‘Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage has profound significance’

Islamabad:Senior monk from Thailand Dr Anil Sakya has said that Pakistan’s unique Buddhist heritage which dated back over thousands of years and represented some of the most authentic and ancient Buddhist sites and artefacts in the world is of profound significance.

Dr Sakya was speaking on ‘Buddhist heritage of Pakistan: a bridge to peace and harmony’ organised here by Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS). Dr Sakya underlined that not only Pakistan was a cradle of Buddhist civilisation but also its preserved heritage served as a living tradition inspiring and guiding the world in fostering peace and harmony in these challenging times.

Drawing from his personal experiences, Dr Anil Sakya spoke about his numerous visits to Pakistan over the past decades and his efforts to create better awareness about the country’s cultural and religious landscape. He shared anecdotes from his teaching experiences in Thailand and the United States, where he emphasised the universality of Buddhist principles and the importance of Pakistan's Buddhist heritage. He also recounted his work with Thai officials to foster enhanced cultural exchanges, including proposals for exhibitions in Thailand to showcase Pakistan’s Buddhist artefacts and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of this rich heritage.

Sohail Mahmood, Director-General, ISS, in his welcome remarks, highlighted Dr Sakay’s illustrious journey as a revered spiritual leader and a distinguished scholar, noting his significant contributions to the understanding of the Buddhist philosophy and heritage worldwide. He emphasised Dr Sakya's unique ability to bridge the traditional principles of Theravada Buddhism with the contemporary challenges faced by lay-people, making him a beacon of adaptability and relevance in today's world. He particularly highlighted the rich Buddhist Gandhara heritage of Pakistan, pointing out that the region was home to some of the most important and sacred Buddhist sites globally. These sites including Taxila, Peshawar, Swat, Takht-i-Bhai were centres of learning and creativity during the peak of the Gandhara civilisation. He added that by preserving and promoting this heritage, Pakistan was not only honouring its past but also making a valuable contribution to global dialogue on peace and harmony.

Earlier, Dr Talat Shabbir, Director, ISS, stressed the relevance of Buddhist teachings in today’s world, particularly in promoting peace, mutual respect, co-existence and harmony amidst global challenges.