Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the exposition of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Leh on the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima.
On this occasion, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri V.K. Saxena, Union Home Secretary, and many dignitaries were present. Shri Amit Shah said that today’s Buddha Purnima marks a historic and truly golden occasion for the residents of Ladakh. “On this auspicious occasion, after 75 years, the arrival of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha here will inspire followers of Buddhism as well as other faiths,” he said.
Shri Amit Shah said that much like in the life of Lord Buddha, it is rare for anyone to experience their birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana all occurring on the very same day; for this reason, today is a highly auspicious and inspiring day for all. He said that today is not only a religious event but also a historic reunion. “After so many years, Tathagata Buddha has returned to this sacred land, his most beloved land, which is a matter of great fortune,” he said.
He said that Ladakh has been a living land of Dhamma for centuries. When the Dalai Lama comes here, he says that this land is not merely geographical but a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion. Shri Shah said that knowledge has been preserved and nurtured on this land. Whenever Buddhism faced challenges, this land worked to preserve Lord Buddha’s message.
Shri Amit Shah said that Ladakh’s spiritual identity has been shaped by four major traditions—Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. He highlighted four key principles: first, see things as they are; second, the grace of the Guru and continuous self-reflection is the gateway to liberation; third, knowledge is incomplete without practice, and practice is blind without knowledge; fourth, without moral discipline, a wise life cannot be formed.
The Home Minister said that the presence of these sacred relics in Ladakh reminds us that India’s civilization has been giving the message of peace and coexistence for thousands of years. “This heritage still tells us that amidst conflict and unrest, the path of peace and compassion alone can provide solutions,” he said.
Shri Amit Shah said that Mahayana Buddhist literature states that having the opportunity to see the sacred relics is equivalent to having the darshan of Lord Buddha himself. Today, after such a long time, the people of Ladakh are getting the fortune of having darshan of Lord Buddha himself.
The return of Lord Buddha’s relics to Ladakh after 75 years marks a historic occasion that inspires peace, compassion, and spiritual renewal for all faiths.
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