Chennai: The contribution of Gautam Buddha to the human values that we have adopted in our lives, and passed down from generation to generation, is invaluable and priceless, said Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel.

Stating that forgiveness, sobriety and renunciation are the essence of Buddha’s wisdom, Patel said, “I think these virtues are most needed in the current times”.

In an article to mark Buddha Purnima, he said, “I think Buddha is very relevant with his inspiring life and teachings in such a difficult time. His ideal life, his philosophy can show us the way as to how to ride out calamity and difficult times. It helps us to meet the challenges bravely. The Corona pandemic has forced us to return to several basic tenets of our great culture.”

“It has reinforced that the principles and ideal life that we have talked about for centuries, the morals and values that we have tried to establish in our lives, are timeless. Their relevance in adversity has been established over and over again and will continue to do so in the future as well,” he added

We are moved by compassion towards those suffering, towards animals and birds, towards those who are helpless, and have empathy for one and all. We owe all this and much more to the invaluable teachings of Gautam Buddha, added the Minister.

The Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India has done a tremendous amount of work for the preservation of the Buddhist pilgrimage sites of our country like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar and Sanchi. These places attract Buddhist followers from all over the world. Apart from the teachings of Buddha, one can also see the architectural beauty of these monuments, said Patel.

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