A high-level delegation from the South Asian nation has delivered a sacred remains of the founder of Buddhism to the Republic of Kalmykia

The sacred Kapilavastu Relics – believed to contain remains of Buddha Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism – were brought to Russia’s Republic of Kalmykia on Saturday on a special Air Force flight. The relics will be displayed in Elista, the regional capital, for a week, marking a new step in strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between India and Russia.

The exhibition is part of a cultural initiative organized by India’s Ministry of Culture, the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum of India and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, local authorities told RT.

The delegation was led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and included the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, head of the Sakya Buddhist order, along with scholars and monks. They were received by the head of Kalmykia, Batu Khasikov, and head of the Buddhists of Kalmykia, Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choidak. India’s ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, also took part in the ceremony.

“Elista is one of Russia’s spiritual centers, and this honor from India is a significant event,” Khasikov said. “It reflects the continuing dialogue between our nations based on mutual respect and shared cultural heritage.”

Source: RT - Daily news