A lecture on “Buddhist Philosophy and Teachings in the Sanatan Tradition of Bharat” was held at Vivekananda Kendra, Uzanbazaar, Guwahati, organized by Socio Cultural Organisation Pragya and Social Organisation Buddha Chetana-Bharat.
The lecture aimed to explore the connections between Buddhist philosophy and the Sanatan tradition of Bharat.
The programme began with the welcome speech by Arup Bujarbaruah proceeded by the lighting of the lamp followed by a Bhakti song sung by Singer Sharat Raag.
The Keynote speaker Axom Gaurav Saumyadeep Datta began his deliverance stating about the key principles of Buddhist philosophy, including the Four Noble Truths outlining the nature of suffering and the path to liberation and the Eightfold Path. The lecture also touched and highlighted about the wrong narrative which was set since past approximately 120 to 150 years ago that Buddhism is entirely separate from Hinduism and views that it doesn’t reflect the historical and philosophical complexities of both traditions’ similarities and differences between Buddhist philosophy and the Sanatan tradition. There was the wrong narrative that Buddhism was against idol worships, Indian culture etc. He also stated that the British colonial administration and subsequent nationalist movements in India played a role in shaping the narrative of Buddhism as a distinct and separate religion from Hinduism. But it is high time to stand strong against the wrong narratives and limelight the similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism like both the religion originated in ancient Bharat, sharing a common cultural and philosophical context and both traditions aims to achieve liberation or enlightenment, and the paths and interpretations may differ both traditions but recognize the importance of karma, dharma, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
The event was graced by Axom Gaurav Shri Saumyadeep Datta as the Keynote speaker, Karuna Shashtri Mahather as the Chief Guest, Respected Shri Basistha Bujarbaruah, Khetra Pracharak of Rashtriya Swayamseyak Sangha, Shri Hiteswar Chakraborty General Secretary of Pragya, Nabanita Sarmah, Co-ordinator of Buddha Chetana Bharat and other esteemed Dignitaries including students, scholars, and individuals interested in philosophy and spirituality. A total of approximately 250 persons attended the programme. The lecture sparked a lively discussion and provided valuable insights into the rich cultural heritage of Bharat.
At the concluding part of the programme before the very interactive question answer session, the Chief Guest Karuna Shashtri Mahather was felicitated by both the organisations Pragya and Buddha Chetana- Bharat. Lastly with the vote of thanks by Krishna Mriganka Barman and with Vande Mataram the programme ended as a very insightful successful event.
