Prayagraj: Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday said the teachings of Lord Buddha continue to guide society towards morality, compassion and peace.“India’s sacred land is enriched by the penance and teachings of Buddha and remains a centre of spiritual learning for the world,” he said while inaugurating the replicas of the historic edicts of Emperor Ashoka at a ceremony held at Samrat Harshvardhan Buddha Vihar, Arail, Naini. Referring to major Buddhist pilgrimage centres such as Sarnath, Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, Shravasti and Sankisa, he said the state govt is continuously working for the development and promotion of these historically and spiritually significant sites. Maurya added that the edicts of Emperor Ashoka remain invaluable symbols of India’s history and cultural heritage, conveying timeless messages of humanity, peace and ethical living. During his visit to the Buddha Vihar premises, Maurya inspected several key locations within the complex. He viewed the boundary structure of the premises, replicas of Ashokan edicts, the Bodhi tree, the stupa and the statue of Gautam Buddha, which was the first statue installed in the Vihar. He also observed statues of Emperor Ashoka and B R Ambedkar and inspected places associated with Bhikkhu Mahendra Thera and Bhikkhuni Sanghamitra, besides visiting the office and the Dhamma Hall. Members of the Bhikkhu Sangha of the Vihar briefed him about the institution and its activities.
