For centuries, the Nalanda Buddhist tradition has served as a cornerstone of spiritual wisdom, scholarly pursuit, and cultural preservation in the Himalayan region. Rooted in the teachings that flourished at the ancient Nalanda University in India, this tradition has shaped Buddhist philosophy, theology, and practices across the trans-Himalayan belt. However, in the face of modernisation, globalisation, and socio-political challenges, safeguarding these sacred teachings has become more urgent than ever.
Against this backdrop, the first General Assembly of the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) commenced today at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi. The two-day assembly, which will conclude tomorrow, brings together 120 Buddhist delegates from various Himalayan states of India to discuss strategies for preserving and promoting the core philosophies and practices of Nalanda Buddhism.
A statement from the IHCNBT emphasised the significance of this gathering, noting, “As the custodians of Nalanda Buddhist traditions, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the spiritual, philosophical, and cultural elements of Buddhism continue to thrive in an ever-evolving world. This assembly serves as a platform to address the challenges faced by our monastic and lay communities and to find practical solutions that uphold our rich heritage.”
A key focus of the event is identifying the obstacles to preserving these sacred teachings, particularly the threats posed by rapid socio-political changes and external influences. The assembly aims to explore practical strategies for ensuring the continuity and growth of Buddhist traditions for future generations while fostering a deeper connection among the Himalayan Buddhist communities.
Historical and geopolitical significance
The IHCNBT has been proactive in its efforts to revive and retrace the historical journey of Nalanda Buddhism. A notable instance was its national conference held in Zemithang, Arunachal Pradesh, on April 20, 2023, under the theme “Nalanda Buddhism – retracing the source in the footsteps of Acharyas: from Nalanda to the Himalayas and beyond.” The conference provided a space to reflect on the spread of Buddhism from Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (now in Nepal), to Bodh Gaya (India), where he attained enlightenment, and Nalanda University, which housed invaluable Buddhist manuscripts written in Sanskrit and Pali.
During the 5th and 6th centuries CE, Nalanda University was home to some of the most revered Buddhist scholars, including Santarakshita and Nagarjuna. These Acharyas made profound contributions to Buddhist philosophy and theology, playing a crucial role in transmitting the teachings of the Buddha across the Himalayan region and further into Southeast Asia. Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was among the most influential figures to emerge from this tradition. As a Vajra Guru of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, he remains highly venerated across the Himalayan Indian states, Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan.
The choice of Zemithang as a previous conference venue was deeply symbolic. Geopolitically, Arunachal Pradesh shares international borders with the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of China and Bhutan, with some areas like Namka Chu and Sumdrong Chu valleys being points of territorial contestation. Zemithang is also historically significant as the first stop of the 14th Dalai Lama when he fled Tibet in 1959 following the Chinese crackdown.
The role of the IHCNBT in safeguarding Himalayan Buddhism
Founded under the patronage of Nalanda Buddhist spiritual masters, the IHCNBT represents the collective voice of the Indian trans-Himalayan Buddhist community. Spanning regions from Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti-Kinnaur in the Western Himalayas to Sikkim, Darjeeling-Kalimpong, and Monyul-Tawang in the East, the IHCNBT has established itself as the Indian national sangha body.
The Council plays a pivotal role in preserving the unique and rich cultural heritage of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. This includes safeguarding the spiritual dimensions of Buddhism—such as meditation, monastic discipline, and philosophical study—as well as the artistic, architectural, and cultural expressions embedded in Himalayan Buddhist identity. Over the centuries, Himalayan Buddhism has evolved by integrating indigenous traditions with Buddhist teachings, resulting in a distinct cultural form enriched with visual art, sculpture, painting, music, dance, and architecture.
Recognising the threats posed by modern development, climate change, and external influences, the IHCNBT has been actively working to protect sacred sites, ancient manuscripts, and traditional rituals. Through festivals, workshops, and educational programmes, the Council seeks to strengthen ties between local communities and their Buddhist heritage, ensuring that knowledge is transmitted across generations.
In addition to its preservation efforts, the Council also fosters interfaith dialogue and collaborates with local governments and international Buddhist organisations. By engaging with the broader Buddhist world, the IHCNBT aims to uphold and share the wisdom of Nalanda Buddhism while addressing the contemporary challenges faced by the Himalayan Buddhist communities.
The IHCNBT statement underscored that the first General Assembly of the IHCNBT reaffirms the commitment of the Himalayan Buddhist sangha to preserving the spiritual and cultural essence of Nalanda Buddhism. The discussions and resolutions emerging from this event will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Buddhist practice and heritage in the region, ensuring that its rich traditions continue to inspire and guide generations to come, the statement added.
