Kushinagar: PM Modi participates in event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister noted the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima and the presence of holy relics of Lord Buddha.

Welcoming the delegation of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister recalled the connections between India and Srilanka and talked about emperor Ashoka's son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra taking the message of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. 

He also remarked that it is believed that on this day, 'Arhat Mahinda' came back and told his father that Sri Lanka had accepted the Buddha's message with so much energy.

This news had increased the belief that Buddha's message is for the whole world, Buddha's Dhamma is for humanity, the Prime Minister said.

Lauding the role of the International Buddhist Confederation in spreading the message of Lord Buddha, the Prime Minister remembered Shri Shakti Sinha for his contribution as DG of the  International Buddhist Confederation.  Shri Sinha passed away recently.

The Prime Minister remarked that today is another auspicious occasion - Lord Buddha's coming back to earth from Tushita heaven.

That is why, on Ashwin Purnima today, the monks also complete their three-month 'Varshavas'.

"Today I too have had the privilege of 'chiver daan' to the Sangh monks after the 'Varshavas," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said Buddha is universal because Buddha said to start from within. Buddha's Buddhatva is a sense of ultimate responsibility.

The Prime Minister said today when the world talks about environmental protection, expresses its concern about climate change, then many questions arise with it.

"But, if we adopt the message of Buddha, then instead of 'who will do', 'what is to be done’ path starts showing itself," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that Buddha resides in the soul of humanity and is connecting different cultures and countries.

"India has made this aspect of his teaching part of the journey of its growth," he said.

“India never believed in restricting the knowledge, great messages or the thoughts of great souls. Whatever was ours was shared with the entire humanity. That is why, human values like non-violence and compassion are settled in the heart of India so naturally,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said Buddha, even today,  is the inspiration of the Constitution of India, Buddha's Dhamma Chakra is sitting on the tricolour of India and giving us momentum.

Even today, if someone goes to the Parliament of India, then this mantra is definitely seen - 'Dharma Chakra Pravartanaya', the Prime Minister said.

Talking about the influence of Lord Buddha in Gujarat and, specifically, the Prime Minister’s birthplace, Vadnagar, Modi said Buddha’s influence is visible in western and southern parts of the country in equal measures as the eastern parts. 

“Gujarat’s past shows that Buddha was beyond boundaries and directions. Mahatma Gandhi, born in the land of Gujarat was the modern flag-bearer of Buddha’s message of truth and non-violence,” he said.