The 2565th Buddha Jayanti celebrated in a subdued manner in Leh without holding big congregations due to the restriction imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ladakh Buddhist Association along with Ladakh Gonpa Association greeted the people of Ladakh and organised a prayer meet with limited monks at Chowkhang Vihara on May 26.

Thupstan Chhewang, President, LBA said, “Due to the prevailing Covid-induced lockdown, the day is celebrated on a subdued note”.

He said that everyone is going through a tough phase due to the COVID-19 pandemic and people needs to cooperate and support each other to fight against this virus. He prayed for peace, happiness and prosperity and urged people to follow the COVID-19 protocols and offer the prayers at their home. 

He expressed gratitude to all the frontline workers for rendering their service to the welfare of people in these challenging days and urged people to boost their morale and appreciate their work.

Thupstan Chhewang also spoke about the importance of understanding the teachings of Buddha and implementing them practically in our daily life. He expressed the need of translating and imparting Buddha Dharma in a simple spoken language so that people can understand it in a better way.

Buddha taught, "My teaching is not a philosophy. It is the result of direct experience. My teaching is a means of practice, not something to hold onto or worship. My teaching is like a raft used to cross the river. Only a fool would carry the raft around after he had already reached the other shore of liberation." He advised not to accept his words on blind faith but to decide for themselves whether his teachings are right or wrong, then follow them. 

Speaking about the importance of the day, Venerable, Geshes Yangjor, Vice President, Ladakh Gonpa Association said, “Saka Dawa is the holiest day for the Buddhist as it concurs three important events of the Buddha’s life including his birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. The day falls on the full moon day, 15th of the Fourth month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar”.

Religious procession “Bhumskor” was carried in Chowkhang Vihara.