International Buddhist Confederation to organize a Two-day Conference at Nalanda, Bihar on the Life and Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava

International Buddhist Confederation, in collaboration with the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara will organise a two-day International Conference on the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava Conference on 28^th and 29^th August, 2024 at Nalanda, Bihar. Also known as Guru Rinpoche Guru Padmasambhava lived in the eighth century in ancient India. One of the most revered figures in Buddha Dhamma today, he is credited with the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma across the Himalayan belt.

Governor of Bihar, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, will grace the event as the Chief Guest. Most Ven. Khenpo Chimed, Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, Nepal, and Most Ven. Khenpo Ugyen Namgyel, Secretary/Chief Monk of the Royal Bhutan Temple, Central Monastic Body, Bhutan, will be the Guests of Honour at the conference. Regarded as the second Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, also called Guru Rinpoche, is the famous Rishi (or Sant) of the Himalayas, who lived in the eighth century in ancient India.

The key themes of the conference will include his life and teachings, his travels across the Himalayas, and, most importantly, his relevance in the present time. Guru Padamasambhava also represents a consolidation of many strands of culture ranging from Yogic and Tantric practices to meditation, art, music, dance, magic, folklore and religious teachings. There will be a concerted effort to celebrate his Dhamma legacy through manuscripts, relics, paintings, and monuments at the conference.

Key themes of the Conference include:

1. Biographical Insights and Mythology

2. Teachings of Vajrayana Buddha Dhamma and the Tantras

3. Cultural and Artistic Contributions

4. Travels and Regional Impact

5. Legacy and Contemporary Relevance

While striving to spread the core tenets of Buddha Dhamma, Guru Padamasambhava understood the particularities of a place and sensibilities of the people. Thus, he molded his teachings in the local idiom and culture, making assimilation of the faith much easier. In retracing his life and times, the conference hopes to gain insights into his approach of handling diverse cultures and religious traditions, using local symbols and even rituals as vehicles to transmit the sublime message of Lord Buddha.