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Chinese Envoy Visits Sarnath, Highlights India-China Civilizational Bond

China's Ambassador Xu Feihong visited Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon. He praised the Dhamek Stupa as a symbol of India-China civilizational ties. The visit referenced Chinese monk Xuanzang's historic journey to India. It came after Buddha Purnima greetings from both nations' leaders.

Key Points: Chinese Envoy Visits Sarnath, Cites Dhamek Stupa Bond

  • Chinese envoy visits Sarnath, Varanasi
  • Dhamek Stupa cited as symbol of India-China bond
  • Xuanzang's journey mentioned as civilizational link
  • Visit follows Buddha Purnima cultural exchange
2 min read

"Dhamek Stupa stands, so does bond between our civilizations" says Chinese Envoy after Sarnath visit

China's Ambassador Xu Feihong visits Sarnath, praises Dhamek Stupa as testament to India-China civilizational bond, referencing Xuanzang's historic journey.

"The Dhamek Stupa still stands. So does the bond between our two civilizations. - Xu Feihong"

Varanasi, May 4

China's Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong on Monday visited Sarnath, Varanasi, where the Buddha preached his first sermon 2,500 years ago.

Xu said that the Dhamek Stupa is a testament to the bond between India and China.

In a post on X, he said, "Standing at Sarnath, Varanasi -- where the Buddha preached his first sermon 2500 years ago, and where Chinese monk Xuanzang's footsteps helped carry the Dharma home to China. The Dhamek Stupa still stands. So does the bond between our two civilizations."

Sarnath is a realm steeped in the grandeur of history that unfolds in the shadow of the magnificent Dhamek Stupa. Built in 500 CE, this 141-foot-tall stupa was made to replace an earlier structure commissioned by the illustrious Mauryan king, Ashoka, in 249 BCE.

Under the guardianship of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Dhamek Stupa stands as a well-maintained tourist attraction.

The visit by Xu comes after the Spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India posted another historical fact on the ocassion of Budh Purnima to indicate the shared culture of the two countries.

"Yesterday was Buddha Purnima in India and what better day to remember Xuanzang? The Tang Dynasty monk walked thousands of miles from China to Bodh Gaya and Nalanda in pursuit of the Dharma. His journey is perhaps history's greatest testament to the India-China civilizational bond," she said

The Indian Embassy in Beijing reposted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wishes on the occasion.

In a post on X, he said, "Best wishes on Buddha Purnima. Our commitment towards realising the ideals of Lord Buddha is very strong. May his thoughts deepen the spirit of joy and togetherness in our society."

President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings saying, "On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all citizens and to the followers of Bhagwan Buddha across the world."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
It's heartwarming to see cultural diplomacy at work. Xuanzang's journey is legendary, and Sarnath is where it all began for Buddhism's spread to China. 🙏 But while they talk about bonds, our soldiers are still facing issues at the border. Mixed feelings, honestly.
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Arun Y
This is the kind of soft power India needs to leverage more. Buddhism is a bridge that connects us with East Asia. But China also uses this for their own diplomatic games. Let's not be naive - they're courting us while their military posture remains aggressive.
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Tyler Y
As someone who's visited Sarnath, it's truly moving to see the Dhamek Stupa - ancient history alive. This is a nice diplomatic step. Let's hope it leads to more cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections between our nations. 🤞
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Sneha F
Beautiful words, but let's not ignore the elephant in the room. China has been erasing Buddhist heritage in Tibet and Xinjiang. 🙏 Meanwhile they claim to respect our shared Buddhist heritage. The irony is staggering.
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Rohit L
Proper diplomatic move by China. But we should use these cultural ties to push for fair trade and border peace. The Buddhist connection is real - from Nalanda to Dunhuang, our civilisations have exchanged wisdom for centuries. Time to revive that spirit beyond politics. ✨

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