March 6, 2023
4 mins read

India, Bhutan share rich cultural tradition of Buddhism

Bhutan is also home to a number of significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley…reports Asian Lite News

Bhutan and India share a long and rich history of cultural and religious ties, which have helped to shape the identity of both nations. The most prominent link between the two countries is their shared heritage of Buddhism, which has been a fundamental part of the religious and cultural landscape of Bhutan and India for centuries.

The shared religious heritage of Bhutan and India is a testament to the deep cultural and historical ties that exist between these two nations. Buddhism, which was introduced to Bhutan in the 7th century, has been a fundamental part of Bhutanese culture and identity for over a thousand years. Meanwhile, in India, Buddhism was founded in the 5th century BCE and played a significant role in shaping the country’s history and culture.

One of the most significant links between Bhutan and India when it comes to religion is the presence of Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Many of these sites are located in India, including Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, and Sarnath, where he first taught the Dharma. These sites are highly revered by Buddhists from all over the world, including Bhutanese Buddhists, who make regular pilgrimages to these holy places.

Bhutan is also home to a number of significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. The monastery is said to be where Guru Rinpoche, one of the most important figures in Bhutanese Buddhism, meditated in the 8th century. Other important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan include the Cheri Monastery and the Punakha Dzong, both of which are considered to be highly sacred places by Bhutanese Buddhists.

The religious ties between Bhutan and India have also influenced their diplomatic and economic relations. India has been a key supporter of Bhutan’s development since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1968, and many of the projects that India has funded in Bhutan have been related to the preservation and promotion of Bhutanese culture and religion. For example, the Indian government has provided funding for the construction of new monasteries and religious schools in Bhutan, as well as for the preservation of important Buddhist texts and artifacts.

In addition, the spiritual ties between Bhutan and India have also influenced the way that the two countries approach international relations more broadly. Both countries place a strong emphasis on the principle of non-violence, which is a fundamental tenet of Buddhism. This shared commitment to non-violence has led to cooperation between the two countries on issues such as disarmament and peacekeeping, as well as on regional and global issues such as climate change and sustainable development.

Furthermore, the influence of Bhutanese Buddhism has extended beyond the borders of Bhutan and India, shaping the development of the global Buddhist community. Bhutan’s unique approach to Buddhism, which emphasizes the integration of spirituality and everyday life, has been a source of inspiration for Buddhists from all over the world. In particular, the concept of Gross National Happiness, which was developed by the Bhutanese government as a way to measure the country’s progress in a holistic and sustainable way, has been widely praised as a model for other countries to follow.

24 monks from Bhutan on cultural visit reach Delhi from Agra

However, the shared religious heritage of Bhutan and India also faces challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the impact of modernization and globalization on traditional religious practices. In both Bhutan and India, there is a growing concern that traditional Buddhist practices are being eroded by modernization, which is leading to the loss of cultural and spiritual heritage. This is particularly true in Bhutan, where the country’s rapid economic development has led to increased urbanization and the spread of Western cultural influences.

The shared religious heritage of Bhutan and India is a testament to the deep cultural and historical ties that exist between these two nations. The influence of Buddhism on Bhutanese and Indian culture and identity has been profound and has played a significant role in shaping the friendship between the countries.

ALSO READ-No point in returning to China, I prefer India: Dalai Lama

Previous Story

Bilawal threatens to quit Pak cabinet

Next Story

SPECIAL: India’s Presidency Steers Ahead G-20 Amid Global Chaos

Latest from India News

‘Reporting for National Duty’

Rishabh Pant shared his excitement for the England Test series with a photo in his Test jersey…reports Asian Lite News India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has expressed his excitement for the upcoming five-Test

Magic Ball Alert

India bowling coach Morne Morkel praised Nitish Reddy’s ability to deliver “magical balls”…reports Asian Lite News India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel said Nitish Kumar Reddy can bowl magical balls, adding that the

‘Devastating’: UK PM on Air India Flight Crash

At least 169 Indians and 53 British nationals were travelling in Air India’s flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick airport….reports Asian Lite News World leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer,

Congress questions US invite to Pakistan on Army Day

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh slams the US for hosting Pakistan’s army chief, questions India’s diplomatic stance, and demands a full security debate post-Pahalgam in Parliament’s monsoon session. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has

India joins war games in Mongolia

From mountain drills to monastery ceremonies, India deepens defence and spiritual links with Mongolia in a landmark series of engagements this June. India and Mongolia have entered a renewed phase of strategic
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India slams Pak view on holding G20 meets in J&K, Ladakh

Indian announced Srinagar as the venue for the G20 Tourism

NSA meet sees call for greater regional cooperation

The eight nations who were part of the NSA level