The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is honoured to be part of the special consecration of a sacred Mahabodhi sapling, a descendant of the revered Mahabodhi tree of Bodh Gaya, under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. This meaningful ceremony took place at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the world's largest meditation centre, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, India. The event coincided with the birth anniversary of Rev. Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, signifying a convergence of traditions dedicated to inner peace and collective consciousness.

Shri Geshe Dorji Damdul, representing office of the His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Shri Ven Khemachara Bhikkhu, Deputy Secretary General of IBC, and Dr. Daminda Porage, Deputy Secretary General of IBC (Sri Lanka), Dr. Shermila Milroy, Secretary, Sri Lankan Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood Society and Executive Committee Member, International Buddhist Confederation, graced the occasion as esteemed guests. Buddhist monks from Gaya, Sri Lanka, and various other locations joined the consecration ceremony, which was witnessed by approximately 60,000 Heartfulness practitioners both in person and virtually.

Dr. Daminda Porage expressed the importance of this event, stating, "The descendent from the holy Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya is coming to Heartfulness. This Bodhi tree is considered the tree of awakening under which the Buddha attained his enlightenment in the fifth century BC. For us in Sri Lanka, it is very holy because we received a descendent of the holy tree in 239 BC from the daughter of Emperor Ashoka. Pujya Daaji brought the holy tree to this land, and it is a great blessing for all of us who have gathered here. This holy tree is a wishing tree. Millions of people go to Bodh Gaya and Sri Lanka, and this is a very significant moment for all of us."

The consecration ceremony was attended by young ordains from the Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara in Hyderabad, a prominent Buddhist temple and monastery. The young monks, along with their tutor, immersed themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of Kanha Shanti Vanam, staying overnight to experience the tranquillity of the Heartfulness meditation ashram. They explored the renowned Yatra Garden and received guidance on Spiritual Anatomy from a senior Heartfulness Trainer. The following morning, they participated in the sacred ceremony, carrying with them the blessings of Rev. Daaji.

The consecration of the Bodhi sapling from Bodh Gaya at Kanha Shanti Vanam represents more than a physical planting—it symbolises the shared aspiration for peace, the collective evolution of human consciousness, and the union of two great traditions. The Mahabodhi tree, deeply revered by millions worldwide, embodies the quest for enlightenment that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. The energy of this tree, now planted within the Heartfulness premises, aims to nurture positivity and serve as a centre for spiritual awakening and collective growth.

We have witnessed through this significant occasion a confluence of two profound spiritual traditions: Buddhism and Heartfulness. The planting of the sacred Mahabodhi sapling at the heart of Kanha Shanti Vanam at the Nakshatra Garden, creates a powerful symbol of unity, bridging the wisdom of the Buddha's teachings with the transformative practices of Heartfulness. This union paves the way for a new era of spiritual collaboration, inviting seekers from all paths to explore the depths of their inner being and contribute to the collective awakening of humanity.

The event was marked by a soulful musical rendition by students of Heartfulness International School, followed by the felicitation of the esteemed guests and Rev. Daaji. The consecration signifies a commitment to the ongoing journey of human evolution - one heart, one mind, and one spirit at a time.

This sacred event is a testament to the collaboration between the International Buddhist Confederation and the Heartfulness Institute, paving the way for a future where spirituality serves as a cornerstone for peace and human well-being. Together, through collective consciousness and a unified spirit, we can nurture a world that thrives on compassion, enlightenment, and harmony.