TAXILA: Eight Buddhist monks, which included women, offered special prayers and performed religious rituals for peace and stability in the world in general and terrorism-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in particular at the Jaulian Buddhist monastery near Taxila, where large Buddha statues are still intact.

The Buddhist monks from the Republic of South Korea led by Hang Sang Beon, went around the stupa and offered lotus, water, fruit and rice to Lord Buddha. The event was organised by Gandhara Art and Culture Association in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology and Museum, KP.

A large number of parliamentarians, ambassadors and high commissioners attended the ceremony and children from City School Chenab campus were especially excited to participate in the event.

Secretary General, Gandhara Art and Culture Association, Easter Park, said ruins at Jaulian date from the fifth century CE. She said that from here Buddhism flourished across the globe and as Buddhism spread the message of peace, we are trying to do the same.

“I thank Department of Archaeology and Museum for joining hands with us so that the message of peace can flourish from here once again,” she said.

Director Department of Archaeology and Museum, Dr Abdul Samad, speaking at the occasion said that the aim of organizing the event is dispel the impression that the security situation in Pakistan is fragile.

He said that the participation of a large number of diplomats in the event as well as the Buddhist monks who have travelled from South Korea shows that there is no threat in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2014