Buddhist Summit in Delhi to Highlight India’s Role in Dhamma

The Ministry of Culture in association with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is hosting the first Asian Buddhist Summit today and tomorrow, in New Delhi. The theme for the summit is ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia‘, wherein the summit will gather leaders and scholars from Buddhism to understand the spread of Buddhism across the Asian continent. President Droupadi Murmu is to be the Chief Guest at the event according to a statement released by the Ministry of Culture.

The summit aims to bring together Sangha leaders, scholars, experts, and practitioners from various Buddhist traditions across Asia to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and address the challenges currently faced by the Buddhist community. The Ministry of Culture stated, “Buddhism holds a unique position in the spiritual and cultural history of India and across Asia”.

As per the release, the event will delve into five thematic areas: 1. Buddhist Art, Architecture, and Heritage; 2. Buddha Cārikā and Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma; 3. The Role of Holy Buddhist Relics and Their Societal Relevance; 4. The Significance of Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-Being; 5. Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in the 21st Century.

The teachings of the Buddha have long served as a spiritual and cultural bond throughout Asia, offering a shared perspective on life, divinity, and social values. The Ministry highlighted that “Buddha Dhamma has emerged as a valuable component of India’s culture, aiding the country in developing steadfast foreign policy and effective diplomatic ties”. The summit aligns with India’s Act East Policy, promoting an inclusive and spiritually driven Asian development, with Dhamma as a central guiding principle, it stated.

There will be a special exhibition on the theme of ‘India as the Dhamma Setu (Bridge) Connecting Asia‘. This exhibition will highlight how India played a crucial role in connecting Buddhist heritage all over the continent. It would, in creative displays, show how India has influenced unifying forces in the Buddhist tradition.

The Ministry of Culture described the summit as a momentous occasion to bring together diverse perspectives on Buddha’s teachings from around Asia. As an event where ideas are open discussed in relation to modern-day challenges, through Buddhist values and more, the summit aims at creating an even more compassionate, sustainable, and peaceful world-a world that would contribute to the welfare of humanity.

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