Greetings on Buddha Purnima - VESAK

 

Vesak, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. It is the most important festival of the Buddhists and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The exact date of Vesak is the first full moon in the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. The date varies from year to year in the Gregorian calendar but is typically in May.

Followers of Buddhism have been celebrating Buddhist festivals for centuries, but the decision to celebrate this day formally was only taken at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950. Although Buddhists regard every full moon as sacred, the moon of the month of Vaisakh has special significance because on this day the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment (nirvana), and attained parinirvana (nirvana-after-death of the body) when he died.

Philatelic Exhibition on Buddhism

 

Recently, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in association with the Mahabodhi Society of India and Attodeep organized the Eastern India Buddhist Conclave – Issues, Interaction & Initiatives on 1st and 2nd March 2021 at hotel The Westin, Kolkata Rajarhat, West Bengal. The conclave in Kolkata was third in an ongoing series after Delhi-NCR Buddhist Conclave on 21st and 22nd November 2020 in New Delhi and North East Buddhist Conclave held in Guwahati on 3rd and 4th February, 2021.

As a part of this two-day conclave, a Philatelic exhibition was organized on Buddhism. Sri Souvik Roy, a renowned philatelist, and collector from Kolkata displayed his valued collection, being the largest collector on Buddhism. A rare collection of coins and currencies on Buddhism was displayed by Smt. Eeshita Basu, a collector and a teacher at The Heritage School, Kolkata.

        The Philatelic exhibition on display at the conclave

Some beautiful embroidery on Buddha made by the ladies of the Tagore family were displayed. Original photographs of Buddhist sites and rare documents were also on display there.

 

Dignitaries enjoying the exhibition 

Eeshita Basu with her collection

IBC is world's largest Buddhist global body, based in India the land of origin of Buddha Dhamma, with its membership drawn from 39 countries and over 320 organizations, both monastic and lay, world bodies, national and regional federations and international organizations, institutions etc.

-  A report by EESHITA BASU, KOLKATA

   email : eeshita2015@gmail.com

Club News

 Buddhism on Stamps 

by M. Lokeswara Rao

Now Available at Amazon .in

The book “Buddhism on Stamps” is unique telling the story of Gautham Buddha with philatelic materials. The book focuses on how different philatelic materials can narrate the story of Gautam Buddha. Different available philatelic material like Stamps, stamp blocks, 3D stamps, Silk stamps, Se-tenant, FDC, Miniature Sheets, Souvenir Sheets, Maxim Cards, Post Cards, covers, gutter, booklets, errors, proofs etc are included from different countries of the World There are 22 chapters Buddhism introduction, Jataka Kathas (Stories) ,Birth of Buddha ,Twelve Deeds of Buddha, Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, Monasteries, Chhoeten, Prayer Flag & Prayer Wheel, Musical Instruments of Buddhism, Four Mythical Animals, Six Elements of Longevity, Precious Attributes of Universal King, Teachings of Buddha, Buddhist Mudras, Hand Gestures and their Meaning, Postures, Symbols Representing Gautama Buddha, Buddhism in Different Parts of the World, Borobudur Ship Expedition, Buddhist Festivals, Buddhist Sacred Places of the World, Buddhism and World Peace, References. 

About Author: 

M Lokeswara Rao has worked as a Civil Servant, belongs to 1983 batch of Indian Forest service and retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, in Nagaland, India. He has held different positions in the Government of India, DCF, Ministry of Environment and forests, Director of Institute of Biodiversity, ICFRE, and Hyderabad, India. Worked as Advisor Green Highways, National Highways Authority India, Ministry of Surface Transport, Govt of India and as Director (Protect Our Species), Earth Day Network USA He received Biodiversity award, Tiger land film Festival for his work on Amur Falcon.He received large Silver medal for his exhibit “Buddhism” in Sydney Stamp and Coin Expo 2019, in Sydney Australia and received Large Silver in Philavirtue 2020 exhibition. He also got Awards for his exhibit in Philately” Orchids distribution, Habitat destruction and Conservation, Bronze Medal in National Exhibition in Mumbai in 2017, Silver Medal at Rocky Mountain Stamp Show,USA in 2018, Bronze Medal at International Philatelic Exhibition, Macau China in 2018 and large Silver in National Philatelic Exhibition in Mumbai in 2019.

he has authored different research papers and also authored the book " Biodiversity of World" based on Philately and "Conservation through Forest Conservation Act". His articles have appeared in different magazines and Newspapers in India and abroad.

For the book the author may also be contacted  at email: madirajul@gmail.com : Whatsapp No. : 9436215175

• Book Details :
• 
  
• Publisher : M. Lokeswara Rao IFS (1 January 2021)
• Language : English
• Type : Paperback
• Price : Rs 2350/- (In India)
• Size & Pages : A4 , 286 pages 22 Chapters
• ISBN-10 : 9354266444
• ISBN-13 : 978-9354266447
• Country of Origin : India
• 
  

Buddhism on stamps

Book-Review

 Buddhism on Stamps 

-By M. Lokeshwara Rao

Buddhism on Stamps by M.Lokeshwara Rao IFS Retd. : ISBN Number : 978-93-5426-644-7 : Published by : M.Lokeshwara Rao : Pages : 286 : Price : 2500 ( For India price Rs 2250 inclusive of Registered parcel) : Paper Back : Size A4 :  Available with Shri M.Lokeshwara Rao No. 1 Central Excise Layout, 4th Cross, 8th Main, Vijaya Nagar, Bengaluru -560 040, India : email : madidajul@gmail.com Mob : 9436215175 : Whatsapp +91 9436215175

"Buddhism on Stamps" is an exclusive book by Shri M. Lokeshwara Rao. Buddhism is one of the largest religions with millions of followers in different parts of the world. It is also a popular theme for the philatelists and many have formed excellent exhibits on this theme. The book tells the story Gautam Buddha through different kinds of philatelic items. It focuses on several types of philatelic items related to Buddhism theme such as stamps, First Day Covers, souvenir sheets, maxim cards, miniature sheets, 3 D stamps, Gutters, se-tenants, postcards, Covers, stamp booklets, postal stationery. telegrams, errors, varieties, proofs and many other philatelic items from different parts of the world that are part of thematic philately today. The best part of the book is that narration of Buddhism theme is very good through philatelic description of several types of philatelic items. Thematic philatelists would like it very much and learn as to how one can use a variety of items in one's chosen theme with study and  minute observation of philatelic material.

It has 22 Chapters on the Buddhism theme.  Each chapter has been explained well with the help of stamps and other philatelic material. The book covers each and every aspect of Buddhism like Buddhist festivals, musical instruments of Buddhism, Borobudur Ship Expedition, Buddhist sacred places of the world, Buddhism and World Peace besides the main chapters of Buddhism Jatak Kathas,Birth of Buddha, Twelve deeds of Buddha,Symbols of Buddhism, Monasteries, Teachings of Buddha  Buddhist Mudras and other important chapters.. This book is based on thorough research of the author in finding out a variety of philatelic items related to  Buddhism theme. The design, printing quality, and layout of the book is excellent. The book shows more than 1100 philatelic materials in color with their detailed description.

This book will be very useful for all philatelists and Thematic collectors as well as for academicians, students, researchers, followers of Buddhism, and for every book lover. I recommend this book for the libraries of schools, colleges, and research centers as well as for the philatelic libraries of the philatelic societies for the benefit of philatelists and thematic collectors. It is also a very good Coffee Table Book for everyone who loves reading.

About the author

Shri M. Lokeshwara Rao belongs to 1983 batch of Indian Forest Service and retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force in Nagaland. His hobbies are painting and philately. He has displayed his paintings on Buddha in Bangalore, New Delhi, and other parts of the country. He has won several awards at National and International Philatelic Exhibitions for his exhibit on Buddhism. Recently he received Large Silver Medal at PHILAVIRTU 2020, Pune, First National Virtual Philatelic Exhibition with international participation and Large Silver in Sydney Stamp and Coin Show 2019. Besides these prestigious awards he also participated in INPEX 2017,INPEX 2019 Mumbai, Rocky Mountain Stamp Show, Denver, Colarado,USA, International Philatelic Exhibition Macau, China in 2018 and Canberra, Australia. He also won awards for his exhibit on Orchids. He has written different research papers and also authored the book  "Biodiversity of World" based on Philately and Conservation through Forest Conservation Act". He has worked on various projects in Forest Development agencies, Green India Mission, Wildlife Habitat Project, and species recovery programme of Amur Falcon. He received the Biodiversity Award, Tiger land Film Festival for his work on Amur Falcon. He may be contacted at email : madirajul@gmail.com  Whatsapp : 9436215175

- Jeevan Jyoti

Club News

New  Book on Buddhism Theme

Buddhism on Stamps

A new book “Buddhism on Stamps” by Shri M. Lokeshwara Rao will be released in January 2021. It focuses on how different philatelic materials can narrate the story of Gautama Buddha. Different available philatelic material like Stamps, stamp blocks, 3D stamps, Silk stamps, Se-tenant, FDC, Miniature Sheets, Souvenir Sheets, Maxim Cards, Postcards, covers, gutter, booklets, errors, proofs, etc are included from different countries of the World.

 

There are 22 chapters Jataka Kathas (Stories), Birth of Buddha ,Twelve Deeds of Buddha, Symbols of Buddhism, Monasteries,  Prayer Flag,  Prayer Wheel, Musical Instruments of Buddhism, Four Mythical Animals, Six Elements of Longevity, Precious Attributes of Universal King, Teachings of Buddha, Buddhist Mudras, etc

For pre-booking of the book, readers may contact the author : email: madirajul@gmail.com     M 9436215175

150 Year Old Heritage Building of Bellari Railway Station

Special Cover - KTK-56-2020 - 150 Year Old Heritage Building of Bellari Railway Station

The foundation stone for Ballari Railway station was laid in 1869. It was then a part of Southern Mahratta Railway Company headquartered at Dharwad. This imposing structure was designed broadly in the Romanesque-italianate style with a symmetrical design composed of round arches, thick walls and large towers. This 150 year old heritage station is now part of South Western Railway. This special cover was released on the occasion of inauguration of the Railway Heritage Museum at Hubballi.

-Suresh.R, Bengaluru

United Nations Day of Vesak

Indian theme on foreign stamps

Date of Issue : 10 May 2017

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

 Prime Minister  Narendra Modi will release   postage stamps to be  by Sri Lanka Post on United Nations Day of VESAK (Buddha Purnima) on 10^th May 2017 during  his visit to Sri Lanka 

The stamp sheetlet depicts the images of famous Buddhist sites of Twenty Nations, including India one whose name are imprinted on the stamp, all are joining in this historical occasion.

"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.

United Nations declare ‘The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality .

: Pradip Jain - Patna

Maxim Cards from India Post

India Post has issued two sets of Maximum Cards on Nature and Headgears.

Nature : India

Headgears of India

: Suresh R. - Bangalore

Stamp on ‘Deekshabhoomi by India Post

Date of Issue : 14 April 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi  released the commemorative postal stamp on ‘Deekshabhoomi of Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’ in Nagpur, at Indoor Sports Complex, Mankapur on April 14, 2017.

Deekshabhoomi is in Nagpur, Maharashtra, a location regarded as a pilgrimage center of Buddhism in India. Millions of pilgrims visit Deekshabhoomi every year,especially on Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din ("Mass Conversion Ceremony Day") and 14 October, the memorial day when Dr. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism here. Ambedkar's final religious act was to embrace Buddhism. Today, the largest stupa in Asia is erected in his memory at the site.

Deeksha literally means 'act of ordaining' and bhoomi means the 'ground'.Deekshabhoomi means the ground where people got ordained as Buddhist. This religious mass conversion at one place was the first ever of its kind in history. Deekshabhoomi is one of two places of considered to be of great importance in the life of Dr. Ambedkar, the other being Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai

New Stamps from India

 

Singapore – India Joint Stamp Issue

Official Residence of the President

Date of Issue : 24 November 2014

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong jointly releasing the India Singapore stamps, in Istana, Singapore on November 24, 2015.

 

Engineering Export Promotion Council of India  

Date of Issue : 24 November  2015

A commemorative Stamp on Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) was released on 24th November 2015.

EEPC India is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. To mark the Diamond Jubilee of Engineering Export Promotion Council of India, a commemorative stamp was released by Shri Ravi Capoor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry at India Engineering Sourcing Show – 2015 held at Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai on 24th November 2015. India Engineering Sourcing Show – 2015 (IESS15) is India’s largest international engineering sourcing show organised by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, with EEPC India as the lead agency.

Courtesy : Madhukar Jhingan, Prashant Pandya

New Special Cover

Boudhpex-2015, Boudh District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Boudh, Odisha – 18th – 19th November 2015.

The first District level Philatelic Exhibition of Boudh District was held on 18-19, November, 2015 in the name of BOUDHPEX-2015. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Jaleswar Kanhar, PMG, Sambalpur on 18.11.2015. Shri Madhusudan Mishra, Collector, Boudh and Smt. Kalpana Rajsinghot, PMG, Berhampr were among the other distinguished guests present. One special cover on ‘Chari Sambhu’ Temple along with two Booklets on Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam and Women Empowerment were released during the inaugural function. In the concluding day (19.11.2015) one special cover on Traditional Art and Culture of Kandhamal was released by the CPMG, Odisha Circle Shri Tilak De. One more Booklet on Valour of Sacrifice-1965 War and a Picture Postcard on Konark Temple were also released on 19.11.2015. Smt. Kalpana Rajsinhot, PMG, Berhampur was also presen during the concluding function.

“Chari Sambhu Temple is located at the bank of river Mahanadi in Gandharadi village of Boudh District. It is famous for twin temples of Nilamadhab and Sidheswar. These temple were constructed under the patronage of Bhanja Rulers of Khinjali Mandala in 9th century A.D. These two temples were built on one platform which are exactly similar to each other.The one on the left hand is dedicated to Lord Siva and named as Siddheswar. The second one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and named as Nilamadhab.”

“ The dances, fairs, festivals, traditional costumes of Kandhamal district has the imprint of rich cultural heritage. ‘Dangda-Dhangedi’ dance of Kndhmal is otherwise known as Loar-Enda and is performed by the ‘Kutia and ‘Kandha’ Tribes. ‘Dadra’ is the ‘tal’ of the song’ where as Drums and flutes are the major musical instrument used in the dance.”

- Ajit Dash, Bhubaneshwar

Buddha Purnima

 

 

Greetings on Buddha Purnima

Today is Buddha Poornima, also known as Vesak or  Buddha Jayanti is the most sacred festivals of Buddhist. Buddha Poornima is celebrated in remembrance Lord Buddha. It is celebrated by Buddhists on different days in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and the South East Asian countries of Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia, and other places all over the world.

It falls on the full moon night in Vaisakha (according to the Hindu calendar that usually falls in April or May).Lord Buddha was the founder of the Buddhist religion and is said to be the ninth avatar of Vishnu. It was on Buddha Poornima that the three important events of Buddha's life took place i.e. his birth, his enlightenment and his death (nirvana).

The main celebrations of Buddha jayanti takes place in Bodh gaya.On this large number of Buddhist devotees from all over the world assemble to pay their respectful homage to Lord Buddha. Besides decorating the temple and area around with colorful Buddhist flags, the morning prayer, colorful procession of the Monks, worship with large offerings, distribution of sweets and snacks takes place.

In other places Prayers, sermons and non-stop recitations of Buddhist scriptures resonate in monasteries, religious halls and homes. On this day the Buddhists bathe and wear only white clothes. People offer incense, flowers, candles and fruits to the statue of Lord Buddha. They spend their entire day listening to discourses on the life and teachings of the Buddha.

New Special Cover

 

‘My stamp’ and  ‘Special cover’  on Rotary  issued by India Post, Bihar Circle on 5^th Dec.

A special Cover was released on  Rotary day Celebration by Bihar Postal Circle on 5th December 2014 with the release of My Stamp . The cover is based on Buddhism theme and was released by RI President Gary CK Huang.

 

- Pradip Jain – Patna : email : philapradip@gmail.com

 

Article on 1948 Gandhi Memorial Issue

An article on 1948 Gandhi Memorial Issue  by noted professional philatelist of Patna Mr Pradip Jain  was recently published in  popular International stamp magazine Gibbons Stamp Monthly. The whole story is being published into three series Nov. 14 , Dec 14 and Jan 15 issue.

New stamp from India

 

On the occasion of Buddha Poornima, which marks Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, the Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp on ‘Drukpa Lineage of Buddhism’ on 14th May 2014. His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa released the stamp at function organised in New Delhi, His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche also attended the stamp release function.

Shri S.K. Sinha, Member (HRD), India Post, Dr B K Modi, Chairman, Spice Global, Mrs Sterre Sharma, a philanthropist  intinternational acclaimed artist, Arjun Pandey, documentary filmmaker, Dasho Ugyen Takchhu, Surveyor General at the National Land Commission of Bhutan and Mr. Ugyen Gonphel, Head of Chancery for the Embassy of Bhutan in India and other dignitaries were also present at the stamp release function.

Drukpa Lineage

The Drukpa Kagyu School called either ‘Dugpa’ or ‘Red Hat Sect’, is a branch of the Kagyu School at Tibetan Buddhism, which is considered to be one of the Sarma (new) schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Within the Drukpa Lineage, there are further sub-schools, most notably the eastern Kham tradition and middle Drukpa School, which existed in Ladakh and surrounding areas. In Bhutan, the Drukpa Lineage is the dominant school and State religion.

The Drukpa Lineage was founded in Western Tibet by Dragon Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje (1161-1211), a student of Ling Repa, who mastered the Tantric Buddhism practices of mahamudra and six yogas of Naropa at an early age.

Courtesy : Indian Philately Digest

Stamps on Vesak from Sri Lanka

Date of Issue : 12 may 2014

On the occasion of Vesak ( Buddh Poornima ), Sri Lanka Post issued a Miniature sheet in celebration of this festival  with four stamps  .

Courtesy : Pradip Jain - Patna