By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, April 19: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama departed Dharamshala earlier today from his residence here in McLeod Ganj to attend a two-day international Buddhist conference in the national capital to be held from 20 to 21 April. He is expected to make an appearance on the second day of the conference, according to sources.
The maiden conference organised by the Union Culture Ministry and International Buddhist Confederation will discuss contemporary global issues from Buddhist perspectives. “India is the birthplace of Buddhism. The summit aims to find solutions to problems such as climate change, poverty, and conflict, among others, by exploring the Buddhist teachings and practices,” Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy said.
Over 170 delegates from 29 countries including Mexico, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Japan, as well as 150 delegates from India will participate in the summit. Delegates from China which has the largest population of Buddhists is a notable absentee in the meet. Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation said, “While no delegate has been confirmed from China, there would be two participants from Taiwan”. “The invitations were sent to various Buddhist institutions and not to governments,” he added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session of the Global Buddhist Summit themed “Responses to Contemporary Challenges from Philosophy to Praxis” on April 20 in Delhi’s Hotel Ashok.
The summit will focus on four themes, Buddha Dhamma and Peace, Buddha Dhamma: Environmental Crisis, Health and Sustainability, Preservation of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition and Buddhist Pilgrimage, and Living Heritage and Relics. The conference is expected to produce a document for further academic research and study the viability of Buddhism as a tool for the conduct of international relations on the global stage.
India is one of the rising power in Asia. Lord Buddha’s teachings is now more relevant to bring like minded countries together and pursue happiness. This international conference has put India on the spotlight. Fly!
A good start by Union Ministry of Culture, a future road map on Role of Buddhism for Peace and happiness for the entire human beings and Nature is expected in this conference. UN should be involved in such conferences to spread this message besides to adopt measures to control Climate Change by the world Govts. and the community at large for peace and happiness of entire mankind by its member nations.