Following the successful conclusion of the Mahakumbh organised in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Organiser and Panchjanya hosted a confluence titled “Manthan – Mahakumbh & Beyond” in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on March 12. The event was graced by the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It served as a post-analysis of the grand Mahakumbh, which reaffirmed the spiritual and cultural destiny of Bharat.
The confluence featured speakers from various fields, including spiritual leaders, members of the organising team, administrative officials, social service groups, and senior functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Among the distinguished speakers was Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary-General of the International Buddhist Confederation. He was joined by Lama Geshe Chosphel Zotpa, President of the Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association and organizer of the Bauddh Vishesh Sangam at the Mahakumbh.
It is significant to note that the recently concluded Mahakumbh was the first such event in the past 2,000 years to feature a dedicated Bauddh Akhara among all the traditional akharas.
Sharing his experience and addressing misconceptions about Buddhism and Sanatan Dharma, Choeden remarked, “India is unlike any other country. Its thinkers, traditions, and philosophies inspire faith across the globe. The idea of peaceful coexistence that India has given to the world is a characteristic that makes this land truly unique.”
Rinpoche Ji emphasised that ideological differences exist in India, but they coexist under the concept of “Vyavharik Samanta” (Practical Equality). He contrasted this with nations where only one ideology dominates, highlighting India’s inclusivity:
“If we cannot foster unity among the citizens of this country, we cannot expect to do so with others. To achieve this, we must take pride in our history and heritage.”
From a global Buddhist perspective, he called India as ‘the motherland of Buddhism,’ a cultural legacy unmatched by any other nation. He reflected on the diversity within Sanatan Dharma, mentioning that while sects, for instance, Shaivites and Vaishnavites may have theological differences, they respect each other’s traditions, that’s what makes Bharat unique. Unlike some cultures where differences lead to conflict, Indian traditions thrive on mutual respect and understanding. He added, “We don’t run after each other with weapons in hand for ideological differences, we respect diversity and believe in co-existnace.”
Rinpoche Ji stressed the need for a historical reawakening, emphasising that: “We cannot afford to forget our past. The secret of our strength lies in our ability to build unity despite differences. This is our truth, and we have no other choice but to uphold it.”
Reflecting on the scale of Mahakumbh’s organisation, Rinpoche Ji remarked: “We often look to the West and consider ourselves backward. But if we set our minds to something, we can achieve anything. The sheer scale at which India organised Mahakumbh is phenomenal. No other nation has done anything like this. If India can achieve this, it can achieve anything.”
He highlighted that leadership in humanity begins with the ability to instill confidence: “To lead humanity, we need to make them believe that we can do it. That is the essence of oneness.”
Recalling his personal experience at Kumbh, Rinpoche Ji shared: “My visit to Kumbh Mela was unforgettable. This was my second visit. The first time, I had been to Trimbakeshwar with the Dalai Lama, and this time, I came to attend the grand gathering at Kumbh. The sight of an ocean of people moving in synchronicity, with absolute discipline and no chaos, was mesmerising.”
He compared the Mandala displays and monk-led rituals at Kumbh to the Kalchakra initiations conducted by Dalai Lama, noting: “The unique part about Kumbh is that it is a hundred thousand times bigger than any Buddhist spiritual congregation.”
As Bharat moves forward, the legacy of Kumbh serves as a guiding force, reminding the world of the nation’s cultural resilience, spiritual depth, and enduring spirit of oneness.
