Bhante Gyanapurnika, a cherished memory of the most venerable monk of Nepal
– Dr. Suwarn Vajracharya
Bhante Gyanapurnika, the most respected Sanghanayaka Bhkkhu in Nepal of today passed away on Friday leaving his cherished memories with his followers both in Nepal and abroad.
Bhante Gyanapurnika became the Sanghanayaka of Nepal, the most eminent official rank among the Theravada Buddhist monks in Nepal succeeding Bhante Assaghosa, the 6th Sanghanayaka who passed away in April last year. He was conferred the Sanghanayaka in May last year (2019). The position is equal to the Mahanayaka monk of Sri Lanka, Sangharaja of Thailand in Buddhist faith, and Archbishop of Canterbury in Christainity. He was the 7th monk conferred such a highest rank in the history of Therawada tradition in Nepal though the country has a longer history of Buddhism over the past 2.5 millennia.
Bhante Gyanapurnika was the most senior monk not by age but by the period of his practice as a Buddhist monk after his entry into the life of celibacy. He was the most respected monk by both his peer monks and nuns, and the Buddhist laity. He was a multilingual orator, who preached Buddhism in several languages. He was well respected not only by Nepal Bhasa and Khas Bhasa speaking followers in Nepal but also by his foreign followers outside Nepal. He periodically visited to Malaysia and Singapore to conduct meditation and to teach Buddhism. It was a great honor to have accompanied him to several such programs, which leave today the cherished memory of him with me. He was a revered preacher and a self-disciplined practitioner of Buddhist meditation. He guided his followers and contributed towards the progress of people’s way of life for the past six decades. He has also published several works on Buddhist philosophy as taught by the Buddha. But today, Bhante Gyanapurnika is no more among us. He leaves his cherished memories with his followers at home and abroad.
Born to a Sakya family in Taksar, Palpa Tansen in 1939, named as Hiralal left home to become a Buddhist monk at an early age, Bhante Gyanapurnika received his higher education on Buddhism and its philosophy in Burma now Myanmar. He was a pioneering author who penned down the first work on the relations between Nepal and Burma in 1971. He began to write books on Buddhism no sooner he returned to Nepal from Burma in 1969. His first contribution to Buddhist literature began with Payasi Sutta, a discourse that describes the teachings of the Buddha on Karma, rebirth, and proper giving to worthy ones such as monks. Since this work published in 1969, he has so far published 42 books, half them were rendered from Pali Bhasa to Nepal Bhasa. He was also the first monk to receive Shrestha Award for his contribution to Nepal Bhasa literature. He was conferred the award for his translation of “Beloved Daughter” from Burmese to Nepal Bhasa in 1970. The award-winning work related a story of a young Nepalese nun who took refuge in the Buddha’s teaching under a prominent Buddhist monk in Myanmar (then Burma). The nun is no one but the most respected nun – Bhikkhuni Dhammavati, who practices and teaches Buddhism at Dharmakeerti Vihara, Naghal, Kathmandu today. Bhante Gyanapurnika’s writeup of her attracted unprecedented mass of housewives, to learning the Buddha’s teachings in Nepal since then. His collaboration with the Bhikkhuni Dhammavati “Guruman” – mother teacher, a respected term for Bhikkhunis in Nepal, a well facilitated meditation center at Sankhamula area in Kathmandu. The center today attracts hundreds of seekers of peace in the teachings of the Buddha.
Bhante Gyanapurnika has received many honorary awards and degrees for his contribution to the promotion of peace taught by the Buddha. A title of Aggamaha Pandita (Supreme scholar of Buddhism) was conferred on him by the Bhikkhu Council of Myanmar and Dhammachariya (Honorary doctorate) in Buddhism by the University of Myanmar sometimes ago. Among many important events of his life as a monk, his 50th anniversary to the monkhood was celebrated at the National conference hall in Kathmandu attended by the first President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav (2008 – 2015).
He also served Dharmodaya Sabha, the first and foremost federation of Buddhist Associations of Nepal as its president from 2012 to 2014. Having completed his term of presidency of Dharmodaya Sabha, he still continued to be its chief preceptor to advice the national federation of Buddhists in Nepal. Not to mention his lifelong service to the people in around the Vishva Shanti Vihara, where he and hundreds of his disciples reside to seek solace in the teachings of the Buddha, he has always been ready to guide those seek his help for a peaceful way of life. He has continued this socio-religious service up to the last minutes before he fell ill. I am one of many who miss him and his blessings.
His memorial will be held at Vishva Shanti Vihara, Nayanbanesvar from 12:30 and cremation will follow at 14:00 on Sunday July 5th 2020 – the full moon day – the Gurupurnima, while a special thanks giving service by the Dharmodaya Sabha in his honor of its chief preceptor will precede the main memorial from 9:00 am. Buddhist monks, nuns and laity are to join the event to wish His Eminent the most venerable Sanghanayaka Bhante Gyanapurnika for his rest in peace. May he attain to bliss of Nibbana!
Dr. Vajracharya chairs Nepal Study Center Japan, a center for Japan–Nepal studies. He received his Ph.D. in International Public Policy at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. He has conducted several research papers on language politics and state policies in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore for the past four decades. As a trained teacher in TESOL, he has taught English at several universities in Japan for the past thirty years. As a translator and interpreter, he has translated several policy related documents into English. He periodically writes on language, culture and policy to newspapers in Nepal and Japan.
Global Earth Day Celebration
Ratna Man Sakya
Vice President
Dharmodaya Sabha
Since 1970 Global Earth Day celebration is the largest civic-focused day of the world. Celebration of 50th Anniversary of Earth Day on Wednesday 22 April will unite hundreds of millions of people around the world to inspire an action against environmental degradation and climate changes even if it is online. Climate Action is the 2020 Earth Day. At the end of 2020, Nations will be expected to increase their national commitments to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, so the time is now for all of us to call for greater global ambition to tackle our climate crisis for healthier ecosystems, more sustainable communities and a brighter future for all of us.
In August 2019, aged 16, Greta Thunberg, a committed climate activist from Sweden, has almost become the face of the world through her ambitious and rigorous protests against climate crisis and all the failed policymakers and responsible stakeholders. She gave an impassioned tearful speech at UN Climate Action Summit. Her words has touched our heart “How dare you, you have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”
The Paris Agreement, in seeking to strengthen the global response to climate change, reaffirms the goal of limiting global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. To reach that goal, the world would have to cut emissions by 7.6% annually to 2030. A 2 C warming would likely destroy around 13% of the world’s ecosystems and summer temperatures would simply be unbearably hot. Earth has already warmed 1.1 C since pre-industrial times due to greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal, oil and gas.
Political interference still needs to clear to on undiluted point. President Donald Trump pulled out the United States out of the 2015 Paris climate accord. Trump has argued that the Paris agreement was a bad deal for the U.S. because reducing emissions would kill jobs and make energy more expensive. Michael Oppenheimer, a longtime observer of UN climate talks, says that the world has lost its last shot at staving off dangerous global warming but when it comes to sticking to the Paris Agreement, all the members of G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States) wanted the same thing — all but one. Everybody wanted to take action except Trump.
“Understanding this process, the heads of state and of government of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom and the presidents of the European Council and of the European Commission reaffirm their strong commitment to swiftly implement the Paris Agreement,” it added. The allies of the US were firm on their positions, and individually they gave even stronger statements. The newly-elected French president Emmanuel Macron more or less openly challenged Trump’s views. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was unusually vocal expressing her dissatisfaction.
Natural resources are the elements of nature that man can use and take advantage of. They represent sources of wealth for the development of our societies. The best use of a natural resource depends on the knowledge that man has about it, and the laws that govern its conservation.. *What is the Corona Covid-19 Virus really teaching us? Bill Gates said. “I am a strong believer that there is a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens, whether that is what we perceive as being good or being bad.
The Buddhist view of environment protection is grounded in the law of dependent origination. Nagarjun, a great Buddhist Scholar, explained in treatise on the Middle Way “There were never any phenomena that did not arise from conditionally”. This means that nothing in the universe can exist independently, and all phenomena arise because of the culmination of various causes and conditions. In Nature, nothing exists alone “.
All species on earth are impacted by Climate Change. Since humans are assumed to be the most intelligent of the species, it is our responsibility to help bring our environment back to a healthy balance where every species can thrive and survive. Earth Day is important as it is an event of political activity and civic interest toward serving and preserving the earth.
Lumbini – The Fountain of World Peace
– Loke Darshan Bajracharya
Lumbini is the Sacred Birth Place of Siddhartha Gautam, the Sakyamuni Buddha; He is called and well-known-a pioneer of peace. Because he is the first and foremost person, who teaches and propagates peace in the world. Now let as examine what he has done for peace and what are his teaching for promoting peace.
What is Life?
First of all he has analyzed what is life. In his young age he saw for states of life:-
(1) Becoming old (2) Sickness (3) Death and (4) Ascetic life. Then he realized in the world life if nothing but suffering, Impermanent and Anitya (Egoless or selfless). He contemplated and found out the way to get rid of it. During his life time he wandered for and near propounded his philosophy spread for and wide.
Principle of Reasoning and Justice, Cause and Effect
(Rationality- Dependent origination-Pratitasamutpada)
Buddhism is based on reasoning and justice, cause and effect (Dependent origination, Hetupratyaya). The whole causes of conflicts, disagreement, misunderstanding, and grievances aggressiveness are existed due to lack of knowing those Fundamental Principles in way of right living peacefully-thus subscribe world Peace. For the cause of peace, he pursued, continuously propagating way of peace to solve conflicts, misunderstandings grievances, differences of opinion etc. The basic principle of Buddha’s teaching is to save humanity from suffering.
Principles of Karuna, Maitri, Mudita and Upekshya:-
1) Karuna means compassion.
2) Maitri means loving kindness of friendship-well feeling.
3) Mudita means appreciative or sympathetic
4) Upekshya means equanimity.
For World peace those noble principles are the necessity because the moral and ethical foundation for peace. To achieve peace one should knows and practices “To do unto other as you could wish (have) other to do unto you.”
Observing those principles taught by the pioneer of peace, Buddha, peace can be achieved very easily and can be maintained forever. Tolerance and deep feeling of oneness with others come automatically, which will help to maintain peace.
Freedom, Equality and Universal Brotherhood:-
Man is born free, He can live in his own way but in the right way of living, and Freedom of thought and faith is acceptable. No imposition. Even of one disagrees with the saying and philosophy what Buddha has said on should not accept blindly.
Everybody is equal. There is no discrimination on caste, creed, and sex etc, everybody is on equal footing.
Everybody on Earth is related each other is some way or other, the essence of Bodhi-Chitta (Awakening Mind) is the formation of enlighten attitude to work for the benefit of others as his own fellow beings. His activities are not confined or centered for his sectarian belief or dogma of any religion or of any political ideology. Universal responsibility of man is to create universal brotherhood because he feels other people’s suffering as his own. The great saying of Buddha “Not to kill and not permit Killing.”
Once we understand the deep significance of bodhi-Chitta and practice is earnestly we will realise the importance of others, which causes to world peace.
· Five Precepts (Pancha Silas-Restraint from Five Evils Deeds):-
1) Restrain from killing (Non-violence)-Panatipata.
2) Restrain from not taking anything of other without permission (No staling) Adinadana.
3) Restrain from Misconduct-Kameshu Mithyachara.
4) Restrain from telling lie-Restrain from deception (Musawada).
5) Restrain from intoxication-Restrain from intoxication (Surameru).
In his life time:–
He tried and stopped conflicts, disagreements, even war through peaceful methods by negotiation, convincing the conflicting parties etc. such as,
a) Threatening war from powerful neighboring country to Kapilvastu, Buddha’s’ Hometown (a
proud country-state). The issue was discussed in Sansthagar (Parliament)-Its political system
was Republican Kingdom. Though peaceful proposal put majority did not accept forward by
Prince Siddhartha, he pursued peaceful means only to settle the dispute to the last.
b) When king Bidudhava of Kosala Kingdom attacked Kapilvastu, Buddha himself Stopped the
attack (war) three times convincing his (Buddha’s own cousin nephew-a very powerful
neighboring county’s king).
c) When the conflict rose on the ownership of historically well-known “Rohini-River” Between
Kapilvastu and Devdaha, (Ramagrama his maternal hometown, country). He himself
negotiated and settled the conflict peacefully sharing the water of the River for both the
parties. The enmity is over forever.
d) When there are differences of opinion bout Vinaya (Norms-Rules of Bhikkhu sangh) He
(intervened) settled, the disputes among Monks (Bhikkhus) amicable and satisfactorily.
e) When Devdatta (his cousin) tried to divide the Bhikkhu Sangha. He has united and satisfied
the monks to keep intact the Bhikkhu Sangha through his most trusted and foremost disciple,
Shaliputra.
During his life time and after his Maha-Pari nirvana (death):-
Influence by the teaching of Wisdom-Child, Gautam born at Lumbini at least 16 powerful great Emperors and Kings renounced all kinds of Killing, war, violence and adopted Non-violence and peaceful methods to solve all kinds of problems. They use to settle disputes, conflicts, difference of opinion, etc between state-to state levels, or within own country by peaceful ways and means only such as,
a) King Prasenjit of Koshala (Now at Balarampur).
b) King Bimbisara, father of Ajatsatru of Magadha (Ajatsatru killed his father and all 99 Brothers and became king himself) Later on converted himself by the teachings and The philosophy of Buddha.
c) King Ajatsatru of Maghada.
d) King of Vaisali, Lichchavi King (Now at Patna).
Most notable example set up by most powerful and great Emperor Ashok who is known as wicked Emperor at first and later following the teaching of Buddha, he is called a Great Emperor in the history. He renounced all kinds of violence and adopted peace in every dealing in the state affair and also in relation to other state. How he is influenced and adopted peaceful way in his dealing under the guidance of the principles of Buddhist philosophy.
The relationship, dealing, approach etc. between and among the Nations are guided for a long time by those Noble Sayings till to the modern period.
Even in the modern time-the principles of Non-violence, Table-Talk (Negotiation) are adopted and followed by great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela etc to gain Independence for their Countries.
United Nations – Commitment for World Peace:-
The conception of formation of United Nations also gives vital importance to peace. United Nations (UN) is on organization of nations that works for World Peace and security and the betterment of humanity. In the charter of the United Nations it has been clearly explained the purposes (goals) and principles (basic beliefs). The first purpose is to preserve World Peace and security. Second, main principles of 1) setting the disputes peacefully and also 2) agree not to use force or the threat of force against other nations except in self-defense.
In the process of drafting the U.N. Charter, the international peace and security closely linked. With the progress in arms limitations, disarmament, cessation of violent conflicts through mutual trust for consent and co-operation. The first of these U.N. Charter’s principles was the commitment “To save succeeding generations from scourge of war.” as Article 26 of the charter.
In the process of drafting the UN charter, it was counted that the maintenance of international peace and security should be closely linked with the progress in arms limitations, disarmament, cessation of violent conflicts through mutual trust for consent and co-operation. The first of these UN charter’s principles was the commitment to “Save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” But, there is no end to the armed intervention and violent conflicts in different parts of the world-Article 26 of the charter, which promotes. “The establishment and maintenance of international peace and security with the least diversion for armaments of the world’s human and economic resources,” provides a framework of the goal of international peace and security.
As the most important goal of the United Nations includes achieving World Peace and Security. The UN has helped end conflicts around the world through the negotiation of cease-fires and peace agreement.
In consonance of peace purpose and principle of UN, The secretary-Generals of UN expressed their views on Lumbini Development based on peace.
Secretary General U Thant:-
After the internationalisation of Lumbini under the UN Umbrella, due to appreciable pious desire of late U Thant, on the basis of peace and development International efforts are directed to 1) preserving the places as a symbol of the profound spiritual and moral values, Which Buddha preached and practiced as a means for attaining both inner peace and human compassion and tolerance and 2) Converting and developing the entire Lumbini Site which is now remote an isolated and also virtually inaccessible into an attractive pilgrimage and tourist center with easy access and the adequate accommodation and facilities for visitors and tourists, religious and otherwise, 3) a way as to reveal the universality and the significance of Buddha’s message which has to quote the Secretary General “at no in history has been relevant than it is today.”
Secretary General Dr. Kurt Waldheim:-
Secretary General Javier Perez:-
Lumbini, where Gautam Buddha was born in 623 B.C., is one of the most sacred Places for Buddhists. Worldwide attention is focused on Lumbini not only because pilgrims and tourists come from all over the world, but because for all mankind Lumbini has special meaning as a place of meditation and spiritual renewal, a center of Cultural exchange and a symbol of peace.
Buddha’s message of compassion and devotion to the service of humanity is more relevant today that at any other time in history. Peace, understanding and a vision that transcends purely national boundaries and imperatives of our insecure, nuclear age.
“It is a great pleasure to speak to you tonight, in the land where the Lord Buddha was born; in a country which has always respected peace, and has always fulfilled its obligations as a respected member of the United Nations.
Nepal’s record in the United Nations provides a shining example-of-how-a-small-nation, can make a contribution to world organisation, and in turn may assist such nation that is determined to help-itself. It is in this spirit that His Majesty’s Government has, in the United Nations, on the one hand, proposed that Nepal be considered a Zone of peace, and, on the other, that Nepal has participated energetically in United Nations peace-keeping efforts, for which it has won the gratitude of the international community.
Yesterday, I again (he has visited Lumbini at pervious time also) had the privilege of visiting Lumbini and of seeing the progress in a project that was particularly close to the heart of my distinguished predecessor, U Thant.
At the United Nations, We believe that development is another name for peace, if every individual had the basic necessities to sustain life with dignity, and then there would be less incentive to belligerency.”
His Majesty King Mahendra addressed on 22nd Session of the UN General Assembly.
On quote “Let us work collectively and in harmony for the noble cause of peace, progress and human brotherhood which this great organisation so eloquently symbolizes. To this goal in a most sublime from Lord Buddha beckoned us more than twenty-five hundred years ago. I pledge my country’s support and endeavor for the realization of this goal.”
His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has stated, on quote “Lumbini signifies the profound importance in spreading the universal message of peace and compassion. Great religions have a common goal of establishing peace on earth, great philosophies have always dispensed wisdom and great cultures have always upheld peace and wisdom in everyday life. “As peace transcends all boundaries and as the world is full of strife and social injustice, the message of the Buddha is more relevant today than ever before. In the light of this spirit, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal has always maintained that Lumbini is a symbol of peace and piety that belongs not to one country, region, religion but the whole humanity. Hence, the spirit of the development of Lumbini is the responsibility of all those believers in the endeavor to develop this most worthy that reflects the spiritual and cultural heritage of humanity for us and the generations to come.
The world today is in the grip of tension caused by racial, religious and political conflicts, bloodshed, violence, hunger and poverty, The chasm between the two worlds- the developed and the underdeveloped is widening which has caused serious concern for all of us. The fast development in the science and technology has made the world small. At incident happening in one corner of the world have its repercussions felt worldwide immediately after. In this context the teachings of Lord Buddha assume greater significance today.
Lord Buddha, as we all know, stands for Ahimsa (non-violence and peace). I therefore request the concerned organizations that making and decision on peace let it be done from this holy garden of Lumbini, the Fountain of World Peace. By doing so we will be paying sincere tribute to Lord Buddha-the Apostle of Peace and Symbol of Compassion, Humanity and Universal Brotherhood.
“I am sure that this conference held at the birthplace of Lord Buddha has given a new impetus to all of us for the necessary development of this very sacred place. It must also inspire us to work for the world peace as we can achieve it only through the way Lord Buddha has taught.
The Philosophy of Nirvana Taught by Lord Buddha has emphasized the advancement of spiritual aspect of our life more than the development material things. However, this philosophy has been the most scientific, practical, just and peaceful. I believe that the twentieth century man cannot accept anything that is not scientific, practical, just and peaceful.
We, the people of Nepal, are trying our level best to build a society based on those very elements believed to be valuable by human society that is a society which is democratic, peaceful, prosperous and happy. So our Keywords, therefore, are: democracy, nationalism and socialism. The foundation of all these three elements is Buddhism.
The Nepalese society does not have to wander around the world for the inspiration of democratic socialism. The foundation of Socialism, as we understand it, is Buddhism itself, we, as social democrats, are against war and the accumulation of weapons. The teachings of non-violence first taught by Lord Buddha constitute the original concept of peaceful world order, as we understand it. Another chief goal of socialism is social justice, which is also inspired by Lord Buddha’s teaching of equality and compassion. The ultimate goal of democracy is complete freedom and liberty, which Lord Buddha Called nirvana or freedom from the cycle of birth and death that is the complete cessation of existence. Political freedom is the first prerequisite for the ultimate freedom of soul.
Nepal’s foreign policy is also based on the principles of Panch Sheel as enunciated in Buddhist Philosophy. It has been our firm conviction that the principles of Panch Sheel constitute the firm basis of world peace. When these principles of Panch Sheel are translated into our foreign policy, they become mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. It is well known that the spirit of Panch Sheel is also the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations.
Peace linked with Development:-
When we talk and take into consideration of Lumbini-The Fountain of World Peace. It is not purely academic and philosophic aspect only. It has its side of coin too. i.e. The U.N. Internationalizes it for its development also befitting for Buddha’s-Pioneer of Peace-Birth Place to the standard as “The Fountain of World Peace and the Holiest Pilgrimage Center of the Buddhist and Peace Loving People of the World.”
Peace in Isolation has no meaning. Peace for What. -Peace is necessary for the welfare and happiness for the people. Without development there can be neither peace nor security. Development is indispensable to the achievement and maintenance of peace and security both within and among nations. Thus peace should be linked with the development. Peace and Development are closely interrelated and mutually supportive. This is for what U.N. took initiative to internalisation for the Development of Lumbini, Sustainable development with peace is the main priority of U.N. to achieve a higher quality of life for the people. Development of Lumbini is the concern of the whole world.
Inception to the World Fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B.)
An International meeting of Buddhists from all over the world was convened at Colombo, Sri Lank on the 25th of May 1950. It was an important gathering, Because It represented a coming together of Buddhists from 27 countries irrespective of their practices in Theravada, Mahayana of Vajrayana traditions and, Dharmodaya Sabha represented Nepal on that occasion of this First World Buddhist Conference. The delegates from different country unanimously felt the lack of an international Buddhist Association to bring unity and solidarity among the Buddhist all over the World, and for the cause of peace in the world through the teaching of the Buddha. And so the World Fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B) was formed. Dharmodaya Sabha is thus the founder member of the WFB. But the Sabha is accepted as the regional center for Nepal only in 1956, in which year the 4th World Buddhist Conference was held here in Kathmandu. Since the founding of the WFB, the Sabha is regularly participating in the General Conferences as one of the active Regional Center of WFB.
धर्मोदय सभा – संक्षीप्त चिनारी
– सागर मान वज्राचार्य
ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि शान्तिका अग्रदूत भगवान बुद्धको जन्मभूभि नेपालमा भगवान बुद्धद्वाराप्रतिपादित बौद्ध धर्मको समुन्नति भैरहेको स्वर्णकालका ईतिहांस पुण्यभूभि नेपालको अत्यन्त गौरवमय समय हो। कालान्तरमा नेपालका शासकहरु को चेतनामा -हास आए पछि यसले विलुप्त हुने अवस्थासम्म सृजना भएको थियो।
नेपालको प्राचीन इतिहांस अनुसार ने.सं.४७० (सन् १३५०) मा बंगालका सुल्तान शमसुद्दीनले काठमाडौं उपत्यकामा हमला गरी स्वयम्भू महाचैत्यमा आगो लगाएपछि उपत्यकाबाट करीब दुई दशकसम्म बौद्ध धर्म प्रायः लुप्त नै भएको थियो। ने.सं.४९५ (सन् १३७२) मा राजहर्ष भल्लोकले स्वयम्भू महाचैत्यको पुनर्निर्माण र ने.सं.६९४ (सन् १५७४) मा राजा शिवसिंहकी रानी गंगावतीले जीर्णोद्धार गरेपछि नेपालमा बौद्ध धर्मको विकास हुने क्रम पुनः शुरु भएको इतिहासमा वर्णन गरिएको छ।
धर्मोदय सभाको स्थापना
हिन्दूधर्मगुरु शंकराचार्य द्वारा बुद्धको जन्मभूभि लुम्बिनीमा रहेको बुद्धमाता मायादेवीको प्रस्तरमूर्तिमा क्षति पु-याउने कार्य भए पश्चात नेपालमा बौद्ध धर्मावलम्बीहरुलाई खेदो खन्ने कार्य तीब्र भएको मानिन्छ। यस्तै मध्ययुगीनकाल र राणा शासनकाल बौद्ध धमावलम्बीहरुका लागि अत्यन्त कष्टपूर्ण समय हो। यस अवधिमा वज्राचार्य गुरुहरुले बौद्ध धर्मको संरक्षणका लागि महायान, वज्रयान अन्तर्गत कर्मकाण्ड, ब्रत आदि कार्य गरी समाजबाट बौद्ध धर्म लोप हुन नदिने अति विरुतापूर्ण कार्य गरेको हो।
नेपालका तत्कालीन राणा शासकहरुले नेपालबाट बौद्ध धर्मको नामोनिशान मेटाउन गरेको दुष्प्रयास स्वरुप सन् १९२४ (वि.सं. १९८१) मा पारुच जना श्रद्धेय लामा गुरुहरु सर्वश्री महाप्रज्ञा, महाचन्द्र, महाज्ञान, महावीर्य र महाक्षान्तिलाई देशनिकाला र वि.सं.१९८७ मा राणा प्रधामन्त्री भीम शम्शेरले ११ जना नेपाली नागरिक (बौद्ध) हरुलाई नजरबन्द तथा देश निकाला गरेका थिए भने सन् १९३७ (वि.सं. १९९३ पौष) मा भिक्षु महाप्रज्ञा र श्रामणेर अमृतानन्दलाई बुद्धमूर्ति निर्माण गरेको अपराधमा भोजपुरको जेलमा थुनेको र पछि देशनिकाला गरेका थिए। राणा शासकहरुले यस्ता दुष्कार्य जारी राखे तापनि सन् १९४२ मा भिक्षु अमृतानन्द किण्डोलमा आई बस्नुभएको र गोप्यरुपमा बौद्ध धर्मका पुस्तकहरु लेख्नुभएको थियो। पछि सन् १९४३ मा राणा प्रधानमन्त्री जुद्ध शम्शेरले उहांका सम्पूर्ण पुस्तकहरु जफत गर्नुका साथै ज्ञानमाला बेचेको अपराधमा केलटोलका श्री भक्तबहादुरको सर्वस्व समेत हरण गरेका थिए। यसै क्रममा भिक्षु धम्मालोकले सन् १९४३ मा आनन्दकुटी विहारको स्थापना गरे। उपत्यकाका बौद्धहरुले बौद्ध धर्मको प्रचार गर्ने कार्य तीब्रताका साथ गर्दै आएकोले क्रोधित बन्न पुगेका राणा प्रधानमन्त्री जुद्ध शम्शेरले सन् १९४४ (वि.सं. २००० साल श्रावण १५ गते) मा आठ जना भिक्षुहरु सर्वश्री भिक्षु प्रज्ञानन्द, भिक्षु धम्मालोक, भिक्षु सुबोधानन्द, भिक्षु प्रज्ञारश्मि, श्रामणेर प्रज्ञारस, श्रामणेर रत्नज्योति, श्रामणेर अग्गधम्म र श्रामणेर कुमार काश्यपलाई देशनिकाला समेत गरे। यीनै भिक्षुगण मध्ये छ जना श्रद्धेय भन्तेहरु, भारतमा नै बसिरहनु भएका चार जना नेपाली भिक्षुगण, श्रद्धेय उ चन्द्रमणी महास्थविर सहित तिन जना भारतीय भिक्षुगण र भारतमा बसिरहनु भएका पारुच जना नेपाली साहु महाजन बौद्ध उपासकहरुले सन् १९४४ अक्टूवर ३१ मा बैठक बसी धर्मोदय सभाको वीजारोपण गर्नुभएको थियो। यस सभाको औपचारिक स्थापना सन् १९४४ नोभेम्वर ३० (वि.सं.२००१ मार्ग १५ गते बिहीवार, ने.सं. १०६५ थिंलागा पौषकृष्ण प्रतिपदा) का दिन आर्यसंघाराम, सारनाथ, वाराणशी, भारतमा भएको थियो। बुद्ध विहार, भृकुटीमण्डपमा कार्यालय संचालन भैसके पश्चात् यस सभाले तत्कालीन सरकारी नियमअनुसार जिल्ला प्रशासन कार्यालय, काठमाडौंमा मिति २०४३।०२।०७ मा विधिवत रुपमा संस्था दर्ता गरेका थिए।
सभाको उद्देश्य :
भगवान बुद्धको जन्मभूभि नेपालमा भगवान बुद्धरुारा प्रतिपादित बौद्ध धर्मको पुनरुत्थान, प्रचार प्रसार, संरक्षण एवं सम्बर्द्धन गर्ने पवित्र उद्देश्य लिई स्थापित यस सभाको मुख्य उद्देश्य सभाको विधान अनुसार निम्न बमोजिम रहेको छ :
क) बुद्धधर्म र बौद्ध संकृतिको संरक्षण, सम्बर्द्धन तथा प्रचार प्रसार गर्ने,
ख) बुद्धधर्ममा आस्था र निष्ठा राख्ने विभिन्न व्यक्ति, संघसंस्थाका बीच माध्यम भई कार्य गर्ने,
ग) प्राणीमात्रको लागि कल्याणकारी तथा सेवामूलक कार्य गर्ने,
घ) बौद्ध स्मारक, बौद्ध विहार एवं गुम्बाहरुको संरक्षण तथा सम्बर्द्धनमा यथोचित सहयोग गर्ने ,
ङ) नेपालमा प्रचलित बौद्ध धर्मका तीन निकाय थेरवाद, महायान र वज्रयान बीच समन्वयात्मक कार्य गरी तीनैयानको संरक्षण तथा सम्बर्द्धन गर्ने ,
च) विश्वव्यापी रुपमा समेत बौद्ध धर्मको सुदृढ एवं संगठनात्मक रुपमा प्रचार प्रसार गर्ने,
सभाको कार्यालय :
यस सभाको स्थापना आर्यसंघाराम, सारनाथ, वाराणशीमा भएकोले यसको केन्द्रीय कार्यालय पनि सोही विहारमा स्थापना गरिएको हो।
सन् १९४५ मा तत्कालीन भिक्षु महाप्रज्ञा स्थविरले कालिम्पोरुस्थित प्रज्ञाचैत्यविहार धर्मोदय सभालाई प्रदान गर्नुभएको हुरुदा उक्त विहारमा सन् १९४७।०५।३१ मा धर्मोदय सभाको सम्पर्क कार्यालय खोलिएको थियो। राणावीरोधी धार्मिक जनचेतना अभिबृद्धि गर्न यस कार्यालयलाई केही समय केन्द्रीय कार्यालय सरह नै प्रयोग गरिएको थियो। नेपालमा प्रजातन्त्रको पुनर्बहालीपश्चात् सन् १९५३ अक्टूवर १९ का दिन यसको केन्द्रीय कार्यालय विधिवत रुपमा श्रीघःविहार, नःघल, काठमाडौंमा सारिएको र कालिम्पोरुको कार्यालयलाई कालिम्पोरु शाखा कार्यालयमा परिणत गरिएको थियो। हुन त वि.सं.२००९ साल श्रावण महिनासम्म आनन्दकुटी विहारमा सभाको बैठक बस्ने गरिएको थियो। चौथो विश्व बौद्ध सम्मेलन गर्ने क्रममा केही समयका लागि सभाको कार्यालय जुद्धसडकमा खोलिएको थियो। वि.सं.२०२१ सालसम्म श्रीघःविहार, नःघलमा रहेको यस सभाको केन्द्रीय कार्यालय वि.सं.२०४० चैत्र देखि आनन्दकुटीवाट बुद्धविहार, भृकुटीमण्डपमा सारिएको हो।
सभाका शाखाहरुको स्थापना :
मिति १९५० अक्टूवर २७ का दिन बसेको केन्द्रीय समितिको बैठकले भारतको कालिम्पोङ स्थित (YMBA Kalingpong) नामक युवाहरुको बौद्ध संस्थालाई पहिलो शाखाको मान्यता दिएका थिए। यसरी नै मिति १९५१ अप्रिल २ का दिन कलकत्तामा बसेको केन्द्रीय समितिको बैठकको निर्णय बमोजिम काठमाडौंमा पहिलो शाखा “कान्तिपुर शाखा” को स्थापना ग-यो। यस्तै वि.सं.२०११ साल आषाढ २१ गते बसेको केन्द्रीय समितिको बैठकले लुम्बिनीस्थित “लुम्बिनी धर्मोदय कमिटी” धर्मोदय सभाको “सब कमिटी” हुने निर्णय गरेका थिए। साथै यस सभाले समान प्रकृतिका युवा बौद्ध संस्थाहरु “युवक बौद्ध मण्डल, ललितपुर (YMBA) “ र बौद्ध महिला संघ, नेपाल लाई संस्थागत सदस्यता (Affiliated membership) प्रदान गरेका थिए। यस सभाले बिभिन्न समयमा स्थापना गरेका शाखाहरु यस प्रकार रहेको छ : –
१) कान्तिपुर शाखा काठमाडौं (२०१०.०७.०३ गतेदेखि केन्द्रीय कार्यालयमा परिणत)।
२) लुम्बिनी सब कमिटी – २०११।०३।२१ गतेदेखि लुम्बिनी धर्मोदय कमिटीलाई धर्मोदय
सभाको सब कमिटी बनाउने निर्णय, (हाल लुम्बिनी शाखा)
३) कपिलवस्तु शाखा – तौलिहवा ४) भक्तपुर शाखा – भक्तपुर
५) बनेपा शाखा – काभ्रेपलाञ्चोक ६) त्रिशूली शाखा – नुवाकोट
७) चितवन शाखा – नारायणगढ ८) कास्की शाखा – पोखरा
९) धरान शाखा – सुनसरी १०) धनगढी शाखा – कैलाली
११) चैनपुर शाखा – संखुवासभा १२) बुटवल शाखा – रुपन्देही
१३) पाल्पा शाखा – तानसेन १४) भोजपुर शाखा – भोजपुर
१५) विराटनगर शाखा – मोररु १६) चतरा बयरवन शाखा – सुनसरी
१७) बराहक्षेत्र शाखा – सुनसरी १८) दमक शाखा – झापा
१९) उर्लावारी शाखा – मोरङ २०) रसुवा शाखा – रसुवा
२१) सुर्खेत शाखा – वीरेन्द्रनगर २२) विर्तामोड शाखा – झापा
२३) कञ्चनपुर शाखा – कञ्चनपुर २४) धादिङ शाखा – धादिङ
२५) मकवानपुर शाखा – हेटौंडा २६) पञ्चमूल शाखा – स्याङजा
२७) सिन्धुपाल्चोक शाखा – ठूलोपाखर २८) बाके शाखा – नेपालगञ्ज
२९) स्याङजा शाखा – स्याङजा ३०) लमजुङ शाखा – लमजुङ
३१) बागलुङ शाखा – बागलुङ ३२) कुस्मा शाखा – पर्वत
३३) गोरखा शाखा – गोरखा ३४) निजगढ शाखा – बारा
३५) तनहुं शाखा – तनहुं ३६) सप्तरी शाखा – राजबिराज
३७) वालिङ शाखा – वालिङ ३८) मध्यपुर शाखा – थिमि
३९) रोल्पा शाखा – लिवाङ ४०) ताप्लेजुङ शाखा – ताप्लेजुङ
४१) देवदह शाखा – रुपन्देही ४२) फिदिम शाखा – फिदिम
४३) गुल्मी शाखा – गुल्मी ४४) रानीपौवा शाखा – रानीपौवा
४५) रामेछाप शाखा – मंथली बजार रामेछाप
सभाका गतिविधिहरु :
क) धर्म प्रचार तथा पुस्तक, पत्रिका प्रकाशन :
यस सभाको स्थापनापश्चात् बुद्धधर्मको प्रचार प्रसार गर्ने सशक्त कदमका रुपमा सन् १९४७ मई ३१ गतेको बैठकले “धर्मोदय” पत्रिका निकाल्ने ऐतिहांसिक निर्णय गरे। यही पत्रिकाको माध्यमवाट नेपालमा बुद्धधर्मको सुदृढ प्रचार प्रसार भएको र नेपालवाट राणाशासनको अन्त्य गर्न समेत महत्वपूर्ण योगदान पुग्न गएको छ। सन् १९२६ मा धर्मादित्य धर्माचार्यले कलकत्तावाट बुद्धधर्म सम्बन्धी पत्रिका “बुद्धधर्म व नेपाल भाषा” र “Buddhism in Nepal and India” प्रकाशन गरेपछिको अर्को महत्वपूर्ण कडीको रुपमा नेपालभाषामा श्रद्धेय भिक्षु अनिरुद्धको सम्पादनमा “धर्मोदय” को प्रकाशन भएको थियो। धर्मोदय सभाको पहिलो प्रकाशनको रुपमा श्रद्धेय अमृतानन्द महास्थविरवाट अनुदित “धम्मपदत्थकथा” पुस्तक प्रकाशित भए।
राणाशासकहरुले नेपालवाट श्रद्धेय भिक्षुगणहरुलाई देशनिकाला गरेपछि नेपालमा बुद्धधर्मको पुनर्वहालीका लागि धर्मोदय सभाले जनचेतना अभिबृद्धि गर्नका लागि नेपालभाषामा पत्रिका तथा विभिन्न पुस्तकहरुको प्रकाशन गर्ने कार्यलाई अरु तीब्रता प्रदान गरेका थिए। यीनै प्रकाशनले नेपालको राणाशासन अन्त्य गर्न ठूलो भूमिका खेलेको अविस्मरणीय रहेको छ। यसै क्रममा धर्मोदय सभाका संस्थापक श्रद्धेय भिक्षु स्व.अमृतानन्द महास्थविरवाट अनगिन्ति रुपमा बौद्ध धर्म सम्बन्धी पुस्तकहरु लेखन तथा प्रकाशन हुंदै गयो र बौद्ध धर्मका विरुद्ध लागेका राणाशासकहरुको विरुद्ध बौद्धिक संघर्ष गर्ने क्रममा भिक्षु धम्मालोक, भिक्षु शाक्यानन्द, भिक्षु सुबोधानन्द, भिक्षु अनिरुद्ध, भिक्षु महानाम, भिक्षु कर्मशील, भिक्षु जगदीश काश्यप, भदन्त आनन्द कौशल्यायन, राहुल सांकृत्यायन आदि बौद्ध विरुानहरुवाट समेत धर्मोदय सभाले प्रारम्भ गरेको राणाविरोधी अभियानमा प्रत्यक्ष सहयोग गर्न बौद्ध धर्म सम्बन्धी विभिन्न पुस्तकहरु लेखन तथा प्रकाशन भयो। धर्म प्रचारकै क्रममा सन् १९४९ मा कालीम्पोरुमा “धर्मोदय पुस्तकालय” खोलियो।
ख) विश्व बौद्ध संघमा सहभागिता:
सन् १९४५ को दोश्रो विश्वयुद्धले गर्दा विश्वका सारा मुलुकले आपसी भाईचाराको आवश्यकता महसूस गराइयो। यसै आवश्यकतालाई मध्य नजर गर्दै संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ (UNO) को स्थापना भयो। आपसी मेलमिलाप र भाईचाराको सम्बन्ध बौद्ध धर्मको अध्ययन अनुगमनले मात्र सम्भव भएकोले बौद्ध धर्मको सुदृढ एवं संगठनात्मक तरीकाले विश्वव्यापी रुपमा प्रचार प्रसार गर्नुपर्ने बौद्ध धर्मावलम्बीहरुको मत अनुसार सन् १९५० मे महिनाको २५ ता.का दिन श्रीलंकाको राजधानी कोलम्बोमा २७ मुलुकका बौद्ध प्रतिनिधिहरुको सम्मेलन आयोजना गरिएको थियो। यस सम्मेलनले बुद्धधर्मको माध्यमवाट विश्वमा शान्ति कायम गर्ने उद्देश्य लिई विश्व बौद्ध भ्रातृत्व संघ (World Fellowship of Buddhists) नामक अन्तर्राष्टिरुय बौद्ध संस्थाको जन्म भयो। श्रीलंकाका विदवान प्रा.डा.गुणपाल पियसेन मललशेकरको संस्थापकत्वमा स्थापित यस संस्थाका बिभिन्न क्षेत्रीय केन्द्रहरु विश्वका बिभिन्न मुलुकमा खोलिए। यस विश्व बौद्ध भ्रातृत्व संघ (World Fellowship of Buddhists) को संस्थापक सदस्य रहेको धर्मोदय सभाले सन् १९५६ मा नेपाल क्षेत्रीय केन्द्रका रुपमा काम गर्ने सफलता प्राप्त गरे।
ग) लुम्बिनी विकास : प्रमुख लक्ष
शान्तिका अग्रदूत भगवान बुद्धको जन्मभूभि पवित्र लुम्बिनीको विकासका लागि स्थापनाकाल देखि नै धर्मोदय सभाले अथक प्रयत्न गर्दै आएको छ। यस सभाकै प्रयत्नस्वरुप सन् १९५२ मा नेपाल सरकारले लुम्बिनी धर्मोदय कमिटी गठन गर्न सहमति जनाएका हुन्। उक्त कमिटीमा धर्मोदय सभाको प्रतिनिधिका रुपमा भिक्षु अमृतानन्द, भिक्षु महानाम र श्री मणिहर्ष ज्योति एवं धर्मोदय विहारमा भिक्षु धम्मालोक मनोनयन गरिएको हो। पछि वि.सं.२०१३ सालमा नेपाल सरकारले लुम्बिनी धर्मोदय कमिटी मा छ जना सदस्य थप गर्न अधिकार प्रदान गरेकोले उक्त कमिटी नौ सदस्यीय बनाएको थियो। यसै वर्ष धर्मोदय विहारका आवासीय भिक्षु श्रद्धेय भिक्षु धम्मालोकको प्रयासबाट निग्लिहवा र गोटिहवामा दुई वटा अशोकस्तम्भ पत्ता लागेको थियो।
धर्मोदय सभाको प्रयासस्वरुप वि.सं.२०३१ मा नेपाल सरकारले “लुम्बिनी विकास समिति” गठन गरेको थियो। हुनत वि.सं.२००८ मा बौद्धहरुको बढ्दो प्रभाव र सभाको प्रयास स्वरुप लुम्बिनीको विकास गर्ने मनसायले “लुम्बिनी प्रबन्ध समिति” गठन गरिएको थियो। तत्कालीन श्री ५ को सरकारले लुम्बिनी विकास समितिमा श्री लोकदर्शन बज्राचार्य लाई अध्यक्षमा मनोनीत गरिए पछि लुम्बिनीको विकासमा तिब्रता आएका थिए। यीनै विकास समिति पछि लुम्बिनी विकास कोषमा परिवर्तित भई हालसम्म कार्यरत रहरुंदै आएको छ।
अन्तर्राष्टिरुय जगतमा समेत लुम्बिनीको बृहद् प्रचार प्रसार गर्ने उद्देश्यले धर्मोदय सभाको आयोजनामा विश्व बौद्ध भ्रातृत्व संघ (World Fellowship of Buddhists) ले नेपालमा सन् १९५६ मा चौथो विश्व बौद्ध सम्मेलनको आयोजना गरेका थिए। उक्त सम्मेलन आयोजना गर्न सभाका तत्कालीन सहायक सचिव श्री लोकदर्शन वज्राचार्यले महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाउनुभएको थियो। यस्तै नेपालमा दोश्रोपटक सन् १९८६ मा पन्ध्रौ विश्व बौद्ध सम्मेलनको आयोजना गरिएको थियो।
संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघका महासचिव उ थान्तको लुम्बिनी भ्रमणपश्चात् उहारुको निर्देशनअनुसार प्रा.केन्जो तान्गेले लुम्बिनीको विकासका लागि आधुनिक नक्सा तयार गरी लुम्बिनी विकास गुरु योजना प्रारम्भ गरे। सोही आयोजना अन्तर्गत वर्तमान लुम्बिनी विकास क्षेत्रमा विभिन्न स्वदेशी तथा विदेशी मित्रराष्टरुहरुवाट समेत गरी आज सम्मा उन्नाइस वटा बौद्ध विहार, गुम्बा र चैत्य निर्माण भैसकेका छन्। मायादेवी मन्दीर नेपाली शैलीमा निर्माण गरी सकिएको छ। यद्यपी उ थान्तको गुरुयोजना मुताबिकको कार्य अरुसम्म पूर्ण भैसकेको छैन। धर्मोदय सभाको छैंठौं राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलनले पारित गरेको प्रस्ताव अनुसार लुम्बिनीलाई युनेस्कोले विश्व सम्पदा सूचिमा समावेश गरेका कारण डिसेम्बर ४ को दिनलाई “लुम्बिनी दिवस” मनाउने गरिएको छ। यस्तै सन् १९८८ को अक्टोबरमा अष्ट्रेलियामा सम्पन्न बीसौं विश्व बौद्ध सम्मेलनमा सर्वसम्मतिबाट उत्साहका साथ अनुमोदित “लुम्बिनी – विश्व शान्तिको मुहान तथा समस्त बौद्ध समुदायको पवित्रतम तीर्थस्थल हो” भन्ने प्रस्ताव धर्मोदय सभा द्वारा विश्व समक्ष प्रस्तुत गरेको अत्यन्त महत्वपूर्ण प्रस्ताव हो। यस्तै लुम्बिनीमा एउटा बौद्ध विश्व विद्यालय स्थापना गर्ने धर्मोदय सभाको महत्वाकांक्षी योजना अनुसार “लुम्बिनी बौद्ध विश्वविद्यालय” को स्थापना भएको थियो।
राष्ट्रीय तथा अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय चासो एवं विकास निर्माणमा व्यापक जनसहभागिताका बाबजूद “लुम्बिनी विकास कोष” गुरुयोजना अनुसार लुम्बिनीको विकास निर्माणको काममा भन्दा राजनैतिक भर्ती केन्द्रको रुपमा अघि बढिरहनु नै दुःखद कारक भैरहेको छ। मन्त्रीमण्डल परिवर्तन हुनासाथ कोष का पदाधिकारी फेर्नै पर्ने सरकारी अस्वस्थ्य प्रबृत्तिमा परिवर्तन नभएसम्म लुम्बिनीको विकासले गति लिन नसक्ने जगजाहेर नै छ।
घ) राष्ट्रीय तथा अन्तर्राष्ट्री सम्मेलनको आयोजना :
शान्तिका अग्रदूत भगवान बुद्धको जन्मभूभि नेपाललाई अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय जगतमा पहिचान गराउन र प्राणीमात्रको कल्याण गर्ने पवित्र उद्देश्य रहेको बौद्ध धर्मको मुलुकभित्र व्यापक रुपमा प्रचार प्रसार गर्न यस सभाले २ (दुई) पटक विश्व बौद्ध सम्मेलन र हालसम्म ९ (नौ) पटकसम्म राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन को आयोजना गरिसकेको छ भने वि.सं.२०६६ साल पौषको पहिलो हप्तामा लुम्बिनीमा १० औं राष्टिरुय बौद्ध सम्मेलनको आयोजना हुन गइरहेको छ। धर्मोदय सभाद्वारा आयोजित सम्मेलन निम्नानुसार सम्पन्न भैसकेको छ :
१) विश्व बौद्ध सम्मेलन :
अ) चतुर्थ विश्व बौद्ध सम्मेलन, मिति सन् १९५६ नोभेम्बर १५ – २१, काठमाडौं।
आ) पन्ध्रौं विश्व बौद्ध सम्मेलन, मिति सन् १९८६ नोभेम्बर २७ देखि डिसेम्बर ०२, काठमाडौं।
२) राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन :
१) प्रथम राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०४४ पुष १८ – २०, आनन्दकुटी,काठमाडौं
२) द्वितीय राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०४६ पुष १२ – १४, लुम्बिनी, रुपन्देही
३) तृतीय राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०४८ पुष ०७ – ०९, धरान, सुनसरी
४) चतुर्थ राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०५० पुष २० – २२, कपिलवस्तु, तौलिहवा
५) पारुचौ राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०५२ पुष ०८ – १०, पोखरा, कास्की
६) छैठौं राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०५४ पुष १९ – २१, धनगढी, कैलाली
७) सातौं राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०५६ माघ २१ – २३, नारायणगढ, चितवन
८) आठौं राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०५९ भाद्र १४, कीर्तिपुर, काठमाडौं
९) नवौं राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०६२ भाद्र २४, कीर्तिपुर, काठमाडौं
१०) दसौँ राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २९६६ पूष ४ – ५, लुम्बिनी
३) क्षेत्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन :
१) प्रथम क्षेत्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०६३, पोखरा, कास्की
२) द्वितीय क्षेत्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०६५ माघ २५, वीरेन्द्रनगर, सुर्खेत
३) तृतीय क्षेत्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन : मिति २०६७ माघ २९, बिराटनगर, मोरङ
यसै क्रममा दुई दशक अगाडी विराटनगरमा पुर्वाञ्चल सम्मेलन र मिति २०५३।११।२५ मा मकवानपुरको हेटौंडामा जिल्ला स्तरीय क्षेत्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलन सम्पन्न गरिएको थियो।
४) धर्मोदय धम्म पुरस्कार :
बौद्ध धर्मको प्रचार प्रसार गर्ने कार्यमा प्रशंसनीय कार्य गर्ने बौद्ध विरुान्लाई सम्मान गर्ने उद्देश्यले यस सभाले वि.सं.२०५२ मा “धर्मोदय धम्म पुरस्कार” को स्थापना गरी २०५४ सालमा धनगढी, कैलालीमा आयोजित छैठौं राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलनदेखि र ”धर्मोदय धम्म पुरस्कार” प्रदान गर्दै आएको छ। यस पुरस्कारमा रु.२०,०००।०० नगद तथा प्रशंसा पत्र प्रदान गरिन्छ। धर्मोदय सभाले प्रत्येक २।२ वर्षमा आयोजना गर्ने राष्टिरुय बौद्ध सम्मेलनका अवसरमा प्रदान गरिने यस पुरस्काररुारा सम्मानित हुनुभएका महानुभावहरु निम्नानुसार हुनुहुन्छ :
क) श्री दुण्ड बहादुर वज्राचार्य वि.सं. २०५४
ख) श्री भुवन लाल प्रधान वि.सं. २०५६
ग) श्री सुवर्ण शाक्य वि.सं. २०५९
घ) भिक्षु ज्ञानपूर्णिक महास्थविर वि.सं. २०६२
ङ) श्री तिलकमान गुभाजु वि.सं. २०६६
च) स्वास्थ्य शिविर :
बिरामीहरुको सेवा गर्नु पनि धार्मिक कार्य भएको भगवान बुद्धको वचन अनुसार यस सभाले समय समयमा स्वास्थ्य शिविर संचालन गर्दै आएको छ। उक्त शिविरमा स्वदेशी तथा विदेशी चिकित्सकहरु समेतलाई बोलाई बिरामीहरुको स्वास्थ्य परिक्षण तथा औषधोपचार गरेका थिए साथै प्रथम राष्ट्रीय बौद्ध सम्मेलनको बेला खडा गरिएको “धर्मोदय उपचार कोष” मा सम्मेलनताका केही रकम जम्मा भएको र उक्त कोषमा अरु बढी अर्थ संकलन गरी कोष बढाउन श्री धर्मबहादुर शाक्यको संयोजकत्वमा “धर्मोदय सभा उपचार कोष समिति” गठन गरिएको थियो।
छ) विशेष प्रवचन :
बौद्धधर्म मुलुकभित्र व्यापक रुपमा प्रचार प्रसार गर्ने कार्यक्रम अन्तर्गत सभाले मासिक प्रवचन एवं कार्यशाला गोष्ठी सञ्चालन गर्दै आएको छ। यस्तै जिल्ला जिल्लाहरुमा समेत प्रवचन तथा अन्तर्क्रिया कार्यक्रम सञ्चालन आएको थियो। यसै क्रममा यस वर्ष (वि.सं.२०६६) बैशाख १९ गते विश्व शान्ति विहार, काठमाडौंमा बृहद् बौद्ध सभा र श्रावण ३१ गतेका दिन काठमाडौंको चोभारस्थित सुलक्षण कीर्ति विहारमा रुनेपालमा खस जाति र बुद्धधर्मरु विषयक कार्यशाला गोष्ठी सम्पन्न भएको थियो। यस कार्यशाला गोष्ठीले गै-ह बौद्ध धर्मावलम्बीहरु माझ ठूलो हलचल पैदा गरेको थियो।
ज) धर्म निरपेक्षता अभियान :
नेपालमा प्रजातन्त्रको पुनर्वहालीपश्चात “नेपाल अधिराज्यको संविधान-२०४७” निर्माण क्रममा नेपाललाई धर्मनिरपेक्ष राष्ट्र घोषणा गर्ने माग गर्दै लाखौं जनताको सहभागितामा काठमाडौंमा बृहद् बौद्ध -यालीको आयोजना गरेको थियो। यसरी नेपाल धर्मनिरपेक्ष राष्ट्र घोषित नभएसम्म धर्मोदय सभाले विविध कार्यक्रम संचालन गरी आफ्नो अभियानलाई निरन्तरता दिंदै आएको थियो। दोश्रो जन आन्दोलन २०६२ – २०६३ को सफलतापश्चात २०६५ साल जेष्ठ १५ गते नेपाल गणतन्त्रमा परिणत भए पछि मात्र नेपाल धर्मनिरपेक्ष राष्ट्र भएको छ। यद्यपि केही स्वघोषित हिन्दू धार्मिक नेताहरु नेपाललाई हिन्दू राष्ट्र नै बनाउनुपर्छ भन्दै हिंडिरहेका छन्।
झ) जनगणना सम्बन्धी जनचेतना अभियान :
नेपालको राज्यशासनमा लामो समयदेखि गै-ह बौद्धहरुको हालिमुहाली भएका कारण नेपालमा जनसंख्याको सही तथ्याङक कहील्यै प्रकाशित भएन। ९० प्रतिशत हिन्दू भएको मिथ्याङक मात्र जनसमक्ष प्रकाशित भैरहे। नेपालका जनता धार्मिक सद्भावयुक्त भएका कारण नेपाली जनताले पशुपति मन्दीर र स्वयम्भू महाचैत्यलाई निकै सम्मान र श्रद्धा व्यक्त गर्दै आएका छन्। यीनै सद्भावनालाई दुरुपयोग गर्ने कार्यमा विशेषतः हिन्दू समुदायका ब्राम्हण जातिका प्रशासकहरु निकै अगाडी रहेका छन्। प्रत्येक १० – १० वर्षमा जनगणना हुंदा गणकहरुले हिन्दू देवीदेवता मान्छौ भन्ने जोसुकैलाई हिन्दू जनाईदिने गलत कार्यले गर्दा सरकारी तवरवाट नेपालमा ९० प्रतिशत हिन्दू भएको मिथ्याङक सहजताका साथ प्रकाशित गर्दै आएको हो। यही गलत कार्यलाई सच्याउन धर्मोदय सभा निरन्तर रुपमा लागिरहेको छ। वि.सं.२०४८ सालको जनगणना हुंदा बौद्ध जनसमुदायमा धार्मिक चेतना अभिवृद्धि गर्न जनजातिहरुले बोल्ने प्रायः सबै भाषामा विभिन्न नारा (slogan) हरु लेखी लाखौं पर्चा छपाई प्रचार प्रसार गरेका थिए। जसको फलस्वरुप सरकारले प्रकाशित गर्दै आएको मिथ्याङकमा केही सुधार देखिएको हो। आगामी २०६८ सालमा सञ्चालन हुने जनगणनामा सजगता अपनाउन धर्मोदय सभाले बौद्ध जनसमुदायमा धार्मिक चेतना अभिवृद्धि गर्ने विविध कार्य सञ्चालन गर्ने तयारी गरेका छन्।
ञ) विविध अभियान :
शान्तिको अग्रदूत भगवान बुद्धद्वारा प्रतिपादित बौद्ध धर्मको प्रचार प्राचीन समयदेखिनै विश्वका विभिन्न मुलुकमा भएका थिए। मुस्लीम राष्ट्रहरुमा समेत भगवान बुद्धका अति विशाल मूर्तिहरु स्थापना गरिएको हामीले पाएका छौं। ती मध्ये अफगानिस्तानको वामियान प्रान्तमा रहेका बुद्धमूर्ति विश्व प्रशिद्ध रहेको थियो। तर ५५ मिटर अग्लो यस ऐतिहांसिक, सांस्कृतिक एवं पुरातात्विक महत्वको विशाल बुद्धमूर्ति मुस्लीम फण्डामेण्टालिष्ट तालिवान विद्रोहीहरुले डाइनामाइट प्रयोग गरी ध्वस्त गर्न लाग्दा यस सभाले बिज्ञप्ति प्रकाशित गरी बुद्धमूर्तिको रक्षार्थ विश्व सामुहार्दिक अपिल गरेको थियो।
वि.सं. २०५६ सालमा लुम्बिनीमा बुद्धधर्मलाई हिन्दूधर्मको एक शाखा धर्म भनी प्रचार गर्नको निमित्त हिन्दूवादी एक धर्मावलम्बी समूहले विश्व हिन्दूरुबौद्ध सम्मेलन गर्न प्रयास गरेका थिए। उक्त कार्यको विरोधमा यस सभाले राष्ट्रीय तथा अन्तराष्ट्रीय बौद्ध धर्मावलम्बी संघसंस्थाहरु सरुग समन्वय गरी विरोध कार्यक्रम सञ्चालन गरेको र मिति २०५६।०७।१८ का दिन सिद्धार्थनगरमा बिशाल बौद्ध -याली तथा आमसभाको आयोजना गरेका थिए। सभाले सञ्चालन गरेको विरोध कार्यक्रमको फलस्वरुप सम्मेलनका आयोजकहरुको यस्तो दुष्प्रयास सफल हुन सकेन।
बौद्ध जगतमा कुनै पनि प्रकारका अप्रिय घटना हुंदा यस धर्मोदय सभा सर्वप्रथम अगाडी बढने गरेको छ। भगवान बुद्धको पवित्र अस्थिधातु चोरी हुँदा तथा लुम्बिनीमा बौद्ध भिक्षु नावातामेको निर्मम हत्या गरिंदा यस सभाले सभा -याली गरी बिरोध प्रकट गरेका थिए।
ट) अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय सम्बन्ध :
यस सभाले विश्वभरिका बौद्ध समुदायहरुका बीच आपसी सम्बन्ध सुदृढ गर्नका लागि विश्व बौद्ध भ्रातृत्व संघ (World Fellowship of Buddhists) मार्फत संसारभरि छरिएका यसका क्षेत्रीय केन्द्रहरु संग सम्पर्क राखी द्वीपक्षीय तथा बहुपक्षीय हितका कार्यहरु समेत गर्दै आएका छन्। चिनिया बौद्ध संघ संग आपसी सम्बन्ध विस्तारका लागि दुबै संस्थाले बौद्ध भ्रमण टोली आदान प्रदान गर्ने कार्य समेत गर्दै आएको छ। धर्मोदय सभाको पहलमा संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ (UNO) मा लुम्बिनी विकास सम्बन्धी अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय समिति समेतको निर्माण भएको छ।
बुद्धधर्मको संरक्षण तथा सम्बर्द्धनका लागि धर्मोदय सभाले यसरी समय समयमा विविध प्रकार का कार्यक्रमहरु सञ्चालन गरी धार्मिक जनचेतना अभिवृद्धि गर्ने कार्य निरन्तर रुपमा जारी गर्दै आएको छ। जनसाधारणमा बौद्ध चेतना अभिवृद्धि गर्ने उद्देश्यले यस सभाले नेपाल राष्टरु बैंकले वि.सं. २०५० सालमा ५० पैसाको नयाँ सिक्का निष्काशन गर्दा उक्त सिक्कामा स्वयम्भू महाचैत्यको प्रतिबिम्ब राख्न महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाएका थिए।
थेरवाद, महायान र वज्रयानका तीनै निकायहरुका बीच समन्वय र सदभावको अभिवृद्धि गर्दै राष्टिरुय तथा अन्तर्राष्टिरुय क्षेत्रमा बौद्ध धर्मको व्यापक प्रचार प्रसार र सम्बर्द्धन गर्दै जाने अभियानमा यस सभा सदा अग्रसर रहने नै छ।
धर्मोदय सभाको स्थापनादेखि हालसम्मका पदाधिकारीहरु र निजहरुको कार्यकाल यस प्रकार छन् :
अध्यक्ष :
१) भिक्षु चन्द्रमणि महास्थविर (सभापति) वि.सं.२००१ – वि.सं.२०१२
२) भिक्षु अमृतानन्द महास्थविर (सभापति) वि.सं.२०१२ – वि.सं.२०४४
(वि.सं.२०१६ देखि अध्यक्ष पद कायम)
३) भिक्षु छेच्यु कुस्यो लामा वि.सं.२०४४ – २०४७
४) पं. श्री दिव्यवज्र वज्राचार्य वि.सं.२०४७ – २०५०
५) भिक्षु सुदर्शन महास्थविर वि.सं.२०५० – २०५३
६) भिक्षु ठुन्रग्रुम ग्याल्टरुल रिम्पोछे वि.सं.२०५३ – २०५६
७) श्री लोकदर्शन बज्राचार्य वि.सं.२०५६ – २०५९
८) भिक्षु अश्वघोष महास्थविर वि.सं.२०५९ – २०६२
९) भिक्षु साङपा रिम्पोछे वि.सं.२०६२ – २०६५
१०) पं. श्री बद्रीरत्न वज्राचार्य वि.सं.२०६५ देखि २०६८ पुष सम्म
११) भिक्षु ज्ञानपुर्निक महास्थविर २०६८ पुष देखि
महा सचिव :
१) भिक्षु अमृतानन्द महास्थविर (मन्त्री) ईं.सं.१९४४ नोभेम्बर ३० – ईं.सं.१९४५ नोभेम्बर १९
२) भिक्षु महानाम महास्थविर (मन्त्री) ईं.सं.१९४५ नोभेम्बर २० – ईं.सं.१९४७ मई ३०
३) भिक्षु अमृतानन्द महास्थविर (मन्त्री) ईं.सं.१९४७ मई ३१ – ईं.सं.१९४९ नोभेम्बर ५
४) भिक्षु महानाम महास्थविर (मन्त्री) ईं.सं.१९४९ नोभेम्बर ६ – ईं.सं.१९५१
५) भिक्षु अमृतानन्द महास्थवीर (मन्त्री) ईं.सं.१९५१ – ईं.सं.१९५६
६) प्रा.श्री सूर्यबहादुर शाक्य (मन्त्री) वि.सं.२०१२ फागुन – वि.सं.२०१३ आषाढ ८
७) प्रा.श्री आशाराम शाक्य (मन्त्री) वि.सं.२०१३ आषाढ १९ – वि.सं.२०४० चैत्र
८) प्रा.डा.श्री वज्रराज शाक्य (सचिव) वि.सं.२०४० चैत्र २४ – वि.सं.२०४४ बैशाख १९
(वि.सं.२०४२रु१२रु१६ मा साधारण सभा सम्पन्न भएपछि महासचिव)
९) प्रा.श्री आशाराम शाक्य वि.सं.२०४४ बैशाख २० – वि.सं.२०४७ जेष्ठ २७
१०) श्री रत्नबहादुर वज्राचार्य वि.सं.२०४७ जेष्ठ २८ – वि.सं.२०५० जेष्ठ २३
११) प्रा.श्री विद्यामान शाक्य वि.सं.२०५० जेष्ठ २४ – वि.सं.२०५३
१२) डा.श्री त्रिरत्न मान तुलाधर वि.सं.२०५३ – वि.सं.२०५६
१३) प्रा.श्री सुवर्ण शाक्य वि.सं.२०५६ – वि.सं. २०६२
१४) श्री सुचित्र मान शाक्य वि.सं.२०६२ देखि २०६८ पुष सम्म
१५) श्री रत्न मान साक्य वि.सं.२०६८ पुष देखि
विश्व बौद्ध भातृत्व संघको नेपाल क्षेत्रीय केन्द्र तथा नेपालका बौद्ध संघ संस्थाहरुको छाता संगठनको रूपमा मान्यता प्राप्त भएको यस सभाले नेपाल लाइ धर्म निरपेक्ष राष्ट्रका रूपमा यथावत कायम राख्न वर्तमान समयमा संविधान द्वारा लेखिन लागेको नेपालको नयाँ संविधानमा समेत नेपाललाइ धर्मनिरपेक्ष राष्ट्रका रूपमा यथावत कायम राख्न आफ्नो अभियानलाइ निरन्तरता दिँदै जाने छ। यस्तै बुद्ध जन्मभूमि लुम्बिनीको समुचित विकासमा आफुलाइ सदा समर्पित गर्दै जानेछ।
– भवतु सब्ब मंगलं –
(वज्राचार्य धर्मोदय सभाका सचिव तथा सञ्चार उपसमितिका संयोजक हुन्)
सन्दर्भ सामग्री
क) धर्मोदय सभाको स्थापना काल देखीको माइन्युट्
ख) धर्मोदय पत्रिकाको विभिन्न अंक
ग) Brief Report on WFB Conference in Sri Lanka, by Maniharsha Jyoti (then Treasurer of DS) Colombo, 1950
Tribute to the Most Ven. Kumara Kashyapa, the Sangha Upanayaka of Bhikkhu Maha Sangha !
– Dr.Suman Kamal Tuladhar
In my childhood when I attended the Dhamma classes in Baudha Adhyana Gosthi in Dharma Kirti Vihara, I adored him, I liked to listen to his sermons, but I really did not understand them. Bur what I liked most was that he used to sing in his very playful manner the following hymn from Gyan Mala hymn collection:
Jhyaalanaphayawala,
Mata jaka sita yoma,
Jhya tiyegu gaye !
English : Wind come in from the window :
the lamp is put off by the wind,
Oh Mother, Please tell me how to close the window.
I loved this hymn and I loved the way he sang, that was all. Now in my adulthood, I did understand the meaning of the hymn, I felt very enlightened and loved it more and I could never forget the hymn and the Most Venerable Kumaar Kashyapa who is dearly associated with this song. I learned now that the wind is the symbolic word used for our all kinds of mental defilements and the windows are the 5 sense organs of the human beings, from where we feel the “Winds” and influenced by these winds. The lamp is the symbol of “Pragya”. Therefore, the writer of the hymn is asking help with the mother to tell how to shut these “Windows” so the “Winds” will not come. This I learned as the meaning of Dhamma.
As I started to get more and closer to him, I realized, he really practiced what he used to sing to us. He, I can feel, guarded his “Windows” with his life, and he, I never found, being influenced by mental defilements. He is one of the monks that I experienced who believes in Buddha Dhamma and transformed his belief in practice. Always true to heart and did not worry about the future, was the hidden treasure of Kumar Bhante !
When I got the message of his death, all of sudden, I felt a great loss, as I always used to tell everybody that “there is still a living evidence of Rana’s impediment on Buddhism. We still have a monk who was expelled from Nepal because he was practicing Buddhism “He was just seven years old when he had to be expelled from his own country just because he was practicing his human right of following his religion. He was a living evidence of state’s discrimination to Buddhism.
Most Venerable Kumar Bhante is no more with us, but he left a very strong and uncontested legend of a “real” monk that we read in Buddhist Scriptures!
My salute, Vandana and sincere gratitude to the Most Venerable Kumaar Bhante !
(Courtesy : The Anand Bhoomi , A Buddhist Monthly (Year 39, Vol. 11 – Feb/March 2012)
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