NAY PYI TAW, July 31
The Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla,who are currently on a goodwill visit to the Republic of India, visited the Chaukkhamdi Pagoda built at a place near Varanasi, where the five Pyinsawutgis accorded welcome to Lord Buddha,this morning.
Next, they paid homage and offered flowers and water to the Dhammarazika Pagoda in Migadawon Garden where Buddha delivered a Dhammacakka sermon to the five Pyinsawutgis. As the Dhammarazika Pagoda is a place where Buddha delivered a Dhammacakka sermon to the five Pyinsawutgis as well as a place where the Three Jewels namely Buddha,Dhamma and Sangha emerged,it is said that the origin of the Three Jewels is Migadawon.
The Senior General and wife and party visited and offered flowers, water and gold foils to the Dhammaykha Pagoda about 150 yards east from the Dhammarazika Pagoda.They then paid homage to the pagoda walking clockwise.Dhammaykha Pagoda with 104 feet in height and 93 feet in diameter is only one large pagoda that remains in Migadawon Garden showing proof of more than 2,500 years of Buddhist history.
The Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation visited the repository of Buddha relics built by Sri Lanka near Migadawon Garden.In the archive, they paid homage and offered flowers,water and oil lights to the Buddha Image delivering the Dhammacakka sermon.The Senior General and wife made cash donations and the Sayadaw from the repository presented Dhamma gifts to them.
Next, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party paid obeisance to Buddha images preaching the first sermon to the five monks who received Dhammacakka in the precinct of the repository of relics.
Then, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party paid a visit to Saywingabar Myanmar Kyaungtaik in Varanasi. First, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing asked Saywingabar Myanmar Kyaungtaik Presiding Sayadaw Dr. Bhaddanta Mandala about religious affairs and abode situation of members of Sangha who are staying in Varanasi. Afterwards, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party received five precepts from the Sayadaw, offered Waso robes, cash and alms to members of Sangha,and shared merits gained.After that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party offered day’s meal to members of Sangha. Myanmar monks residing in Saywingabar Myanmar Kyaungtaik has been residing there since 60 years ago.
Next, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party proceeded to 39 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC), where they were welcomed by Principal Brigadier Hukum Singh Bainsla, SM and the officials. At the head office of the GTC, they were explained about the background history of the GTC, and training conducted to new recruits for Indian army with the help of power point. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing re-discussed what he wanted to know with the principal and the officials and had a documentary photo taken together with them.
Then, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party viewed round the GTC and observed the trainees practicing small weapon shooting in the 500-meter shooting range from DRONACHARYA Fire Control Centre as well as watched the demonstration of the trainees in the combat skill of Gorkha. Next,Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party were welcomed and hosted at the Officer Mess. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Principal Brigadier Hukum Singh Bainsla,SM exchanged commemorative badges and souvenirs.
