Teachings of Buddha exists between India & Japan as a sutra, says Shinzo Abe

Published By : Admin | January 22, 2016 | 12:52 IST
The Ganga Aarti ceremony was gorgeously showy within a solemn atmosphere: Japan PM Shinzo Abe
Varanasi reminds me of samsara, a teaching the Japanese have also valued since ancient times: Shinzo Abe
Japanese PM expresses his part of content on the flourishing trade and investment with India
Shinzo Abe appreciates India’s efforts in maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe visited Varanasi on December 12, 2015. Both the leaders offered prayers, performed and witnessed the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Sharing his thoughts at a symposium, the Japanese Prime Minister quoted that the Ganga Aarti ceremony was “gorgeously showy within a solemn atmosphere.” PM Abe further added, “On the bank of the Mother River, as I allowed myself to become lost in the music and the rhythmic movement of the flames, I was dazzled at the bottomless depths of history connecting both ends of Asia.

PM Abe avowed that Varanasi reminded him of ‘samasara’, a teaching the Japanese have also valued since ancient times. He also mentioned about how teachings of Gautama Buddha had spread from India to Japan and exists between both countries as a ‘sutra’.

The Japanese PM expressed his part of content on the flourishing trade and investment with India. He appreciated India’s efforts in maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia.

Below is the excerpt of Japanese PM's speech at the“Shared Values and Democracy in Asia” Symposium:

On the bank of the “Mother Ganges” River

It was a little more than a month ago while I was visiting India that Prime Minister Modi kindly took me to Varanasi. There I experienced with him a Ganga Aarti ceremony, which began just as dusk fell and was gorgeously showy within a solemn atmosphere.

I knew that Varanasi was among the most sacred places, and while observing the ceremony, one thought after another struck me.

A feeling of respect for the flow of water... that is something we Japanese need no explanation to grasp. I might also add that this is why the Government of Japan has for a long time lent a helping hand in the remediation of the River Ganges.

Varanasi also reminded me of samsara, a teaching the Japanese have also valued since ancient times. People are born and ultimately die and transform into something else, and that is precisely why we must live treasuring the present. Somehow, we have been thinking that way.

Though I could not make it during my last trip, I knew that nearby was the place where the Buddha bestowed his very first teachings to his followers.

He told them to venture forth for the gain of many. This teaching spread to far-off Japan and lives on today as a sutra.

On the bank of the Mother River, as I allowed myself to become lost in the music and the rhythmic movement of the flames, I was dazzled at the bottomless depths of history connecting both ends of Asia.

Be it loving kindness, benevolence, fraternity, or harmony, I believe that in Asia, there extends an underground rootstock of thinking that supports democracy and values freedom and human rights.

From there, a beautiful and large-blossomed lotus flower is now coming into bloom. Coupled with increasingly flourishing trade and investment, it is bringing peace and prosperity to Asia. If this is not something for us to rejoice about, then I must ask, what on earth is?

At the beginning of a new year, as we unmistakably feel the curtain lifting on a new era for Asia, an era in which we make freedom, human rights, and democracy our own and respect the rule of law, Japan reaffirms its determination to continue to be a member of Asia that you can count on. With that resolve, I conclude my remarks.

Read full speech - https://japan.kantei.go.jp/97_abe/statement/201601/1215564_10999.html

Explore More
ശ്രീരാമജന്മഭൂമി ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ പതാക ഉയർത്തൽ ഉത്സവത്തിനിടെ പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി നടത്തിയ പ്രസം​ഗം

ജനപ്രിയ പ്രസംഗങ്ങൾ

ശ്രീരാമജന്മഭൂമി ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ പതാക ഉയർത്തൽ ഉത്സവത്തിനിടെ പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി നടത്തിയ പ്രസം​ഗം
PM Modi to disburse ₹2,400 crore to 1.5 million first-time employees under PMVBRY on Friday

Media Coverage

PM Modi to disburse ₹2,400 crore to 1.5 million first-time employees under PMVBRY on Friday
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
PM to visit West Bengal on 20-21 June
June 19, 2026
PM to participate in Paschimbanga Divas celebrations in Hooghly on 20 June
PM to launch, dedicate and lay Foundation Stones of various Development Projects across Railways, Agriculture, Rural Development, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Sectors
PM to kickstart rollout of several key Central Agricultural Schemes in West Bengal
These schemes include Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Agri Stack, National Mission on Natural Farming and Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
PM to release 23rd PM-Kisan Instalment worth ₹18,880 Crore, benefiting over 9.44 Crore Farmers across the Country
PM to commission three indigenously designed and built naval ships – INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata
Ships have been built with extensive participation by Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs
PM to lead 12th International Day of Yoga Celebrations in Kolkata on 21 June
Theme of IDY 2026: “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on 20-21 June 2026. On 20 June, at around 3:45 PM, the Prime Minister will participate in Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) celebrations at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district. He will launch, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in West Bengal. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

On 21 June, at around 6:30 AM, the Prime Minister will participate in the 12th International Yoga Day celebration in Kolkata. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

Later, at around 9:15 AM, Prime Minister will commission three indigenously designed and built naval ships - INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

PM in Hooghly

Prime Minister will participate in Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) celebrations. The State-level celebrations are being held at Tarakeswar, Hooghly, a place of historic significance associated with Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The theme for this year’s Paschimbanga Divas: “West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development,” reflects the State’s cultural richness, social cohesion and developmental aspirations.

During the programme, Prime Minister will launch, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects. Spanning the sectors of railways, agriculture, rural development, fisheries and animal husbandry, these initiatives will strengthen infrastructure, improve livelihoods, enhance farmer welfare and accelerate socio-economic development across the State.

Prime Minister will release the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). Under this instalment, more than ₹18,880 crore will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore farmers across the country.

In West Bengal alone, more than ₹900 crore will be credited to over 45 lakh beneficiaries, taking the cumulative disbursement under the scheme in the State to over ₹15,000 crore. The total disbursement nationwide to over ₹4.46 lakh crore since the launch of the scheme in 2019.

Prime Minister to kickstart rollout of several key Central Agricultural Schemes in West Bengal. These schemes include Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Agri Stack as part of the Digital Agriculture Mission, National Mission on Natural Farming and Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Prime Minister will launch the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)in West Bengal, extending the benefits of the world’s largest crop insurance scheme to farmers in the State. During 2026–27, the initiative aims to provide insurance coverage to nearly 50 LAKH farmers across about 14 lakh hectares of agricultural land in the state of West Bengal, protecting crops with an estimated insured value of around ₹28,140 crore while supporting farmers through substantial premium subsidy.

As part of the Digital Agriculture Mission, Prime Minister will launch AgriStack in West Bengal, enabling a unified digital platform for verified agriculture-related services such as fertiliser distribution, Kisan Credit Cards, Direct Benefit Transfers and procurement under the Minimum Support Price system. The initiative will strengthen digital governance in agriculture and facilitate efficient delivery of farmer-centric services.

Prime Minister will further launch the National Mission on Natural Farming in West Bengal to promote sustainable, chemical-free agriculture rooted in traditional Indian practices. Under the approved Annual Action Plan for 2026–27, the State will establish 346 natural farming clusters covering 17,300 hectares, while also creating Bio-Input Resource Centres and mobilising Krishi Sakhis to strengthen adoption of eco-friendly farming practices.

In a major step towards integrated agricultural development, Prime Minister will also initiate the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) in West Bengal. The scheme will cover the districts of Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar and Jhargram with a focus on improving agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification and sustainable farming, strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and irrigation facilities, enhancing access to institutional credit, and ensuring convergence of multiple Central and State schemes for holistic rural development.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the Modernized and capacity expanded Fishing Harbour at Fraserganj in South 24 Parganas and the newly constructed Modern Fish Market at Sainthia, Birbhum. These projects will strengthen fisheries infrastructure, improve post-harvest management and provide better marketing facilities for fish producers and traders.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for Goats at Haringhata in Nadia district. Established under the National Livestock Mission of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, it is the first such facility in Eastern India and will contribute significantly to scientific livestock breeding, genetic improvement and enhanced productivity.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of important railway projects worth around ₹590 crore. Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the Sankrail–Santragachi Link Line Project in Howrah district. The project will play an important role in decongesting one of the busiest rail corridors in Eastern India, improving operational efficiency and enabling smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a 300-bed New Divisional Railway Hospital at Howrah. Equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure, advanced diagnostic facilities, specialist medical services and emergency care facilities, the hospital will significantly strengthen healthcare services for railway beneficiaries and the people of the region.

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of a Road Over Bridge between Haur and Radhamohanpur in Purba Medinipur district. The project will enhance safety for both rail and road users and facilitate smooth and uninterrupted movement of traffic.

Prime Minister will inaugurate 49 road infrastructure projects developed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III). Covering a total length of more than 315 kilometres across various districts of West Bengal, these projects will improve rural connectivity, facilitate access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, and contribute to balanced regional development.

These projects collectively represent a major step towards strengthening infrastructure, empowering farmers, enhancing livelihoods and creating new economic opportunities across West Bengal. The initiatives will contribute significantly to the vision of a Viksit West Bengal and Viksit Bharat by promoting inclusive growth, modern infrastructure and sustainable development.

PM in Kolkata

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the national observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Red Road in Kolkata. Prime Minister will address the gathering and participate in the Common Yoga Protocol session along with thousands of Yoga practitioners.

The theme of International Day of Yoga 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlights the role of Yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience and active ageing, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life. The theme is particularly relevant in an era of increasing life expectancy and growing emphasis on healthy, active and dignified ageing. Since its inception in 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India’s proposal to observe 21st June as IDY, Prime Minister has led the celebrations from various locations including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York (UN Headquarters), and Srinagar and Vishakhapatnam.

Yoga Day celebrations are being organised across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with participation from more than 210 Indian Missions and Posts, reaffirming Yoga’s status as a global movement for health, harmony and collective well-being.

Prime Minister will also commission three indigenously designed and built naval ships - INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate, INS Sanshodhak, a survey vessel (large) and INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft.

These inductions will significantly bolster the nation’s operational capabilities, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen the security of our coastal waters against geopolitical threats.

All three ships were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed in Kolkata by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), with extensive participation by Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs. With an indigenous content of over 75 percent, these ships are also a testament to India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta.