The Ministry of Minority Affairs and the International Buddhist Confederation are organising a one-day conference titled "Buddha’s Madhyama Marg/The Middle Path to Guide Global Leadership" in Mumbai on September 14. The event, set to take place at the Nehru Science Centre in Worli, will feature Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, as the chief guest.
The conference aims to explore how Buddha’s teachings, especially the Madhyama Marg (Middle Path), can be applied to guide global leadership and address modern challenges.
Buddha’s Middle Path and the Eightfold Path are integral to righteous conduct, covering all aspects of life, which are vital for both individual well-being and societal progress. The conclave will focus on promoting universal values for followers of Dhamma across various philosophical, academic, cultural, and national contexts.
A key objective of the event is to highlight the enduring legacy of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, who played a significant role in the resurgence of modern Buddhism. His contributions continue to influence Buddhist practices and teachings in India and beyond.
The Buddha’s teachings, encapsulated in the Middle Path, provide a framework for personal growth, peaceful coexistence, and global leadership. These principles emphasise moderation and mindfulness, offering a sustainable model for both individuals and societies.
Buddha Dhamma, unlike a mere doctrine, encourages not only learning and understanding but also practising and experiencing the teachings, leading to a path of enlightenment.
The conference is structured into three sessions. The first session, “Role and Relevance of Buddha Dhamma in Modern Times,” will focus on how the ancient teachings of Buddha are still relevant in addressing today’s global challenges.
The second session, “Significance of Mindful Techniques,” will delve into how mindfulness practices can enhance mental and emotional well-being in today’s fast-paced world. The final session, “New Age Leadership and Implementation of Buddha Dhamma,” will examine how Buddha’s principles can be integrated into modern leadership practices to promote universal brotherhood and sustainability.
The historical evolution of Buddha Dhamma, from its roots in India to its spread across Asia and beyond, underscores its global impact. King Ashoka’s reign serves as a prominent example of how Dhamma governance transformed both individuals and societies, bringing about peace, prosperity, and harmony.
His rock-edicts and pillar-edicts continue to stand as markers of the spread of Dhamma and its role in shaping a just and peaceful society.
In today’s world, despite remarkable advancements in science and technology, there remains a significant gap in moral and ethical development. Humanity is struggling with issues like violence, conflict, and selfishness, which have been exacerbated by recent global challenges such as the pandemic.
The teachings of Buddha Dhamma offer a pathway to resolving these underlying issues, providing a framework for creating a peaceful global social order.
The texts, doctrines, and philosophy of Buddha Dhamma are well-suited for fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting harmony, and establishing universal peace. The essence of Buddha’s teachings lies in eliminating violence and conflict by addressing the root causes and conditions that give rise to them.
This approach is not only applicable to personal life but can also guide global leadership towards fostering peaceful coexistence and harmonious surroundings in communities and nations.
The world today is in dire need of peace and harmony, both on a personal level and in the global arena. The teachings of Buddha emphasise that peace cannot be achieved until human nature aligns with Dhamma and seeks peaceful coexistence.
In this context, the conference aims to inspire leaders to adopt Buddha’s principles in their efforts to create a more just, harmonious, and sustainable world.
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