SWAT: The most celebrated monk from Thailand, Arayawangso, said that Buddhist sites in Swat were an important part of Buddhist history in Pakistan and must be visited by followers of the religion from all around the world.

He was visiting the Buddhist sites along with his 20 disciples and other people from Thailand. On the first day, the members of the delegation visited Swat Museum, Saidu Sharif Stupa and Butkara Buddhist Monastery where the monk worshipped.

Monk Arayawangso said that it was his first visit to Swat. He said that he had studied a lot about Uddiyana, the ancient name of Swat, and its rich and diverse history.

“I am happy to see the Buddhist sites and hundreds of artefacts in Swat Museum. I wish Buddhists from the 32 countries of the world visit Swat and see the ancient monasteries and other sites,” he said.

Dr Nitinant Wisaweisuan, the dean of Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, Thammasat University, a member of the delegation told Dawn that she was impressed with the scenic beauty of Swat and its diverse cultural heritage and history including Buddhism.

“I would like to encourage and invite all the Buddhists of the world to find an opportunity to come to Swat as this is the place where they will find a lot of Buddhist monuments and sacred sites. In this way, the Buddhists can learn and understand how Buddhism evolved and spread from here,” she said.

The director of archaeology and museums, Dr Abdul Samad, who accompanied the group, told Dawn that it was the first time in the history of the region that a high-ranking monk was visiting Buddhist holy places in Pakistan for a Rain Retreat Programme and spreading a message of peace.

He said that the monk and his 20 disciples were visiting Pakistan for a three-month 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 his visit, he will be doing meditation and research in Taxila, Swat, Takht Bahi and Peshawar valley,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2022