Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM,
Deemed University) organized a one-day awareness generation and sensitization
event entitled ‘The Buddha Valley’ today at Jawahar Navaodaya Vidyalaya
(JNV), Jeṭhian, Gaya District.
The Buddha and later the followers of the Dhamma found the serene setting of Yasṭhivana, i.e., the present day Jeṭhian, a perfect place to practice the Dhamma. The 7th CE Chinese monk-scholar Xuanzang stayed at Yasṭhivana monastery for two years. Xuanzang in his accounts has mentioned about many sacred spots associated with the Buddha in the Jeṭhian valley. The fact is also supported by rich ancient Buddhist remains spread over the Valley. The sacred Buddhist places in this Valley are yet to get its deserved attention on the Buddhist pilgrimage itineraries. The Jeṭhian valley should be developed as retreat destination for Buddhist practitioners.
The Buddha and later the followers of the Dhamma found the serene setting of Yasṭhivana, i.e., the present day Jeṭhian, a perfect place to practice the Dhamma. The 7th CE Chinese monk-scholar Xuanzang stayed at Yasṭhivana monastery for two years. Xuanzang in his accounts has mentioned about many sacred spots associated with the Buddha in the Jeṭhian valley. The fact is also supported by rich ancient Buddhist remains spread over the Valley. The sacred Buddhist places in this Valley are yet to get its deserved attention on the Buddhist pilgrimage itineraries. The Jeṭhian valley should be developed as retreat destination for Buddhist practitioners.
More than 200 people from more than 30 villages of the Valley participated in the event. The central objective of the event was to introduce the idea of ‘The Buddha Valley’ among the stakeholders. The programme was intended for exchange of ideas among stakeholders. The interaction of important officials from the District, concerned departments and Buddhist institutions with heritage volunteers from more than thirty villages of the Valley will help us identify of a step-wise ‘Buddha Valley’ revitalization plan.
Even the longest journey starts with a single
step. ‘The Buddha Valley’ one-day program is designed to ensure that the
first step is a step in the right direction towards unveiling sustainable
Community-Heritage-Pilgrim interface.
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Welcome Address by Dr.
Ravindra Panth, Director, NNM.
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Address by Ven. Ani Paldron, Director, Root Institute,
Bodhgaya.
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Address by Dr.
Märt Läänemets, Senior Researcher, Centre for Oriental Studies, Institute of
Cultural Research and Fine Arts, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tartu.
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Dr. Atul Kumar
Verma, Director, Archaeology, Department of Art, Culture and Youth. Govt of Bihar
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Address by Chief Guest Shri K. Neshmani, Divisional Forest Officer, Gaya Division, Gaya.
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| 15 Children of village Pathri received Certificate of Appreciation for their contributions in making of Stupa at Buddhavana. |
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| A Ven Monk with the Buddha Valley Brochure |
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| Dr D Lama, Associate Professor, NNM Compering the Event |
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| Vote of Thanks by Dr Arun Yadav, Assistant Professor, NNM |
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| Many Heritage Leaders shared their views. Shri Sadhu Saran Singh addressing the audience. |
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| 2nd Group photograph of Heritage Leaders from Villages of Buddha Valley and Students of NNM |
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| Group photograph of senior people participants from the villages of the Buddha Valley Times of India Reports on The Buddha Valley event |
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 The Buddha Valley Map |
