New Delhi — The first Asian Buddhist Summit was held in New Delhi last two days and brought together over 160 Buddhist leaders, academics, experts and practitioners from more than 30 countries. They discussed on the various traditions, practices and beliefs of Asian Buddhist countries and how to address contemporary challenges facing the world, as well as the relevance of the Buddha Dharma in addressing today's global challenges.
The Ministry of Culture, the Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), organised the first Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) from November 5-6, 2024. at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi, India.
The Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Asian Buddhist Summit on the theme “The Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia”, in the presence of Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Shatse Khensur Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation.
President Droupadi Murmu gave the opening speech and she declared that ‘At a time when the world is facing an existential crisis on many fronts, not only conflicts but also a climate crisis, the Buddhist community has much to offer humanity. The different schools of Buddhism are showing the world how to counter narrow sectarianism, and its central message remains peace and non-violence.’
The summit brought together 160 Buddhist leaders, academics, experts and practitioners from 32 countries, with more than 160 international participants and a total of around 700 attendees. They included His Eminence Ling Rinpoche and Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, His Eminence Gabju Choijamts Demberel, former supreme leader of the Mongolian Buddhists and abbot of Gandan Tegchenling monastery, and Yangten Rinpoche, secretary to the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
According to the first Asian Buddhist Summit, the Summit aims to bring together religious leaders, scholars, experts and practitioners from various Buddhist traditions across Asia to foster dialogue, promote understanding and address contemporary challenges faced by the Buddhist community. Through ABS, IBC aims to find a common link between various traditions, practices, and beliefs prevalent in the Asian Buddhist circuit.
During this two-day Asian Buddhist summit, the following themes were discussed: Buddhist Art, Architecture and Heritage, Buddha Cārikā and Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma, Role of Holy Buddhist Relics and its Relevance in Society, Significance of Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-Being and Role of Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in 21st Century.
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche delivered a talk about the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in the 21st Century, the convergence of Buddhism with modern scientific inquiry, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s remarkable contribution to the spread of the Buddha Dharma.
At the end of a two-day summit, they adopted an eight-point declaration, known as the ‘Delhi Declaration’. The declaration includes the following points:
1. Strengthening bonds between Asian nations based on the principles of Buddha Dhamma.
2. To work upon Buddhist Literature, especially Pali that contains the original word of the Buddha, Philosophy, and its practice.
3. For the Spiritual continuity of the Buddhist Community and for bonding, the Exposition of the Holy Buddha Relics should be further encouraged.
4. To cultivate a renewed value- based society, involving all segments of society, especially the youth, work towards engaging youth more proactively.
5. To foster and share the historical journey of Buddhist Art and Heritage (Architecture included).
6. To connect Asian Buddhist Circuit through Buddhist Pilgrimage and Living Heritage.
7. Recognize the relevance of scientific and medical aspects of Buddha Dhamma.
8. Buddha’s teachings to unite and bind us all together, reinforcing its contemporary relevance.
