For the first time in the history of Maha Kumbh, a dedicated Buddhist camp, “Bauddh Vishesh Sangam”, was organised in the sacred Sangam Kshetra of Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. The camp, an initiative to highlight the deep connections between Buddha’s teachings and the Sanatan tradition, was an unprecedented effort to integrate Buddhist thought into the broader spiritual and cultural discourse of Maha Kumbh 2025.
Buddha’s Teachings in Bharat
The land for this special Buddhist congregation was allotted in the name of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Delhi, under the guidance of Geshe Lama Zotpa, a distinguished Buddhist monk from Leh. The initiative was supported by several prestigious institutions, including National Manuscript Mission, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), Tatvam, and the International Bauddh Sodh Sansthan, with the backing of Ministry of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Lama Geshe Chosphel Zotpa, President of the Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association and the key organiser of the “Bauddh Vishesh Sangam”, emphasised the significance of Buddha’s teachings as an integral part of Bharat’s spiritual heritage. He stated, “Bhagwan Buddha was a great Guru of Bharat. He delivered his teachings in the 5th century BCE, and after his Mahaparinirvana, the Dhamma spread across the world—to China, Japan, Central Asia, Thailand and Russia. Buddhism is a vital part of Bharat’s civilisational ethos.
The daily activities at the Buddhist camp were deeply rooted in traditional spiritual practices. Morning and evening puja, Vipassana meditation sessions, lectures, and discussions formed the core of the daily schedule. Monks and practitioners were engaged in rituals and discourses that reflected the philosophical continuity between Buddhism and the broader Bharatiya spiritual framework. The Sangam area, already a confluence of rivers, faiths and traditions, became a space for dialogue and spiritual exchange between Buddhist monks and Hindu sadhus, further strengthening the shared heritage of the two traditions.
Holistic Healthcare
One of the major highlights of the “Bauddh Vishesh Sangam” was the ten-day Sowa Rigpa Free Medical Camp, conducted by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh, with support from the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. A small team of four doctors and assistants conducted a check-up of more than 2,000 people from different parts of the world including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands and Sweden received medical check-ups and treatment during the camp, showcasing the practical application of Buddhist wisdom in the field of holistic healthcare.
Sanskrit in Buddhist Philosophy
A seminar titled “Bauddh Vishesh Sangam” also served as a platform for academic discussions on Buddhist studies and ancient Bharatiya culture. A seminar titled “The Importance of Pali, Sanskrit, and Bhoti for the Study of Buddhist Philosophy” was organised, with participation of scholars representing the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh, Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda, the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Sarnath, Delhi University, and Dhammadipa University, Tripura. The discussions highlighted how these languages serve as the foundation for understanding Buddhist philosophy and its historical evolution within the Sanatan framework. Another seminar focused on the role of ancient Bharatiya culture, particularly the Himalayan cultural traditions, in shaping Buddhist philosophy. Scholars from leading institutions delved on how the wisdom of the Himalayas, deeply embedded in Sanatan traditions, has influenced Buddhist thought and practice. This session reinforced the notion that Buddhism is not a departure from Bharatiya tradition but rather a continuation and expansion of its spiritual core.
Buddhist Monks in Sant Sammelan
Another important event in Maha Kumbh was the Sant Sammelan organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad. Sant Sammelan was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on January 25. For the first time such a large number of Buddhist monks from Russia, Korea, Myanmar as well as monks from different parts of Bharat participated in Maha Kumbh. Written message of His Holiness Dalai Lama was read out. A grand Buddhist Sammelan was also organised on the occasion of Maha Kumbh 2025. This conference brought together Buddhist monks, scholars, and practitioners from different parts of the world to discuss the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in contemporary times. The event underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue and cultural collaboration, furthering the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family.
The closing ceremony of “Bauddh Vishesh Sangam” was marked by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Secretary General and Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation, Director of the National Manuscript Mission, and Director of the International Bauddh Sodh Sansthan, Lucknow. Their participation reflected the growing recognition of Buddhism as an integral part of India’s spiritual and cultural fabric. The presence of 300 monks from Russia, Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, and Mongolia at the Maha Kumbh not only added to the spiritual diversity of the event but also demonstrated the enduring global relevance of
Buddha’s teachings. The Buddhist camp hosted several important religious and cultural activities. Daily pujas and Vipassana meditation sessions provided attendees with a serene spiritual experience. Special cultural programmes in the evenings brought to life the rich traditions of Buddhist storytelling, chanting and visual arts. A unique Sand Mandala – Kalachakra Sand Mandala was created by the monks, symbolising the impermanence of life and the profound wisdom of Buddhist cosmology.
Among the major traditional ceremonies conducted at the camp were the Torgaya Puja, Hawan, Cham Tantra Dance, and the Ganga Puja. The Cham Tantra Dance, performed by monks in elaborate masks and costumes, was a special attraction, offering a glimpse into the mystical tantric traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The Sobha Yatra, a grand procession of monks and devotees, added a visual spectacle to the Maha Kumbh, blending Buddhist and Hindu elements in a powerful representation of spiritual unity. The academic sessions of the camp featured an exhibition on Buddha Dhamma, showcasing rare manuscripts, relics and visual depictions of Buddhist heritage. Workshops were held on various aspects of Buddhist traditions, including a special session on Cham Traditional Dance and Mandala Art, supported by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. These activities not only enriched the attendees’ understanding of Buddhist culture but also reinforced its continuity with Sanatan traditions. n
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