Arunchal Pradesh: Fourth Indian State to Receive Buddhist Center from Government

[Ensapa]

Some happy news, it seems that even the Indian Government is supporting Buddhism these days. Even though they are no longer Buddhists, it is nice to see the Indian Government supporting temples!

Arunchal Pradesh – Fourth Indian State to Receive Buddhist Center from Government



15 Jun 2012 by admin

by Walter Jayawardhana

After Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, Arunchal Pradesh becomes the fourth state in India to receive the next fully fledged Buddhist Center by the allocation of funds by the Central government of India.

Its founder, Tsona Gontse Rinpoche, announced The Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies at Dahung in West Kameng District will now attain the status as a result of its New Delhi’s recognition.

In the West Kameng District, where the institute is located, the majority of people, and 13 percent of the population of the people of Arunchal Pradesh follow Buddhism. India’s largest monastery Tawang is also in Arunchal Pradesh.


Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh – India's Largest Buddhist Monastery

The institute, conceived by Rinpoche in 2000, had received the approval of the Union Cabinet on May 26, 2010 with a one time project cost estimated at Rs 9 crore and a recurring annual cost of Rs 124.86 lakh.

“It began with a central government grant of Rs 97 lakh and has since grown into a good institute to fill the vacuum in imparting education on Buddhism,” the Rinpoche asserted. ”I had pursued the Centre to establish such an institute considering the large number of Buddhist population residing in the Northeast,” he said.

He pointed out that with only 25 faculty members and limited infrastructures, the institute has so far produced two batches (18 each) of Shastri (equivalent to BA in Buddhist Philosophy) degree holders.

According to the Rinpoche, Besides teaching arts and crafts supporting self-sufficiency, sustainable development and the preservation of ethnic identity  as a means of national integrity, the institute has been inculcating an awareness on ecological balance and preservation of natural resources.

He said the other three institutes are: Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, a deemed university, the Central University for Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi, and the Central Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies, Leh.

[Ensapa]

And more news of how India is supporting Buddhism once more! Wow! Seems like both China and India are doing a lot for Buddhism!

Buddhism tour circuit to woo more visitors
Deccan Chronicle, June 25, 2012
Karnataka, India -- Karnataka tourism is looking at exploring Buddhist sites in the state for its religious tour circuit. Till now, Jain sites have been much promoted in the religious circuit, and with the new initiative, the department hopes to bring in increased domestic and foreign travellers.

 The department plans to promote the Tara Bhagavati temple in Shiralakoppa, Koliwad and Dambal in Gadag district, apart from monuments in historical Aihole in Bijapur district for the tourism initiative.

“We have got approval for setting up the Buddhist circuit. There is also a Jain circuit that has done quite well. For the Buddhist circuit, we are even looking at China for promoting this circuit among Buddhist travellers,” said Mrs Latha Krishna Rao, Principal Secretary, Tourism. For some time now, the state tourism department has found much takers on its Jain circuits such as Shravanabelagola and Karkala.

“We plan to improve accommodation facilities. In Shravanabelagola, there are proposals for adding more medium-level accommodation facilities for tourists,” Ms Rao added. Recently, the tourism department conducted a survey across the state for determining tourism needs and found that the state needs improved accommodation facilities, especially medium and high-end level. In Bengaluru alone, tourist facilities capable of accommodating both medium and high end tourists to the extent of 28,000 persons is required.

With this focus in the global investors' meet, the tourism department had announced that Hyatt Hotels and Resorts will be setting up a five-star hotel at Hampi, while Orange County, Somateeram and Windflower will be setting up resorts around heritage spots like Pattadakal, Aihole, Belur, Bijapur, Jog, Mysore and Anekal.

[Big Uncle]

That's interesting of India. I am sorry but I used to think that India is a country struggling to feed itself and struggling to shed itself of the image of a poverty stricken nation. I guess I was wrong and I know India cannot possibly be sponsoring every single Tibetan monastery within its borders but what about the great monasteries that have been re-established within the Tibetan colonies like Gaden, Sera and Drepung. Any news about sponsoring those monasteries?

What about the Dorje Shugden monasteries like Serpom and Shar Gaden monasteries? Aren't they suppose to be ostracized by the Tibetan community? Shouldn't the Indian government do something about that since they are the one who declared in court that they wouldn't and cannot interfere in Tibetan religious affairs. But can't they see that the monasteries have suffered backlash from its own community just because they worship Dorje Shugden. When I consider all these aspects, somehow I am not so impressed with the India government for its sponsorship of some obscure monasteries. They have not stated why they have sponsored these monasteries but I think their choice of monasteries could have been better.

[bambi]

Super good news! With the government's support, may more funds be allocated for temples and upkeep. No doubt India's people are struggling, Big Uncle but lets look at it this way, more temples, more merits, more devotees, more offerings and funds from visitors from all around the world. The people there that are poverty stricken need the merits and blessings from the Buddhas in the temple. Yes, the government is not doing much about Dorje Shugden's monasteries as they wanted to have 'good' relations with the Tibetan government and sacrifice the ones that are ostracized. They should also allocate funds for the upkeep or donations to existing temples that are barely surviving.

[dsiluvu]

The Indian Government is actually so so kind to be giving so much to the Tibetan refuges. They give them land to start up again, to rebuild their Monasteries and offices and schools. They've always been so supportive of religious faiths especially Buddhism. I am not surprised but I rejoice for Buddhism took roots in India...

The Tibetan community in exile is now well established in India, with many large monasteries, nunneries, free schools, hospitals, universities etc. They enjoy good support from Foreign Aid and some Indian Government subsidies.

And Under the skillful leadership of HH Dalai Lama, the Tibetan community in exile has flourished, although it’s problems are real and their loss is great. Approx 80% of Tibetan monastics in India have support. Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions in the West.

Hence Tibetans have much gratitude to show toward the India.. it's mother... they should create a little problems as they can for India. Instead of creating issues and conflicts like the Dorje Shugden BAN... which should not happened on India democratic soil. Instead Tibetans should figure out how they can contribute and give back to Mother India, now isn't that far more constructive ?

[Vajraprotector]

The Indian government has been very kind indeed. It is indeed impossible for them to sponsor all moansteries, but they do have financial assistance scheme, such as Scheme for Financial Assistance for the Preservation and Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture and Art, whereby financial assistance is given up to a maximum of Rs.30 lakhs per year for any single organisation.  Especially in case of the organisations running a school for imparting monastic education, the financial assistance may be given beyond the ceiling, on the recommendation of the Expert Advisory Committee and approved by the Minister (Culture) in consultation with the FA, Ministry of Culture.

India is not rich. Based on GDP, it is considered a lower-middle income economy. The unemployment rate for 2010-11, according to the state Labour Bureau, was 9.8% nationwide. As of 2011, India's public debt stood at 68.05% of GDP and inflation remains high with 7.23% in April 2012. So, the Tibetans should feel grateful that the Indian government actually helps the Tibetans whom they have already generously promised to host for 99 years.

Like what dsiluvu said, Tibetans should really stop making troubles for their kind host. I have heard that the Tibetans in South India have been creating problems, such as asking the Indian government to deport Tibetans who arrived to join Dorje Shugden monasteries like Shar Gaden and Serpom. Can you imagine how frustrated the Indian officials must have been? Even “minor” issue like a religious ban cannot be handled by the Tibetan communities and they have to trouble their Indian host. Tibetans should really look at why they are still in diaspora and start thinking of what will happen to their next generation as the 99 years is soon to be over.