Dharamshala: Interfaith spiritualist and author Anand Krishna on Monday offered a 2.5 meter-high stone statue of Buddha to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a token of spiritual and cultural ties between the peoples of Indonesia and Tibet.
The statue, made from the same materials used to build the 9th century Borobudur Temple in Central Java, will be installed at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, India.
The offering also aims to support His Holiness’ non-violent struggle to protect the cultural heritage of Tibet, Anand Krishna, founder of the Jakarta-based Anand Ashram Foundation said in a statement on its website.
“Representing the peace loving people of Indonesia, I salute His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for his untiring and relentless efforts in finding peaceful solutions to protect the historical and cultural heritage of Tibet based on tolerance and respect,” said Anand Krishna.
“By offering this statue from Indonesia to His Holiness, and to be placed on Indian soil – I hope, I pray that the peoples of Tibet, India and Indonesia are united in love, peace and harmony,” he added Anand.
Mr. Anand Krishna’s visit to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will be one of the most significant and historical moments in the histories of Tibet, India and Indonesia, said Anand Ashram Foundation chairwoman Maya Muchtar.
“We all belong to the one and same Indus Valley Civilization, together we can respond wisely and compassionately to the problems faced by our world. Together we can realize our common dream of ‘One Earth, One Sky, and One Humankind,” Ms. Muchtar said.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will inaugurate the installation of the statue at the institute between 8 and 10 January, she said.