Buddha’s Bone Relic Presented to Sri Lanka
His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, spiritual head of Drukpa Buddhists presented the holiest of relics – the Buddha’s bone relic to the country of Sri Lanka, for upholding universal truth, peace harmony and happiness.
This relic was presented by the Gyalwang Drukpa at a ceremony held at Temple Trees, the official residence of the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksha, who accepted the holy offering on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka amidst a gathering of Ministers and Parliamentarians, Ambassadors of various countries, and over 500 monks, nuns and followers from across 26 countries.
Mahinda Rajapaksha, while receiving the Holy Relic, said, “Lord Buddha is a true epitome of peace, and this gift to the Nation by His Holiness is a true recognition of the efforts of the country to follow the path of peace and harmony.”
[ Also Read: Sri Lankan President Launches Peace Pad Yatra ]His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa said, “Sri Lanka is now at the verge of creating a distinct and different imagery of a peace-loving nation.”
The Buddha’s Bone Relic
After Buddha Shakyamuni passed into Mahaparinirvana, his relics were divided among his disciples and Buddhist kingdoms. The bone relics became the priceless treasure of Nalanda University.
In the 11th century, Indian pandit Naropa was offered these precious relics. He gave them, along with his own Six Bone Ornaments and many other priceless relics, to Marpa, his chief disciple from Tibet.
Marpa passed these relics, along with the Six Ornaments, to his own chief disciple, Ngokton Choku Dorje, who had to safe keep these relics until seven generations later, so that they would be returned to the “rightful owner”.
As prophesied, Ngok’s descendent returned these treasures to Naropa’s very own reincarnation, the 2nd Gyalwang Drukpa. Since then, successive reincarnations of the Gyalwang Drukpa have been the guardians and keepers of the precious relics.
In the picture above: The President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksha being presented the large size Buddha statue by the Gyalwang Drukpa and Arjun Pandey (Head of Live to Love India)
