'Buddha's teaching progressive, practical'

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 14: Buddhist scholars have expressed the view that the teachings of the Buddha are progressive and profoundly practical.

Buddha's teachings remain relevant today," was the unanimous sentiment shared during a two-day seminar concluded on Monday, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Genuine Secondary School based in Byasi, Bhaktapur. The seminar was focused on the school teachers based in Bhaktapur Municipality.

"Many of the ideas that we now study from Western philosophers were, in fact, already articulated by the Buddha about 2,600 years ago during his deshna (sermons)," they said. "His teachings are timeless."

Educationist Sidhiratna Shakya expressed concern that Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha, has not given due priority to Buddhist education. He also hailed the initiation to organise a meaningful programme on the teachings and philosophy of Gautam Buddha. 

"It is really commendable," he remarked. Professor Tri Ratna Manandhar of the Buddhist University presented a paper titled 'Good governance in Buddhism'. Similarly, Buddhist scholar Ratna Sundar Shakya presented another paper on 'National and International Personalities dedicated to Buddhism' while journalist Basanta Maharjan presented on 'Human Rights and Buddhism'.

Moreover, Dr. Pushparatna Shakya of Tribhuvan University discussed "Buddhism and Related Arts and Architecture in Nepal Mandal." He elaborated on the Bahabahi culture of the Buddhist period and its modern manifestations in the Kathmandu Valley.

Presenting a paper on "Gender Equality in Buddhism," Dr. Sabita Dhakhwa said, "The Buddha had already advocated the idea of equality for women about 2,600 years ago, long before the modern women’s movement began."

Junu Maiya Basukala, in her presentation on "Traditional Buddhist Newa: Paintings," provided a historical analysis of the Newa: artistic tradition. 

Likewise, journalist Ghanshyam Khadka, speaking on 'Buddhist Teachings on the Science of the Mind,' discussed how the importance of Buddhist teachings is growing in western societies, which, despite achieving material prosperity, have become increasingly afflicted by mental distress.

"The Buddha's teachings on the science of the mind are not a raw theory; rather, it is an easy way to understand, pacify and awaken the mind," he said.

Other speakers, including culture expert Puroshottam Lochan Shrestha, writers Taralal Shrestha, Sunita Gaise, and Harihar Timilsina, shared their experiences and queries during the seminar.