BODH GAYA COULD HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED LIKE AYODHYA

Born in Himachal Pradesh in 1966, Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jang-chup Choeden is a Tibetan Buddhist scholar and current secretary general of the International Buddhist Confederation.

- BY NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

A top graduate of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery and Gyuto Tantric University, he has taught across the world and has played a crucial role in promoting Buddhist diplomacy. Excerpts from an interview:

Q. The Dalai Lama has lived in India for decades now. What does his presence mean for India's legacy?

A. His Holiness often says, “I am a son of India; as far as my body is concerned, it has survived on Indian dal and roti for more than 60 years, and as for my mind, it is fully and deeply influenced by the thoughts of famous Indian thinkers such as Nagarjuna and other Nalanda masters. Indians are our gurus and we Tibetans are their chelas (disciples). I think we can claim to be deeply loyal disciples.”

His four commitments include the promotion of Buddhism and ancient Indian wisdom that strengthens India’s legacy as vishwaguru (teacher of the world).