Discourse on “From Heritage to Development: The Equality of Yoga” Held in Lucknow
Lucknow — In a meaningful step towards academic collaboration and cultural enrichment, the International Buddhist Research Institute, Lucknow, under the Department of Culture, Uttar Pradesh, hosted a significant seminar and MoU signing ceremony with Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University, Chitrakoot on the theme “From Heritage to Development: The Equality of Yoga.” The event was organized on the eve of International Yoga Day at the institute’s premises.
The seminar began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, garlanding, and offering of floral tributes before the statue of Lord Buddha. The chief guest and keynote speaker, Prof. Shishir Kumar Pandey, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University, emphasized that the collaboration will foster academic exchange and cultural dialogue, aligning both institutions to work together on crucial aspects of India’s heritage that need revitalization. “This agreement marks the beginning of joint efforts towards cultural and educational advancement,” he stated.
Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Chaubey, Head of the Department of Buddhist Philosophy, Central Sanskrit University, Tripura, explained that heritage and equality through yoga, though separate themes, are deeply interconnected. “Development devoid of cultural roots often leads to disparities. To overcome this, we must re-establish our connection with cultural heritage,” he said.
Dr. Ven Julampitiye Punyasara Mahasthavir from Vidyaratana University, Sri Lanka, drew parallels between Bhagavad Gita’s ‘Yoga: Karmasu Kaushalam’ and the Buddhist teachings on skillful action. “Buddhism emphasizes shifting focus from unwholesome to wholesome actions — this is the essence of Buddhist yoga,” he noted.
Shri ArUNesh Mishra, another speaker, highlighted Vipassana as an integrated meditative practice that naturally includes elements of yoga and pranayama. “With daily practice, yoga can become a natural habit, yielding long-term benefits,” he said.
Bhikshu Sheelratan, an esteemed member of the Institute, spoke on how yoga and Vipassana help maintain physical and mental well-being, stating, “Yoga is a gift of our heritage, now embraced by the entire world.”
Mahant Santosh Das Khaki discussed the spiritual evolution from Lord Vishnu’s Matsya Avatar to Lord Buddha, highlighting how each avatar embodied the principles of yoga.
Sardar Manjeet Singh, representing the Sikh community, emotionally recalled the contributions of Sikh Gurus in spreading love and spiritual discipline (yoga of devotion). “Remembering their sacrifices is essential — this is our spiritual heritage,” he said.
Institute Director Dr. Rakesh Singh provided an overview of the institute’s ongoing cultural and academic initiatives. He noted that the MoU would strengthen exchange in Buddhist education, cultural studies, and inter-institutional activities.
He concluded the event by expressing gratitude to all guests, scholars, monks, students, media professionals, and dignitaries for their presence and active participation.
The event saw a diverse gathering of academicians, spiritual leaders, Buddhist monks, students, and citizens, reflecting a shared commitment to blending traditional wisdom with modern development through the path of yoga.
