Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the noble eight-fold path of Buddhism prescribes not just the path to happiness of individuals but is also a guide to the well being of societies and nations.
"The eight-fold path of Lord Buddha prescribes not just the path to happiness of individuals, but also a guide to the well being of societies and nations. It is a message of kindness, love and compassion for all. It is a lesson of deepest respect for human beings and human rights; for faith in peace and non-violence," said Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the Mongolian Parliament at the State Great Khural.
"This is a path that tells us to reach out to the weakest and the poorest in our societies. It is a wisdom that sees the inter-dependence of all things in the universe and the virtue of simplicity. Therefore, it is a path to a more a sustainable planet," he added.
"There was a time when the messengers of Lord Buddha linked Asia with his message of love and compassion. The shifting sands of time have not buried their footprints, because the value of their message never diminishes," he further said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi dubbed his visit to Ulaanbaatar as a 'significant milestone' after India and Mongolia signed over 14 agreements to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
The Prime Minister also visited the Gandantegchinlen monastery in the city, where he interacted with the Hamba Lama and gifted him a sapling of a Bodhi tree.
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This was followed by a ceremonial welcome that was accorded to him at the Mongolian State Palace at the Chinggis Khaan Square, where he also signed the guestbook.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Ulaanbaatar on Saturday night, is the first Indian prime minister to visit Mongolia.