The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) has organized the first-ever Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi, India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, emphasizing the transcendent nature of Buddha and his consciousness. “Buddha is beyond the individual, it is a perception”, the Prime Minister said, adding that Buddha is a sensation that transcends the individual, a thought that transcends form, and a consciousness beyond manifestation. “This Buddha consciousness is eternal”, he continued.
The Indian Prime Minister also offered monk’s robes or “Chivar Dana” to 19 eminent monks, including representatives from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, South Korea, Australia and Mexico.
The summit, with its theme “Responses to contemporary challenges: Philosophy to praxis,” brought together eminent scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners from around the world. These experts gathered to address the pressing issues of today and how Buddhist philosophy can be applied to tackle them.
“The motto of the International Buddhist Confederation is to address the global challenges and the issues the world is facing today. The upcoming Global Buddhist Summit in Delhi will be based on Bhagwan Buddha’s teaching of balance way of life. In this Summit Buddhist scholars, Sangh members from across the world will participate”
Ven Dr. Dammapiya
Secretary General, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
On the first day of the summit, various topics were discussed, including Buddha Dhamma and Peace, which delved into the role of Buddhist teachings in fostering peace and harmony in an increasingly complex world. The discussion highlighted the importance of compassion, loving-kindness, and mindfulness in promoting inner peace and societal harmony.
Buddha Dhamma: Environmental Crisis, Health, and Sustainability explore the connection between Buddhist principles and the urgent need to address environmental issues. Participants discussed how the core tenets of Buddhism, such as interconnectedness and the concept of dependent origination, could be used to encourage sustainable practices and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Preserving the Nalanda Buddhist Tradition emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting the rich Nalanda tradition, which dates back to the ancient Nalanda University. This renowned centre of learning was a hub for Buddhist and secular knowledge, attracting scholars from around the world. The summit encouraged the continuation of this tradition in modern times, fostering a better understanding of Buddhism and its relevance in the contemporary world.
Buddha Dhamma Pilgrimage, Living Heritage, and Buddha Relics addresses the significance of Buddhist pilgrimage sites and the importance of preserving these sacred spaces as part of the living heritage of Buddhism. The discussion also touched upon the role of Buddha relics in fostering faith and devotion among followers.
The Global Buddhist Summit aims to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and action, with an emphasis on applying Buddhist wisdom to contemporary challenges. The first day of the summit was a testament to the relevance of Buddhist principles in today’s world and the potential for these teachings to inspire positive change.
