First Asian Buddhist Summit highlights Buddha’s teachings for a harmonious future

Buddhist spiritual leaders from across Asia and beyond participated in the first Asian Buddhist Summit 2024, held for two days in New Delhi under the aegis of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), themed “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia.”

The event was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, who participated in a ceremonial offering of flowers to the Lord Buddha and the lighting of a lamp, accompanied by a Mangalacharan led by Mahayana monks.

She also met with Buddhist nuns from around the world.

At the event, the invocation in Pali by the monks set a spiritual tone, followed by Dhamma greetings from the Secretary General of the IBC, Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented a memento to the President, and Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of India, delivered the opening remarks. He said, “Buddha’s message was spread from India to other countries. If his teachings are followed, the welfare of the world will be achieved. As a Buddhist, I feel fortunate to be a part of this event.”

Highlighting the significance of the Asian Buddhist Summit, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated, “The event provides a unique opportunity to bring together the diverse voices of Buddha Dhamma.” The inaugural session included a short film showcasing the significance of the Asian Buddhist Summit and Buddha Dhamma. A highlight of the session was a captivating address on the “Recognition of Pali as a Classical Indian Language,” delivered by Most Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw, a renowned Buddhist scholar from Myanmar.

President Murmu launched the summit logo and delivered a keynote address that underscored the importance of disseminating Buddhist teachings across Asia. Praising the International Buddhist Confederation for organizing this event, President Murmu said, “Buddha taught us how to live a moral life. In a world facing challenges on many fronts, the diverse schools of thought offer valuable guidance on what needs to be done. I am confident that this summit will play a significant role in strengthening our cooperation.”
During the event, a captivating cultural performance was showcased, adding an enriching and vibrant dimension to the proceedings. The session focused on the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma in Asia, moderated by renowned scholars who shared their insights, fostering meaningful discussions on the role of Buddhism in contemporary society.

Expressing her deep appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the gathering, Lama Aria Drolma, an ordained Buddhist teacher, said, “I am so honoured to be here. It is truly significant for all the traditions to come together today. There is a lot of healing when monks and monastics gather. When we come together with peace and harmony, it spreads everywhere.”

Emphasizing the significance of the Asian Buddhist Summit, Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation, said, “We have about 160 delegates from different countries, including many from Central Asia, such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. These countries are particularly interesting because they lie along the ancient Silk Road, a historic trade route through which merchants and monks traveled from India to China, spreading Buddha’s teachings.”
When asked about the inspiration behind the theme of the summit, Halder explained, “Buddha Dhamma in Asia is very special because, in general, Asians have a deeply rooted traditional culture and value system. The philosophy of Buddha aligns so well with this context and has flourished here.”

The Asian Buddhist Summit demonstrated remarkable collaboration among Buddhist leaders and scholars, paving the way for deeper connections and shared learning across nations.(ANI)