First Triyan Pragya Conference begins in Lumbini

RUPANDEHI: The First Triyan Pragya Sammelan organized under the auspices of the Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) has kicked off in Lumbini.

LBU has organized the ‘intellectual conference’ focusing on the Buddhist culture and prosperity, and the Buddhist teaching methodology. The conference brings together the Buddhist scholars and researchers from the country.

Addressing the inaugural program, LBU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Hridaya Ratna Bajracharya said they have organized the conference to explore the connections between the Buddhist culture and prosperity. He said the ideas explored and conclusions drawn at the conference would be shared with the policy-makers.

Registrar Dr Tilak Ram Acharya said that this conference will support the policy of linking Buddhist culture and prosperity. Working papers on the Buddhist culture and prosperity have been presented and discussed on the first day of the conference on Wednesday. Anagarika Pritiwati and Madanratna Manandhar presented papers on Theravada Buddhist culture and prosperity, highlighting on the promotion of this tradition and how it could be linked to the country’s culture and prosperity.

Similarly, Prof Dr Bhikkhu Sankichcha Mahasthaveer presented a paper on Theravada Buddhist teaching methodology. The first session was chaired by LBU former vice-chancellor Prof Dr Triratna Manandhar.

Acharya Sarki Sherpa presented a paper on Mahayana Buddhist culture and prosperity. Dr Sharada Paudel, Prof Dr Ramesh Dhungel, Lopen Karma Yanchen commented on the paper.

Dr Tenzing Jinpa Bhutia presented a paper on the Mahayana Buddhist teaching methodology. Prof Dr Bijaya Baruwa commented on the paper. The second session was chaired by LBU vice-chancellor Bajracharya.

A seminar is taking place today on Bajrayan culture and prosperity as part of this conference.

Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari is scheduled to attend the 17th anniversary celebration ceremony of LBU today. On the occasion, the President will also inaugurate the University’s Central Library Building constructed at an investment of Rs 92 million.