PESHAWAR: Mr Arayawangso, the celebrated Buddhist monk from Thailand, along with his 20 disciples visited the world heritage site of Jaulian in Haripur on Saturday.

According to a statement issued here, he is visiting Pakistan as part of a three-month-long Rain Retreat Programme usually known as the intense learning period, when monks dwell in one place during the rainy season for a three-month monastic retreat determined by the lunar calendar. During the period, he will be doing meditation and research work in Taxila, Swat, Takht Bahi and Peshawar valley.

The programme usually ends with a ceremony, which includes chanting, donations and blessings from the monks.

This is the first time in the history of this region that a high-ranked Buddhist monk is visiting Buddhist holy places in Pakistan for a Rain Retreat Programme and spreading a message of peace.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2022