the statue was loaned to the Drents Museum in the Netherlands for a “Mummy World” exhibition. A CT scan revealed a stunning secret: the preserved body of Liuquan, seated in lotus position, with his organs replaced by paper inscribed with Chinese characters. Experts believe Liuquan underwent a decade-long self-mummification ritual, involving a strict diet and meditation in a sealed chamber, aiming to become a “living Buddha.”

The discovery sparked outrage in China, especially among villagers from Yangchun and Dongpu, who had venerated the statue for centuries. Legal efforts to reclaim the relic began in 2015, but a Dutch court dismissed the case in 2018. However, in 2020, the Sanming Intermediate People’s Court in China ruled in favor of the villages, ordering the statue’s return within 30 days. The ruling was hailed as a landmark for cultural restitution under international conventions.

Despite the court order, van Overeem claimed he no longer possessed the statue, having allegedly traded it to a Chinese businessman. Its current whereabouts remain unknown, deepening the mystery and frustration surrounding the case.

Beyond the legal battle, the statue offers rare insight into ancient Buddhist mortuary practices and the spiritual significance of self-mummification. Researchers hope DNA analysis of Liuquan’s remains will shed light on his origins and the ritual that preserved him. The Zhanggong Zushi statue stands as a symbol of contested memory, cultural reverence, and the enduring struggle to protect sacred heritage across borders.

ISLAMABAD :  A meticulously crafted replica of the revered Fasting Buddha, an iconic Gandhara-era masterpiece dating back to the 2nd century, was formally handed over to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple.

The gift was given by Ambassador of Pakistan Kohdayar Marri in a landmark event symbolizing cultural and spiritual solidarity between Pakistan and Vietnam, Foreign Office Spokesperson, on Saturday, said in a press release.

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri, during the ceremony, emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue.

“This gift reflects Pakistan’s rich heritage, respect for all faiths and our shared vision of peace. Tolerance and respect is the essence of Islam, and such exchanges reinforce diplomacy and harmony,” he said.

The original Fasting Siddhartha statue, discovered in Sikri, Pakistan and housed in Lahore Museum depicts Prince Siddhartha’s profound austerity in pursuit of enlightenment.

“The replica, gifted by the Government of Pakistan, embodies values of discipline, resilience, and interfaith harmony,” it was added.

The event commenced with sacred prayers led by the Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, who blessed the statue at the Pakistani Embassy before its journey to Ninh Binh.

At Bai Dinh Pagoda, the statue was received by Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang in a traditional Buddhist ritual, attended by senior Vietnamese officials, religious leaders, and dignitaries.

Venerable Thich Minh Quang hailed the gesture as a beacon of inter-religious goodwill, promoting mutual understanding between Pakistan and Vietnam.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for enduring friendship between the two nations.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the upcoming inauguration of the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa in Vaishali, scheduled for July 29, 2025. The event will host Buddhist monks and followers from approximately 15 countries, marking a milestone moment of cultural pride for the region.

Spread over 72 acres and constructed with Rajasthan’s pink sandstone, the museum-stupa complex reflects a fusion of architectural grandeur and ecological sensitivity. At its core lies the sacred relic casket of Lord Buddha, placed on the first floor as the spiritual centerpiece. Kumar emphasized that these relics—found at the ancient Mud Stupa site in Vaishali—are regarded as the most authentic among those recovered from six historical Buddhist locations. This authenticity has also been noted by the 7th-century Chinese monk Xuanzang in his travel chronicles.

The Chief Minister described Vaishali as a site of profound historic and mythological significance, home to the world’s first republic and a pioneering center of women’s empowerment—being the location where women were first included in the Buddhist Sangha. He stressed that the new monument will honor Bihar’s rich Buddhist and cultural legacy while enhancing its global profile.

In addition to its spiritual significance, Kumar believes the stupa will give fresh momentum to tourism and employment in the region. Designed to offer visitors an immersive experience, the complex showcases both religious reverence and architectural innovation. He shared that he personally monitored the construction to ensure timely and distinguished completion.

In a social media post, Kumar expressed his elation: “This is a moment of pride for all of us in Bihar… I have continuously overseen the construction work… to ensure it is completed in a distinguished manner.” He reiterated that the inauguration would highlight Bihar’s cultural diplomacy, placing Vaishali firmly on the world Buddhist heritage map.

Would you like this adapted into a press release, headline-driven web piece, or something tailored for cultural tourism platforms?

Chen Huili’s decades of dedication to cultural heritage have transformed her from a former textile technician into one of China’s leading figures in rock art conservation. Guided by a unique four-step diagnostic method—rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and enhanced by modern technologies like CT scans and 3D mapping—Chen treats relics like patients, using sight, smell, inquiry, and touch to assess their condition. This “East-meets-West” approach achieves over 95% accuracy in preserving fragile art in humid environments.

Now director of the Dazu Rock Carvings Academy’s Protection Engineering Center, Chen’s journey began in the 1990s as a museum docent. Her expertise in industrial chemistry led her to pioneer restoration techniques and promote China’s grotto heritage abroad. After two visits to Italy nearly a decade apart, she went from being seen as a student to being respected as an equal—symbolizing both her personal evolution and China’s growing stature in global heritage preservation.

Amid a heatwave-induced drop in water levels at Chongqing’s Yutan Reservoir, 27 remarkably preserved cliff carvings from the Song Dynasty were uncovered — a find hailed as a major extension to the nearby UNESCO-recognized Dazu Rock Carvings. Among them, a statue of the Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara and a niche carving of Haritri, symbolizing maternal care, reinforce the site’s hallmark of depicting everyday life with spiritual nuance.

Chen Huili, who has dedicated over 30 years to conserving Dazu’s legacy, discovered these pieces shortly before her retirement. Passionate and meticulous, she has traversed all 75 cave temple sites housing over 50,000 sculptures. Her deepest connection is to the Guanyin with a Thousand Hands, China’s largest of its kind, which took her and her team eight years to restore through innovative methods — including reverse-engineering and creating detachable components.

The project, completed in 2015 after more than 3,000 days of work, marked a turning point in China’s approach to restoring immovable cultural heritage. For Chen, these newly revealed carvings are both a professional triumph and a personal farewell, deepening the cultural heartbeat she has felt throughout her career.

Chen Huili reinforces a stone statue of the Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing in 2018. Photo: Courtesy of Chen Huili

 

Chen Huili repairs the statue of Qianshou Guanyin in 2014. Photo: Courtesy of Chen Huili Flaming passion

Chen Huili’s decades of dedication to cultural heritage have transformed her from a former textile technician into one of China’s leading figures in rock art conservation. Guided by a unique four-step diagnostic method—rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and enhanced by modern technologies like CT scans and 3D mapping—Chen treats relics like patients, using sight, smell, inquiry, and touch to assess their condition. This “East-meets-West” approach achieves over 95% accuracy in preserving fragile art in humid environments.

Now director of the Dazu Rock Carvings Academy’s Protection Engineering Center, Chen’s journey began in the 1990s as a museum docent. Her expertise in industrial chemistry led her to pioneer restoration techniques and promote China’s grotto heritage abroad. After two visits to Italy nearly a decade apart, she went from being seen as a student to being respected as an equal—symbolizing both her personal evolution and China’s growing stature in global heritage preservation.

Gandhara, located in present-day Pakistan, holds profound historical and spiritual significance for Buddhism. Once a thriving hub of Buddhist thought, art and culture, Gandhara played a vital role in the dissemination of all three major schools of Buddhism—Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana.

While Theravada Buddhism, rooted in the teachings of Lord Buddha, is most prominent in South and Southeast Asia, Gandhara maintains a spiritual link to the Buddha himself. Ancient lore and accounts, such as those by the Chinese pilgrim Faxian, recount stories of the Buddha’s past lives in the Gandharan region—particularly in Taxila—adding symbolic weight to the connection.

Mahayana Buddhism, the largest Buddhist tradition today, finds even deeper roots in Gandhara. Scholars believe the Mahayana Sutras were transmitted from Gandhara to China, forming the foundation of East Asian Buddhism. The discovery of the Gandharan birch-bark scrolls, dating from 1–3 BCE and written in the Gandhari language, mark the earliest known manuscripts of Buddhist teachings. This lends Gandhara a pivotal role not just in the spread, but in the very documentation of Buddhism.

Vajrayana Buddhism, practiced in Tibet and the Himalayas, also traces its origins to Gandhara. Its founder, Padmasambhava—the “Lotus Buddha”—is believed to have been born in Odhiyana, identified with today’s Swat Valley, a subregion of Gandhara. He later journeyed to Tibet and became central to the spiritual foundation of Tibetan Buddhism.

Additionally, Gandhara was an important center during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, one of Buddhism’s most influential patrons. His son Kunala established a monastery in Taxila, underscoring the region’s religious and political importance within Ashoka’s empire.

Today, Pakistan is re-embracing its Buddhist heritage, with public and private initiatives aiming to promote Gandhara globally. The revival of interest is not merely historical—it represents an opportunity to reconnect with millions of Buddhists worldwide and position Pakistan as steward of a legacy that shaped Buddhist philosophy across continents.

Gandhara wasn’t just a historical footnote—it was, and could again become, a spiritual epicenter for the Buddhist world.