The first Asian Buddhist Summit 2024 recently took place in New Delhi, bringing together Buddhist spiritual leaders from across Asia and beyond. Organised under the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the summit focused on the theme "Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia." The event aimed to highlight the teachings of Buddha and their relevance in promoting peace and harmony in the region.
The summit was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, who performed a ceremonial offering of flowers to Lord Buddha and lit a lamp as part of the opening rituals.
Accompanying her were Mahayana monks who led a Mangalacharan, setting a spiritual ambiance for the gathering. President Murmu took the opportunity to meet with Buddhist nuns from around the world, reflecting the summit's inclusive spirit.
The proceedings commenced with a powerful invocation in Pali by the monks, followed by greetings from Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, the Secretary General of the IBC.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, presented a memento to the President, while Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, opened the event by emphasising the importance of Buddha's teachings in achieving global welfare. He expressed his personal gratitude for being part of such a significant occasion.
Shekhawat highlighted the unique opportunity the summit presented to unite diverse voices within the Buddha Dhamma community. A short film was screened during the inaugural session, illustrating the significance of the summit and Buddha's teachings.
One of the session's highlights was a compelling address by Most Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw, a distinguished Buddhist scholar from Myanmar, who spoke on "Recognition of Pali as a Classical Indian Language."
President Murmu launched the summit logo and delivered a keynote address that emphasised the importance of spreading Buddhist teachings across Asia. She commended the IBC for organising the summit, remarking that Buddha's teachings guide moral living.
In her speech, she acknowledged the various challenges the world faces today and expressed confidence that the summit would strengthen cooperation among nations.
The event also featured a vibrant cultural performance, which added a rich dimension to the discussions. During one of the sessions, scholars engaged in meaningful dialogue about the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma in contemporary society. Their insights contributed to a greater understanding of Buddhism's role today.
Lama Aria Drolma, an ordained Buddhist teacher, expressed her gratitude for being part of the gathering. She remarked on the significance of different traditions coming together and the healing that occurs when monks and monasticism unite in peace and harmony. This sentiment echoed throughout the summit, underscoring the spirit of collaboration and shared values.
Abhijit Halder, the Director General of the IBC, elaborated on the importance of the summit, noting the participation of around 160 delegates from various countries, including Central Asian nations like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
These countries hold historical significance as they lie along the ancient Silk Road, a vital route that facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas, including the teachings of Buddha, between India and China.
Halder explained that the theme of the summit, "Buddha Dhamma in Asia," resonated deeply with participants due to the region's rich traditional cultures and value systems. He emphasised that the philosophy of Buddha aligns closely with these cultural contexts, allowing for the flourishing of his teachings across Asia.
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