Panchsheel only tool for world peace

A sea of human beings waited in a kilometre-long queue in front of Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Lling Monastery here to pay obeisance to the relics of Lord Buddha, which arrived here this week on its second leg of disposition after Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

From here, the relics would be flown to Namsai on December 4 to be displayed at Golden Pagoda, Tengapani till December 12.

The monastery built in 1965 is a replica of Tibet's Tsona Gontse Monastery.

A group of rinpoches led by Reverend T. G. Rinpoche seated in a pandal with Lord Buddha's statue was administering Panchsheel to devotees in batches before they proceeded to have the much waited darshan of the relics.

Pausing during his sermon, Reverend Rinpoche said the Panchsheel propagated by Lord Buddha is the only tool to ensure world peace.

"There is no weapon that could ensure global peace except Panchsheel," Reverend Rinpoche said, adding that about 30,00 Monpas adopted Buddha's principles at Tawang and I expect it could be around 35,000 here during the next five days.

The Panchsheel included practice of non-violence, avoid all corrupt practices to follow truth, maintaining purity of body by maintaining purity in sexual relations in conjugal life and avoid drugs, alcoholism and gambling, he explained before reciting the hymns for the devotees to follow before asking them to take a vow to follow it in their day today life in front of the relics.

"Fixing the five-colour flag that signifies Panchsheel in your houses would be meaningless if you do not practice it," he told them without mincing any words.

Local legislator-cum-hydropower parliamentary secretary R T Khunjuju, who was among the devotees, said that there was festivity in the entire Wes Kameng District and people have been waiting for this golden opportunity as they feel they Lord Buddha has come to bless them.

A foolproof security arrangement under the supervision of a superintendent of police by deploying SSB, IRBn and civil police personnel is in place with security men without leaving anything to chance while scanning every devotee.

Carrying electronic gadgets including mobile phones, wrist watches besides money purse were prohibited.

Describing the disposition, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner A. K. Singh said that about 25,000 devotees from all over the district, neighbouring districts are expected from Assam and Bhutan.

"I've to open the seal at 8 am and seal it at 4 pm everyday as per protocol for the security of the 2,568-year-old national treasure which was reiterated by National Museum Director General-cum-joint secretary of union culture ministry Venu V while inspection the arrangement today," Singh disclosed.

Singh said the darshan would have massive religious impact as the district in predominately inhabited by Monpas who are Buddhists and would also help national integration.

"My feeling is beyond expression as I would see myself the relics," said treasury officer Tsering Norbu, adding that everyone cannot go to New Delhi for this purpose.

"I am excited for the opportunity which would purify my soul," said an excited Pema Dolkar, a student of a local college.