| News Details |
| MIMC hosts landmark ‘Int’l Conference on Himalayan Buddhism’ | | amid Sacred Relics Exposition in Leh | 
Leh, May 03 (Scoop News)-The Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh emerged as the focal point of global Buddhist dialogue as it hosted the International Conference on “Contribution of Himalayan Buddhism to the Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of India and Beyond.”
The conference, organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and supported by the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, is being held alongside the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Gautama Buddha.
Set against the serene spiritual landscape of MIMC, the inaugural session brought together eminent spiritual leaders, scholars, policymakers and delegates from across India and abroad, transforming the meditation centre into a vibrant hub of philosophical exchange and cultural reflection. The event began with ceremonial lamp lighting, accompanied by devotional chants by young monks and nuns of MIMC, symbolizing the illumination of wisdom and the continuity of the Buddha’s teachings.
The conference witnessed the presence of several high-profile dignitaries. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu attended as the Chief Guest, while His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Among the special guests were Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Culture and Tourism, Uttar Pradesh; Ven. Shartse Kehnsur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, the Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation; Chering Dorjey Lakruk, President Ladakh Buddhist Association; Ven. Dorjey Stanzin, President Ladakh Gonpa Association; and Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder and Spiritual Director of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre. Also present were Abhijit Halder, Director General of IBC, and Sanjit Rodrigues, Secretary, Culture and Tourism, UT Ladakh.
Speakers highlighted that gathering was not merely an academic exercise, but a reaffirmation of living traditions that continue to guide humanity. The historical journey of Buddha Dhamma was revisited, tracing its spread from India to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and beyond through royal patronage, trade routes and the tireless efforts of monks and scholars. References were made to great masters such as Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita, whose contributions laid the foundations of Buddhism in the Himalayan region and Tibet.
The welcome address was presented by Ven. Shartse Kehnsur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, the Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation.
In his address, Hon’ble CM of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu lauded the role of institutions like MIMC in preserving and promoting Buddhist values. He described the conference as a historic gathering after decades and lauded the efforts of IBC in connecting Buddhist communities globally.
Highlighting the shared cultural bond across Himalayan states, he noted that regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh are linked not only geographically but spiritually through Buddhist traditions.
He underscored the cultural and spiritual interconnectedness of Himalayan regions and stressed that the teachings of Gautama Buddha—particularly compassion and non-violence—remain essential in shaping a peaceful global future. Referring to the vision of Narendra Modi, he remarked that the 21st century can truly become an Asian century only if guided by these principles.
He also highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s unique position as a state practicing both Mahayana and Theravada traditions and stressed the role of Buddhism in strengthening cultural identity as well as national security in border regions.
Guest of Honour, His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche emphasized that while Buddhist teachings remain deeply relevant in addressing modern mental and emotional challenges, there is an urgent need to preserve Himalayan Buddhist traditions.
He called for greater unity among Himalayan regions such as Ladakh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Arunachal Pradesh and active engagement of youth in preserving spiritual heritage besides use of modern platforms like digital media to communicate Buddhist values. He warned that many traditions are already fading and urged collective responsibility to safeguard them for future generations.
Throughout the inaugural session, Ladakh’s unique role as a living repository of Himalayan Buddhism was repeatedly acknowledged. The presence of the 14th Dalai Lama in the region over the years and the continued vitality of monastic traditions have helped position Ladakh as a global center of Buddhist learning and practice.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the release of the book “The Living Legacy of the Tathagata,” reflecting Ladakh’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage and its commitment to preserving Buddhist teachings.
In his concluding remarks, Bhikkhu Sanghasena described the occasion as a historic and deeply spiritual moment for Ladakh and the nation. He emphasized that the ongoing exposition of Buddha’s relics has drawn thousands of devotees. Calling it a rare convergence of faith and scholarship, he noted that while Buddhism originated in India, it has been preserved with devotion in the Himalayan region, and events like this help reconnect the world with that legacy.
As the conference unfolds over the coming days, MIMC continues to stand at the heart of this global dialogue—offering not just a venue, but a living embodiment of the teachings of compassion, mindfulness and universal harmony.
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