International conference on Guru Padmasambhava

The Centre for Escalation of Peace (CEP), India International Centre (IIC) and Sahapedia organized a two-day conference on the rich tradition and legacy associated with Guru Padmasambhava, one of the most revered and iconic figures for Buddhists today.

The conference titled ‘Life and Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava’, was held at IIC, New Delhi from 29-30 January 2019. Shri N.N. Vohra, President of the IIC, inaugurated the event. The keynote address was delivered by Dasho Karma Ura, President of Centre for Bhutan Studies. Mr. Sonam Tobgay, CDA a.i. from the Royal Bhutanese Embassy also made Opening remarks during the inauguration. Other speakers included accomplished Buddhist practitioners such as Mingyur Rinpoche, Neten Chockling Rinpoche and distinguished scholars such as Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Karma Phuntsho and Ian Baker.

The event brought together some of the most distinguished scholars from Bhutan, India, Nepal and Thailand, who spoke about aspects of the Guru’s life and highlighted his teachings for our contemporary world. The conference is dedicated to the 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan.

Ambassador Shyam Saran, Life Trustee of the IIC, said “Guru Padmasambhava is known as the Second Buddha because he played a seminal role in spreading Buddhism and Buddhist teachings across the Himalayan region, including Northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan and, Tibet.” Mr. Arun Kapur, Director of Centre for Escalation of Peace, said, “Guru Padmasambhava undertook many travels across India, Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. A study into his travels demonstrates his ability to contextualize and localize his message, taking into account the particularities of place and sensibilities of the people. Guru Rinpoche found a way to celebrate our individual differences in our shared commonalities. That is why, in addition to bringing into focus the contemporary relevance of his teachings and the rich and diverse tradition associated with him, this conference is dedicated to the 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan.”

The Valedictory Session was addressed by the Venerable Tshug-La Lopen Samten Dorji from the central Monastic Body of Bhutan. His Eminence said that of the many places, Bhutan is one of the most important places visited by Guru Rinpoche. He said that Guru Rinpoche is regarded as one of the Patron Saints in Bhutan and has had a huge impact on the lives of the Bhutanese people from the time they are born till the time of their death. His Eminence also said that Guru Rinpoche had prophesized the coming of great leaders in Bhutan like the great religious leader Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and successive Dharma Kings of the Wangchuck Dynasty.

The conference was accompanied by an exhibition of rare thangka paintings, sculptures and photographs associated with Guru Padmasambhava. Exhibits have been loaned by both individuals and organizations, including from the Secretariat of His Majesty The King of Bhutan, Tibet House in Delhi, the Palpung Sherabling Monastery, Library of Tibetan Works & Archives and Tsurphu Labrang. The exhibition will remain open for visitors at the IIC until 3 February 2019.