I am indeed delighted to participate in the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi Celebrations at this beautiful and divine environment organized by the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh and the inauguration of a home for the visually challenged children. During the last 2550 glorious years, Buddha?s message of peace and harmony was radiated among the people living in different parts of the planet. Gautam the Buddha was the light of all that is eternally noble, right, virtuous and righteous. Hence the occasion of the 2550th Buddha Jayanti Celebrations, is not only for rejoicing but also for self-realization and reformation. Ladakh is an important center where Buddhist preachings and the tradition of Dharma are being practiced by many citizens. I am very happy to participate in these celebrations. I am sure that Lord Buddha?s blessings will be showered in abundant measure on all. My greetings to the organizers, theologians, academicians, students and distinguished guests participating in this programme.

I am happy to find that as a part of Buddha Jayanthi celebrations this year, the projects on eradication of illiteracy, poverty and health have been launched. This I consider in true spirit the provision of light to the humanity through knowledge. I have selected the topic "Righteousness in the Heart leads to Beauty in the Character".

Four noble truths

The philosophers, theologians, thinkers and many of reverent Monks who have assembled here know, what four noble truths are. However, I felt that I should narrate these noble truths, which are ringing in my mind in divine form.

The first truth is Dhukka, which states that the world is transient and it is in Dhukka. The second truth is the root cause of Dhukka, desire (Samuthaya). If we eliminate desire dhukka will cease, is the third truth (Norodhaya). Fourth is to follow the Eight-Fold path (Makka). The Buddhism indeed stands on these great pillars. Now, I would like to discuss the inspiring message of Buddha.

The inspiring message of Buddha

Lord Buddha finds out the root of all evils which led him to show the world the way of salvation, his teachings gave courage to the weak, the weary, the sad and the sorrow-stricken. His words were balm to those wounded, light for those who were in the dark and all through his teachings, truth was the core of his message. Eternal verities are the basis of the benign world order. Truth is omnipresent, eternal and permanent. Those blinded by vulgar greed and lust for power cannot see or experience it and for that, they are the poorer. Those who see it, imbibe it and live it are the blessed ones and they alone are entitled to genuine happiness, peace and bliss. The last words of Lord Buddha to his disciple Ananda, clearly sums up his perception of the ultimate truth showing the world the future path, clear and unmistakable, leading unhampered and unhindered, and unmistakably towards the ultimate destination to total peace and salvation. These words were ? ?Be island to yourself, Ananda! Be a refuge to yourself; do not take to yourself any other refuge. See truth as an island, see truth as refuge. Do not seek refuge in anyone but yourselves. Have done, Ananda! Do not weep, do not distress yourself! Have I not often told you that it is in the very nature of things that we must eventually be parted from all that is near and dear to us? For how, Ananda, can it be otherwise? Since everything born evolved, and organised contains within itself the germs of disintegration, how can it be otherwise than that a being should pass away? No other condition is possible!?. Let us discuss how we can bring about Unity of Minds.

In search of Unity of Minds

Today, what world needs is peace and prosperity for the six billion people. The unity of minds is indeed the necessity to achieve a happy world. How to achieve the unity of minds? The human endeavour has to continue. Let me share with you friends few experiences in that direction.

Tawang Experience: Tawang, as you know, is a virtual Shangri-La tucked away at an altitude of 3,000 metres in a misty corner of Arunachal Pradesh. The people there seem truly happy and tranquil, living under the kindly umbrella of one the world's oldest Buddhist monasteries. During a visit, I asked the chief monk at the monastery about the secret of Tawang's tranquility that seemed to go beyond mere goodness. "'You're the President of India. You know everything," he replied, trying to avoid answering the question. When I persisted, however, he called out to all the 300 monks to come and sit around the imposing statue of the Buddha with us and delivered the following sermon:

"If one looks at the 3,000 years history of India, one will find that the country has always stood for peace. It worked for peace; it prayed for peace and it lives for peace. But these days, turbulence in mind is overtaking us." So, how does one bring back peace? The monk asked. This question was echoing in the whole monastery. The Abbot of the Monastery Reverent Pengyal Rinpoche took us to the new dimension of the world. He said, "I" and "Me" is a dominating factor in human affairs. If we remove "I" and "Me" in our way of thinking and in our way of action, then there is a possibility for removing the ego of individuals. If we can eliminate, ego of mind then hatred will vanish. Hatred is indeed a dominating force in the world. Can we remove hatred from our minds? If we remove hatred, then violence in mind will disappear. The day human beings annihilate violence in mind, peace will blossom in the humanity." This great message, I call it Tawang message for unity of minds. How to remove I and "ME", which is the sole cause of hatered and enmity. Our education system has to reach the youth, these great thoughts. This will enable the children to grow in an environment of unity of minds and peace, and transform them into enlightened citizens.

Now let me discuss another important area of Buddhist tradition.

Nalanda ? The University of Enlightenment

Dear revered monks, scholars and thinkers assembled here, I would like to narrate the incident which took place in Nalanda, when I was there in May 2003. I was taken to the glorious history of Nalanda University which was established in 5th century BC. As I spent hours and hours in Nalanda, the glorious history of Nalanda University, since its establishment in 5th century BC, flashed past my memory. This is the place where hundreds of scholars from 93 countries assembled, discussed and did research on theology, physiology and religion including Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang (630-645 AD) visited India and saw the glory of Nalanda University teaching at that time and stayed and did research. The traveler was first a student and later became a teacher.

What attracted the scholars from 90 countries to Nalanda long ago? This is the place where the thoughts were transmitted, discussed and integrated towards a good way of life, which people were looking for from many countries. Friends, at this critical juncture of universal turbulence and instability, arising out of mutual distrust and hatred leading to violence, world needs a university of peace, enlightenment and great thoughts. Now I would like to talk about my experience when I visited Bodh Gaya.

Experience at Bodh Gaya

What a great experience? When I visited Bodh Gaya and sat under the great Bodhi Tree with young and experienced monks assembled all around. I recited,

It was echoing every where, this I did after visiting the great Buddhist temple where Buddha was radiating peace and enlightenment. Under the holy tree a discussion started. One young monk asked me? Mr. President, you are sitting in the place of great enlightenment. How do you feel? I told them, that I felt, as though I am a student, looking for a message for the troubled world - the message of peace. Another young monk asked me, "Do you think Mr. President, Is Buddhism a religion or spiritual force or a code of conduct?" I said; let me share with you my experiences after my extensive travel in our country and abroad.

Religion transforming into spirituality: A message, I received is that most Indians experienced and old, energetic and middle-aged, young and innocent, they all look to religion for solace and safety. I have also visited great many religious places and houses of worship throughout the length and breadth of this great country and I have met many of our religious leaders. The religions are like exquisite gardens, places full of surpassing beauty and tranquility, like sacred groves filled with beautiful birds and their melodious songs. I truly think that religions are beautiful gardens. They are enchanting islands, veritable oasis for the soul and the spirit. But they are islands nevertheless. How can we connect them so that the fragrance engulfs the whole universe? If we can connect all the islands with the bridge of love and compassion, in a 'garland', we will have a prosperous India and prosperous world. With this background, I have come to Bodh Gaya. I realize, in Buddhism spiritual content is very high.

Strength and peace: The third question - a very important question was asked by the youngest monk. Mr. President you have made a weapon, which can carry a nuclear warhead and you are in search of peace now? How they are compatible? I was taken aback. I went back about 2500 years in history. "I saw in front of me an ambitious and mighty Emperor Asoka conquering all parts of India and walking with great pride. When he came to Kalinga region, the great Kalinga war took place, which is now in the present state of Orissa. The mighty army of Emperor Asoka fought and fought and the Kalinga kings were defeated. Emperor Asoka happily proclaimed and annexed the Kalinga country. In that great full moon night, with the success behind him, Emperor Asoka walked in the war ravaged battlefield. He stopped suddenly and saw the blood flowing over hundred thousand people who were killed, and many souls crying and moaning. That crying was engulfed with gloom. Suddenly Emperor Asoka stopped and asked himself, "O! Almighty, what have I done?" This spark of thought entered into the mind and soul of Emperor Asoka and the great principle of Ahimsa Dharma was born". I visited this historical place in Orissa during my visit to Orissa in December 2005. To commemorate the Kalinga war a Shanti Stupa has been constructed near the Daya river and I walked on the banks of the historical Daya river.

Ashoka preached ahimsa, since then. This has been firmly engraved in the mountains and the Ashoka stupa has become our national emblem. In the last century Mahatma Gandhi further gave a new dimension to ahimsa dharma in the freedom movement of India. I gave this answer to that young monk. The young monks were very happy. India is surrounded by countries having nuclear weapon. Hence, the necessity. We are wedded to the principle of no first use.

The fourth question was asked by another monk, Mr. President, what made you to come to Bodh Gaya? I said, "I am like Anand in a small way. I am in the mission of search, where is the universal peace and unity of minds".

Experience at RILA Monastery

During one of my visits abroad, I visited a Christian Monastery in RILA located in the hills of Bulgaria. It is the biggest Bulgarian revival, spiritual and cultural centre with a 16,000 volume library including 134 manuscripts from 15th to 19th century. This holy site played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. Destroyed by fire due to invasion at the beginning of the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt later and is now surrounded by a big fort. While being in that divine environment amidst the Reverent Fathers aged between 80 and 90, I felt like praying. I went to the altar and asked permission of the Reverent Bishop John to recite the part of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. All the people present in the Monastery repeated the prayer.

The silent message in this prayer was felt by the Reverent Bishop, who blessed me by saying "You work for world peace". My friends, may this beautiful divine message of love, enlighten our life to work for universal peace.

Celebrating the beauty of other religions

On one occasion, as I was leaving for Bangalore, I spoke to a friend of mine and told him that I would be talking to young people and whether he had any suggestions. He did not offer any suggestions as such but offered me these nuggets of wisdom.

"when you speak, speak the truth; perform when you promise; discharge your trust ? withhold your hands from striking and from taking that which is unlawful and bad?.

What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of a human being, to feed the hungry to help the affected, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful and to remove the wrongs of the injured.

All God's creatures are his family; and he is the most beloved of God who tries to do most good to God's creatures.

These are the sayings of Prophet Mohammad. My friend who told me this is a great grandson of a Deekshidar of Tamil Nadu and grandson of a Ganapadigal (Vedic Scholar). He is none other than Shri Y S Rajan.

Conclusion: Righteousness

Now when I am with this audience, I would like to share a divine hymn 'Righteous and Peace in the World':

Where there is righteousness in the heart

there is a beauty in the character.

When there is beauty in the character,

there is harmony in the home.

When there is harmony in the home.

there is a order in the nation.

When there is order in the nation,

there is peace in the world.

Friends, we can see a beautiful connectivity between heart, character, nation and the world. How to inject righteousness in the human heart? This is indeed the purpose of human creation - that is divinity. We are going through a complex situation as many of us are completely at war with ourselves, with society and with nation. At every instant there is a war in our mind, whether we should go in one direction or another. Whenever there is a dilemma, we must seek the wisdom from the Almighty to lead us to the path of righteousness through education with value system towards peace. That is indeed the great message of Lord Buddha.

With these words, I inaugurate the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi Celebrations.

May God bless you.

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