Sunday Times 2
Dhammachakka Puja at Sarnath calls for peace
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The Dhammachakka Puja at Sarnath brought together multiple Buddhist monastic traditions at the sacred site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Organised by the International Dhammachakka Puja Committee, the week-long observance from 15-21 January brought together monks from different traditions and nationalities. In unison, they chanted the Dhammachakka Pavattana Sutta, symbolising unity in diversity and the living continuity of the Dhamma across cultures and generations.
The inaugural session was held at the Mulagandhakuti Vihara in Sarnath.
Ven P Seewalee Thero, Chief Monk and General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, reflected on the historical and spiritual significance of the Dhammacakka Puja.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Mahishini Colonne observed that the Dhammachakka Puja affirms a living philosophy grounded in wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental cultivation – a teaching offered for the welfare and happiness of all.
The Vishwa Shanti Prarthana (Universal Peace Prayer), which resonated across languages and traditions invoked blessings for all beings and called for freedom from anger, violence, ill-will, and hatred, reinforcing the spirit of loving-kindness, non-violence, and universal responsibility.
Guests at the inauguration included Ven. Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice-Chancellor, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, and Shri Sanjay Singh, Deputy Superintendent Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Sarnath Circle. Ven. Bhikkhuni Dieu Luong and Mrs. Doan Thi Phuong Thao from Vietnam, benefactors and well-wishers of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, attended the programme.