Day 5 of Study Tour to India | Sarnath, India | 29.10.2023
The itinerary of the Study Tour to India on Day 5 included visiting the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS). The delegates were received by the Registrar Dr Sunita Chandra and the members of institute. YBAM represented by Bro. Ong Yee Hong presented souvenir to Dr Sunita Chandra, and was also given an opportunity to present YBAM during the interaction session. Besides, Assoc. Prof. Dr Jampa Samten also introduced the background of institute including its main objective being restoring and translating Buddhist scriptures and literature, especially the Tibetan scriptures. Assoc. Prof. Dr Jampa Samten led the delegates to visit the library and multimedia working station, explaining how the institute carries out translation and digitisation of the original Tibetan scriptures.
After lunch, the delegates visited the Chaukhandi Stupa and Sarnath Museum, which is the site where the Buddha met the Five Disciples and delivered the First Sermon after attaining Enlightenment. The delegates under the guidance visited many Stupa and heritage sites left over after many dynasties, including the prominent Pillars of Ashoka. Being led by the Sangha members, the delegates also recited Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta in front of the stupa.
