Chinese honor for memorial support

DHAKA — A memorial that was built to honor a Buddhist cleric has opened in Bangladesh after receiving support from China.

The monument, known as a stu pa, will house sacred relics and documents commemorating Atish Dipankar Srijnan, who was born in 980 A. D. and died in 1053 A.D.

Originally named Chandragarbha by his parents, Atish was born into a royal family in the Vajrayogini village on the outskirts of the country’s capital city of Dhaka.

The memorial to the saint and philosopher, who historians say was known for his unique character, erudition, scholarly attributes and spiritual eminence, opened to the public in his birthplace on Tuesday.

In attendance at the monument’s opening ceremony was Chunyi, vicepresident of the Buddhist Association of China, who attended as a chief guest, and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang.

Other dignitaries present at the opening included Bangladeshi government officials.

The Chinese government has been highly lauded by Bangladesh’s Buddhist community as well as broader society for its generous support in building the stupa to honor Atish.

The ashes of Atish, who was on a mission to preach peace, teach knowledge and share culture with China, including his expertise in mathematics and construction, were returned by China to Bangladesh in 1978.

Since then, Atish has become a symbol of stronger China-Bangladesh relations.

A mausoleum has also been built in the village of his birth with support from the Bangladeshi government.

Sanghanayaka Suddhananda Mahathero, president of Bangladesh Bouddha Kris ti Pr a char Sang ha, said: “Atish Dipankar, beloved, beloved son. We are so grateful to you.”