Zubair Qureshi
Despite marks of rich Gandhara culture and the relics that boast of an ancient civilization dominated by the Buddhist traditions in this part of the world, currently there is not a single Buddhist monk living in Pakistan.
This disturbing fact was pointed out by Most Venerable Anil Sakya, Honorary Rector World Buddhist University Thailand, during his interaction with the media before departure for Thailand. He along with other monks from Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam was in Pakistan to attend the 3-day International Gandhara Symposium (July 11-13, 2023).
However, MV Anil Sakya expressed the hope that the situation would improve soon as he observed during the three-day symposium an increasing realization in the government and the public about capitalizing this immensely rich but highly neglected potential of the country.
Pakistan indeed took a phenomenal leap forward with regard to promoting its soft image as Buddhist scholars not only from the region but also from the UK, Vietnam and other parts of the world assembled under one roof and spread Lord Buddha’s message of peace, harmony and meditation.
A large number of students, local religious scholars, peace activists, diplomats and members of civil society turned up at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) to listen to them and practice what they preach.
Prof Dr Hridya Ratna, one of the monks and former Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) Nepal, for example stressed that Gautam Buddha was a “teacher and a guide –but not a God.”
In fact, meditation and Ayurveda medicinal systems were introduced by the Buddhists and developed during the Gandhara period. The monk even demonstrated a meditation style involving the whole audience who sat in silence with their eyes closed for one minute.
Later, at Nepal Ambassador Tapas Adhikari’s residence while talking to a select gathering he repeated the universal message of peace and love that Buddha strived all his life.
As a result of this successful event, the Pakistan government is considering establishing a Gandhara Cultural Authority to overcome restrictions and showcase the Gandhara civilization at the global level, sources told Pakistan Observer.
While talking to Pakistan Observer, Imran Shaukat, Adviser to Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) commended Chairman of the PM’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism (PMTFGT), Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani for accomplishing the task i.e. to tell the world about the treasure of Buddhist marks in Pakistan. However, this is not the first time that the Buddhist monks are visiting Pakistan, he said. Imran Shaukat is one of those who were instrumental in the visit of Most Venerable Arayawangso, Chief Monk of Thailand last year who spent rain retreat in Taxila (mid-July-mid-October 2023) along with 150 Thailand Buddhist tourists and even in 2019 prior to COVID-19. However, this time the canvas was broader and we had monks from several countries.
Dr Ramesh Kumar, the man behind the task deserves our kudos for organizing this huge cultural and tourism-friendly symposium, he said.
Media awards were also one of the highlights of the symposium. Dr Ramesh Kumar presented awards to media persons, including this reporter for outstanding media coverage through their stories/package. Director of the PMTFGT Sabahuddin Qazi announced the names of the winning journalists.
