Today is ‘Nalanda Education Day’

Today is ‘Nalanda Education Day’

Message by Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama, Chairman of Nalanda Education Committee

Mankind’s greatest asset is its ability to develop wisdom and transmit it to following generations so that understanding grows progressively.  The Buddha is the prime example of someone who developed his wisdom to perfection and taught his followers the secret of happiness to be realised for themselves.

The uniqueness of Buddhism lies in the fact that the Buddha emphasized the importance of education in ensuring human progress.  The best known description of the Buddha is that he is the teacher of gods and men.  The Buddha taught all beings that empowerment comes with knowledge while ignorance cripples.  It is symbolized by the concept of light dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

We at Nalanda also recognise the power of education and over the last decade or so, have focussed our attention on the dissemination of wisdom of the Buddha’s Teachings, especially among the younger generations.  We are constantly on the lookout for effective ways and sustainable means to make the timeless teachings relevant to contemporary realities.

The last few years were especially challenging to the human race.  Hopefully we have come out of the tunnel, and we now have to use our best efforts to transmit our understanding of the Buddha-Dhamma for the benefit of all sentient beings.

On this Nalanda Education Day, let us renew our commitment to continue our noble mission to effect personal transformation and social improvements around the world by providing appropriate educational opportunities based on Buddha-Dhamma.  May the light of Dhamma lit up in the hearts of all beings that share this universe with us.  Happy Education Day and Sukhihontu.