In a remarkable gathering of senior lamas and over 500 revered monastics hailing from Ladakh and across the globe, the Devachan Campus of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) witnessed the consecration of a towering 14-meter statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. This sacred event unfolded within the MIMC’s pristine Buddha Park for World Peace, nestled in the heart of Ladakh.
The esteemed Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder and president of MIMC, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and dignitaries on this momentous occasion. He emphasized that the newly consecrated Buddha statue stood as a symbol of world peace, poised to guide countless generations along the path of Buddhadharma.
“Amidst the global currents of conflict, the teachings and wisdom of Lord Buddha have acquired an even deeper resonance,” shared Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, articulating the profound relevance of these ancient teachings.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, an embodiment of socially engaged Buddhism in our land, established the nonprofit MIMC in Leh in 1986. He has pioneered numerous humanitarian endeavors, uplifting initiatives, and impactful events. His compassionate endeavors encompass nurturing educational opportunities for underprivileged children, empowering women and marginalized communities through literacy programs, offering healthcare to the ailing and impoverished, and providing a haven for the elderly and destitute. The sprawling MIMC campus has blossomed into a vibrant hub of socio-cultural and community initiatives.
Beyond his role as the spiritual guide and president of MIMC, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena is the visionary behind the Mahakaruna Foundation, the Save the Himalayas Foundation, and an advisor to the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).
Distinguished luminaries graced the consecration ceremony, including His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, His Holiness Laklung Matul Rinpoche, and His Eminence Drukpa Khamtak Rinpochay, alongside other esteemed rinpoches. Also in attendance were representatives from the Ladakh Buddhist Association, the All Ladakh Gonpa Association, a special delegation from Taiwan, and sangha members from various corners of the globe.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Buddhist monastics from Taiwan for their ardent efforts in propagating the Buddha’s teachings across the world.
“Taiwan shines brilliantly on the world stage, demonstrating the resilience of its people despite its modest size. The people of Taiwan generously contribute to the construction of Buddhist temples around the world,” noted Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena.
In addition to intertwining spiritual growth with human welfare, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena and MIMC ardently advocate for peace-building, interfaith dialogue, environmental preservation, and the promotion of Himalayan and Buddhist cultural heritage through national and global festivals. Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena’s extensive travels include active participation in international conferences, seminars, and workshops that champion spiritual and cultural values, environmental consciousness, non-violence, global harmony, and the empowerment of underprivileged women.
In 2021, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena led a compassionate mission to the border regions of Ladakh, extending crucial COVID-19 relief and invaluable emotional and spiritual solace to local residents grappling with the dual challenges of the pandemic and the military standoff between Indian and Chinese troops. This compassionate team also spearheaded a peace campaign, urging the two nations to seek peaceful resolutions rather than resorting to conflict.
With the consecration of the magnificent Buddha statue, MIMC continues to illuminate the world with the beacon of peace, compassion, and timeless wisdom.