Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation arrives in India, visits significant Buddhist sites in Varanasi

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party visit Chaukkhanni Pagoda.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and party offer goil foils to Buddha Image at Dhammarazika Pagoda.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation being welcomed at Gaya Airport by Deputy Commandant of Gaya Officer Training Academy (OTA) of the Indian Armed Forces Maj.Gen. K J BABU and wife and officials.

Nay Pyi Taw July 8

The Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arrived at Gaya Airport in the Republic of India at 9 am local standard time and was welcomed by Deputy Commandant of Gaya Officer Training Academy (OTA) of the Indian Armed Forces Maj. Gen. K J BABU and wife, Kolkata Consul General U Pyi Soe, Myanmar Military Attaché (Army, Navy and Air) Brig- Gen Thein Zaw and wife and officials. They then proceeded by Indian special military aircraft and arrived at Varanasi International Airport at 11 am local standard time. There, the delegation was welcomed by Commandant of No.39 Gorkha Training Centre Brig. Gen. RAHMAN and officials.

Next, the Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation went to Migadawon Garden and offered and fowers, water and gold foils to the Dhammarazika Pagoda where the Buddha delivered the Dhammacakka to the Five Pancavaggi Bhikkhus. The site of the Dhammarazika Pagoda is the birth of Buddhism because it is the place where the Dhammacakka was delivered to the Five Pancavaggi Bhikkhus. As it is also the place where the Three Gems namely Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha emerged, it is said that Migadawon is the birth of the Three Gems.

Then, the Senior General and delegation members visited the Dhammekha Pagoda where they offered and fowers and water and paid homage to the pagoda by going round clockwise. The Dhammekha is the solely pagoda that has existed in Varanasi for over 2,000 years in Sasana era. It is therefore the historic pagoda that proves the history of Buddhism.

Then, they visited the relic chamber built by Sri Lanka near Migadawon Garden. Next, the Senior General paid homage to the replica Buddha image with the posture of preaching Dhammacakka Desana in the relic chamber and offered and fowers, water and oil lights. Afterwards, the Senior General and wife offered cash donation, and the abbot of the relic chamber presented Dhamma gifts. Then, they paid homage to the Buddha Image with the posture of preaching Dhammacakka Desana to the Five Pancavaggi Bhikkhus in the precinct of the relic chamber.

After that, the Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation paid homage to Chaukkhanni Pagoda built as a monument in the place where the Five Pancavaggi Bhikkhus welcomed the Lord Buddha.Next, the Senior General and party went to Hsaywingabar Myanmar Monastery in Varanasi. First, the Senior General supplicated on religious affairs and accommodation of members of the Sangha in Varanasi to Abbot of Hsaywingabar Monastery Bhaddanta Dr Mandala. Then, the Senior General and party took the Five Precepts from the Sayadaw and offered Waso robes, cash for nine prerequisites and alms to members of the Sangha. After that, they shared merits gained for all donations. Members of the Myanmar Sangha have been living at Hsaywingabar Monastery in Varanasi for more than 60 years.

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