Maha Bodhi Society of India vice-president and former Vice-Chancellor of the Utkal University of Culture Dr Bimalendu Mohanty attended the Bodhi Saptaha inauguration ceremony on May 15 at Bangalore.
It is organised by the Maha Bodhi Society (MBS), Bangalore, to mark the 2,560thBudha Jayanti which would conclude on Baisakha Purnima Day on May 21.
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Mayor Manjunatha Reddy was another guest on the occasion.
Dr Mohanty said ever since Goutam Buddha preached his sermons, his first two disciples, Tapasu and Bhallik, two traders from Kalinga on their return to the State, spread the messages of Buddha.
“During 6th century BC, Hinduism was passing through a critical phase. The society was caste-ridden. lower caste people were oppressed and animal sacrifice was the order of the day. Maha Karunik Goutam and his teachings against intolerance laid stress on casteless society and violence in any form. By this he saved further deterioration of Hinduism,” Mohanty said.
He further said after the Kalinga War of 261 BC, Maurya emperor Ashok embraced Buddhism and spread the religion to Sri lanka, Burma and other countries of the South East Asia. Kalinga Buddhist monks were instrumental in spreading Buddhism both in India and abroad.
The meeting was presided over by MBS Bangalore president Kassapa Mahathera.