Dharma Chakra Day

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India in partnership with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will celebrate the upcoming Asadha Poornima on 4^th July, 2020 as Dharma Chakra Day.

Key Points

The President highlighted the importance of embracing Sheel (morality), Sadhachar (good conduct), and Pragya (wisdom) to empower the younger generation and make a positive contribution to society.
The award committee successfully awarded the contract for the construction of the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini, Nepal.

What is Dharma Chakra?

People in Indian religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and especially Buddhism, widely use the symbol of the dharma chakra or wheel of dharma.

Buddhism widely uses the Dharma Chakra to represent the Buddha’s Dharma, which encompasses his teachings and the universal moral order.

Buddhism and Diplomacy

Buddhism has become an important tool in contemporary geopolitics particularly in Asia. And it has become increasingly evident that whoever controls the Buddhist discourse and activities will sway influence in Asia.
Advocates are pushing for the celebration of Dharma Chakra Day as an event to showcase India’s strong Buddhist heritage amid tensions with China.
It will see the virtual participation of leaders from major Buddhist countries, except China.
The timing of the event is particularly important, because this is when both countries would like to resurrect their linkages with others. To show that like-minded countries are coming together sends across a message. What is however important is that one has to put in sustained effort at this, and have a relook at India-China policy with strategic cultural moves.
The Central Tibetan Administration has asked Tibetan Buddhists to participate in the online event in large numbers to “support and appreciate” the effort.
- The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has its headquarters located in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, India.
- China has never recognized the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the Tibetan Government in Exile.
- The CTA maintains the position that Tibet is a distinct nation with a long history of independence, and it regards China’s administration of Tibet as an illegitimate military occupation.
- In addition to political advocacy, it administers a network of schools and other cultural activities for Tibetans in India.
Meanwhile, the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s World Buddhist Forum (WBF) has been hosting congregations of Buddhist monks since 2005. Observers view China’s extensive infrastructure investment in Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal. As a strategic move to assert their claim over the Buddhist legacy.

Way Forward

There are also hundreds of millions of Chinese who have a deep devotion towards Buddhism. India needs to reach out to those Chinese constituencies too, for long term gains. After all, India conquered the hearts and minds of Chinese for 200 years without sending a single troop to China.

FAQs about Dharma Chakra Day

Q1: What is Dharma Chakra Day?

People observe Dharma Chakra Day as a celebration on the full moon day of the month of Asadha in the Indian calendar, which typically occurs in July. Buddhists celebrate Dharma Chakra Day as an important day to commemorate Gautam Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
The term “Dharma Chakra” refers to the wheel of dharma, which symbolizes the teachings of Buddha and the path to enlightenment.

Q2: Why was Dharma Chakra Day in the news?

Dharma Chakra Day was in the news because the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), celebrated the occasion on July 4, 2020. The celebration aimed to showcase India’s strong Buddhist heritage and promote moral values and wisdom. The event was also seen as a diplomatic move to strengthen ties with Buddhist countries and assert India’s influence in the region, particularly in the context of tensions with China.

Q3: What is the significance of the Dharma Chakra symbol?

The Dharma Chakra symbol holds great significance in Indian religions, particularly in Buddhism. It is a wheel with eight spokes, representing the Noble Eightfold Path, which is the core teaching of Buddha. The spokes symbolize the different aspects of the path, including right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The Dharma Chakra symbolizes the continuous cycle of birth, suffering, and rebirth and serves as a reminder of the path towards liberation from this cycle.

Q4: How is Buddhism being used as a tool in contemporary geopolitics?

Buddhism has gained importance as a tool in contemporary geopolitics, particularly in Asia. Countries recognize the influence that can be garnered through controlling the Buddhist discourse and activities. For example, by promoting Buddhist events and showcasing strong Buddhist heritage, countries can project soft power and strengthen ties with Buddhist nations. In the case of India, celebrating Dharma Chakra Day and engaging with Buddhist countries through cultural diplomacy can help assert influence and build relationships in the region, especially in the context of India-China tensions.

Q5: What is the Central Tibetan Administration?

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is an organization headquartered in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, India. It is also known as the Tibetan Government in Exile. The CTA considers Tibet as a distinct nation with a long history of independence and views China’s administration of Tibet as an illegitimate military occupation. The CTA engages in political advocacy and administers a network of schools and cultural activities for Tibetans in India.

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