Abdul Gani
Naharkatia
(Dibrugarh): History has a long tale to tell and this Buddhist monastery at
Namphake village near Naharkatia in Dibrugarh district has been an integral
part of the proceedings over the centuries. It has been providing the
muchneeded stuff for human being – wisdom and peace.
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| The inside view of the monastery. Pic: Abdul Gani |
The Namphake Buddhist Monastery was set up in 1850 on the
bank of the beautiful Buridihing, one of the major tributaries of the might
Brahmaputra, as Tai Phakes migrated to this part of the country from the
Howkong valley of Myanmar in the late eighteenth century.
From the manuscripts written on gold and silver plates
dating back to the 16th century to one of the oldest Budha statues of the
state, it is no less a museum.
Besides, it plays a major role in the society as head monk
Gyanlal Mahathera is obeyed and respected by the people of the area. That’s why
the job of the police is much easier in the area.
“We don’t remember police coming in our village. The
villagers are peace-loving and do not do anything which can be a threat in the
path of peace,” Ngikya Weingken, a villager, told Seven Sisters Post.
There are 69 households in the Namphake village which is the
largest hamlet of the Namphake community in the state.
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| Saru Bhante displaying his umbrella. Pic: Abdul Gani |
If any conflict arises, the head monk settles the issue and
the verdict is accepted by all.
Besides, several examples of the creative side of the monks
can be seen as one of the senior monks displayed the craft of martial arts for
self-defense with an umbrella. “It is an umbrella when it rains, otherwise it
can help you in self-defense. It was made of bamboo and cloth several centuries
ago,” said one of the monks, who is popularly known as Saru Bhante. Bhante
means religious leader in Tai language.
The monastery is home to more than 230 statues of Budha from
Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. “Initially there were two statues when the
monastery was established in 1850. Later, monks from different part of the
world who had visited the place placed more statues,” Bhante said.
Moreover, sitting with the monks on the floor of the
monastery with breeze blowing across from the Burhidihing to know one or two
things about the culture, tradition and many more may be a priceless moment.
“For me this is the best place to visit to refresh myself.
The cool and calm environment is simply awesome,” said Nandan, a tourist from
New Delhi said. (Seven Sisters Post)
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