The International Buddhist Confederation and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara inaugurated the conference on the Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava on August 28-29, 2024.

The Hon'ble Governor of Bihar, Shri Rajendra Arlekar, opened the conference with a lamp-lighting ceremony, joined by Ven. Khenpo Chimed, Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, and Most Ven. Khenpo Ugyen Namgyel, Secretary/Chief Monk of the Royal Bhutan Temple, Central Monastic Body, Bhutan, as Guests of Honour.

The first session of the two-day conference began with Professor Prabir Kumar Pattanaik (archaeologist) presenting his research on the historical significance of Guru Rinpoche's birthplace, Uddiyana. Using extensive historical and archaeological evidence, Professor Pattanaik established that Uddiyana is located in present-day Odisha.Geshe Dr. Tenzin Choephak (Sakya Buddhist Centre, Dehradun) focused on the Sakya Khon Vajrakilaya, a fundamental practice within the Sakya Tradition and an enduring legacy of Guru Rinpoche. These practices are particularly effective in removing both internal and external obstacles.Professor K.B. Jayawardhana (University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka) offered a comparative assessment of Devata Yoga, a practice of meditating on a chosen deity within Vajrayana Tantra, and Isvarapranidhana, the act of dedicating one's actions to the divine in Patanjali yoga.Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche (President, Rigon Thupten Mindrolling Monastery) provided lesser-known biographical insights into Guru Padmasambhava's life, highlighting recent studies that confirm Uddiyana as present-day Odisha.

As part of Session Two, Khenpo Kinley Gyalson (Khenpo, Shedrupling Monastery, Bhutan) shared insights into the meaning of the Vajra Guru Mantra.H.E. the 8th Chokyong Palga Rinpoche (Naljorling Monastery, Ladakh) reminded the audience of the essence of Guru Padmasambhava, born from light emanating from Buddha Amitabha, thus embodying mysticism. He referenced a firsthand account by Guru Rinpoche's consort, Yeshi Tsogyal.Venerable Pepiliyawala Narada Thero (Buddhist and Pali University, Sri Lanka) discussed the significance of the lotus flower in both Theravada and Vajrayana traditions. The session ended with Professor Sanjib Kumar Das addressing the prerequisites of Vajrayana, the various classifications of Tantra, and their significance.

As part of Session Three, Khenpo Kinley Wangchuk (Secretary General, Pemai Rangdang Foundation, Bhutan) discussed Guru Rinpoche's visits to Bhutan, noting that the Guru visited the country three times and that his legacy was carried forward by the Dharma kings.Geshema Tenzin Lhadron (Jamyang Choling Institute, Dharamsala) spoke on Guru Rinpoche's influence on Himalayan and Tibetan arts and architecture, highlighting his contributions to the architecture of the Kanishka Palace in Sani.Dr. Shermila Milroy (Pali and Sanskrit Exchange Centre, Sri Lanka) explored Guru Rinpoche's cultural and artistic contributions to the Himalayan region, with a particular focus on Bhutan as a living example of his legacy.The session ended with Dr. Anirban Dash (Director, National Mission for Manuscripts, Government of India) discussing the unique personality and legacy of Guru Rinpoche, presenting early sources about the Guru, the benefits of Vajra Guru Mantras, and his significance in Tibetan Buddhism.At the end of the day's sessions, all participants and the audience felt that this was the first time Guru Padmasambhava's life and achievements were discussed in such detail. The range of topics covered by participants from different countries was wide and addressed every aspect of Guru Padmasambhava's life. Participants were satisfied with the day's discussions and looked forward to the session on August 29.

The second day's session of the international conference on "Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava" started with the topic "Travels and Regional Impact."Ven. Anshul Tulku (Director, Buddha Prakash Foundation) highlighted Uttarakhand as a crucial but often overlooked element in the history of Buddhism. He noted that great sages undertook the Kailash Yatra through Uttarakhand, passing through "Gangri Mata" and "Gabla Sthaan." Dharchula, an integral part of Kailash Bhumi extending to the Ngari region, also features the Guru Rinpoche cave and his footprints.Ven. Chhing Chhyope Gurung (Chairman, Triley Kunkhab Association) from Nepal discussed the Guru's travels and influence in the Mustang region of Nepal. He detailed how Guru Rinpoche established the Lo Gekhar Monastery in Mustang, among other monasteries in Lower and Upper Mustang, significantly impacting the region's religious and cultural landscape.Khenmo Karma Sangmo (Namdrolling Nunnery) examined Guru Padmasambhava's role in shaping Tibet's spiritual history. She emphasized that even after his departure, the Terma treasures he left behind continue to inspire generations of Tibetans.Dr. Sunil Pattanaik (Director, Odishan Institute of Maritime & South East Asian Studies) spoke on the legacy of Buddhism in the Kalinga region. He highlighted findings from excavations in Radhanagar, which reveal the extensive spread of Buddhist culture, as well as transitions from Theravada to Mahayana Buddhism. Excavations at Lalitgiri are believed to uncover Buddha's relics, while Udaygiri displays Vajrayana deities, and Ratnagiri stupas feature Vajrayana images.The session concluded with a documentary showcasing a marathon "Run for Global Peace" organized by the IBC in Bodhgaya in January 2024.

The fifth session began with Venerable Dr. Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia (SGIHNS Sheda, Sikkim) speaking on Guru Rinpoche's life, his manifestations, and historical influence in the Trans-Himalayan Region.Venerable Dhamma Jyoti (Nava Nalanda Mahavihar) provided an elaborate understanding of the methodology used by Guru Padmasambhava to disseminate Buddhism in the Himalayas, fusing esoteric Buddhism with the Bon religion to create a unique spiritual identity.Mr. Mohan Tamang (Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal) discussed both local mythical narratives of Nepal and historical accounts of Guru Rinpoche's life, travels, and influence in Nepal. Guru Rinpoche is also referred to as Mahadev in some local Nepali cultural narratives.Dr. Kalsang Wangmo (Central University of Jharkhand) focused on the meanings behind the Guru's manifestations, iconography, and colors, giving a detailed description of his manifestations and how they synthesized individual nature with that of the cosmos, signifying non-duality.The session concluded with a closing comment by the Honorable Guest of Honor, Most Venerable Khenpo Chimed, who called for intensifying efforts to discover more historical and archaeological evidence related to Guru Padmasambhava.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the DG of the IBC, who noted that this event also marked the beginning of a scholarly dialogue on Guru Padmasambhava. Many lesser-known facts about him were discussed for the first time at the conference. The DG thanked all the organizers, volunteers, and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara for their tireless efforts in making the conference a successful event.

At the end of the 2-day session the participants visited the Vulture's peak - a location where Gautama Buddha had often meditated. A number of venerable monks who were part of the conference did chanting at Vulture's peak. The delegation also visited the XuenXang memorial as part of the Nava Nalanda university.