Dalai Lama holds special prayer at Nitish Kumar's residence

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama today held a special prayer at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's official residence here for world peace and praised the state government for taking interest in Buddhism.

Accompanied by a large number of monks, the Nobel laureate held an half-an-hour special prayer at One Anne Marg residence of Chief Minister for world peace.

The prayer was held near the sapling of Bodhi tree at the CM's residence which was planted there on November 18, 2011. The sapling has been a branch of original Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya where Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Water Resources Minister Vijay Chaudhary, his counterpart in Art and Culture department Sukhda Pandey,0 state JD(U) President Vashist Narayan Singh and party Rajya

Sabha member R C P Singh took part in the prayer.

Talking to media persons, the Dalai Lama praised the CM and the state government for taking keen interest in promoting Buddhism.

He described Nitish Ku0mar as "a dynamic Chief Minister" and said he has come to Patna on his invitation.

The Tibetan monk said Buddhism originated within India and did not come from outside.

"I am very happy to visit land of King Ashoka who spread Buddhism in the world," the Dalai Lama told reporters.

He said he was aware of the history and culture of Patna which he described as an ancient town and capital (Patliputra) of Maurya empire. The Buddhist monk referred to the names of great sons of Bihar like first President of Independent India Rajendra Prasad and Loknayak Jayprakash Narayan while mentioning glorious history of Bihar.

The Tibetan monk said the core principle of Buddhism is "karuna". The Dalai Lama arrived here yesterday for a three-dayworld Buddhist meet starting tomorrow. Nearly 200 delegates from more than 15 countries are expected to participate in the meet.

ALSO READ

Chit Fund Scam: Another chit fund company agent commits suicide

Rail traffic hit due to protests over Sajjan's acquittal

Attack in Jammu jail: Pak prisoner's condition remains critical

Yasin Malik flown back to Srinagar after Delhi Police denies permission to protest