Searching for Solutions to Human Issues at Global Buddhist Summit in Delhi on April 20 and 21

Ven. Dr Dhammapiya, Secretary General, International Buddhist Confederation. (File Photo/ANI)

The theme of the summit is ‘Response to Contemporary Challenges from Philosophy to Praxis’. Dhammapiya, General Secretary of the International Buddhist Council (IBC), stated that many of the issues facing the world today could be addressed and resolved through the teachings of the Buddha.

The Summit is aimed at exploring answers to multifarious issues faced by humanity globally. Drawing on Buddhism as its base, eminent scholars from across the globe will strive to uncover solutions to the many problems humans are confronted with every day. Subjects such as Buddhism and peace, environmental crisis, health and sustainability, and the preservation of the Nalanda Buddhist tradition, as well as Buddhist pilgrimage, living heritage and Buddha relics will be discussed and examined.

The Federation, which has its headquarters in Delhi, aims to unite the Buddhist community so they can think about the major global issues, discuss and be motivated to work together. According to him, there is a conflict between two extreme viewpoints in the universe, and the Buddha’s middle path and balance hold the key to its resolution, reported NewsonAir.

Abhijeet Haldar, the Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation, declared that our world is currently grappling with a number of major challenges, including war, violence, natural disasters, and climate change. These are all problems that were caused by humans, and thus they can only be solved by humans. To that end, the International Buddhist Confederation is working to bring together the best Buddhist thinkers from around the world, in an effort to spread their message to the rest of the world.

This conference will welcome 180 participants from 30 countries around the world. In addition, thinkers and Buddhist religious leaders from across the nation will also be in attendance. Participants will even come from as far away as Mexico and Brazil. The International Buddhist Confederation was initially proposed in the Autumn of 2010, during Ven. Lama Lobzang’s visit to Sri Lanka. It was there that some respected Sangha members suggested that India host an international Buddhist conference of large scale.

The planning then began for one of the largest international gatherings of Buddhists ever to take place on Indian soil – the Global Buddhist Congregation. The suggestion was then made that a permanent umbrella body should be formed to carry the work and vision of the Global Buddhist Congregation forward into the future and to represent the enduring interests of Buddhism in the world.

Moral and cultural degradation, religious conflicts, corruption, a lack of food and security, unemployment, environmental degradation, poverty, malnutrition, and other serious issues plague societies around the globe. In recent years, every technological advance made by humanity has had a detrimental effect on society.

The alienation between various communities is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, leading to disintegration and hyper-individuality. This has resulted in a lack of empathy for those in need, fostering selfishness and greed in society. Now more than ever, compassion, solidarity, and peace are ideals that must be upheld to ensure a better future.

According to the spiritual leader Dalai Lama, global issues can be resolved, but only through concerted human effort, understanding, and the development of a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. By understanding each other’s cultures and beliefs, and by extending mutual respect, we can begin to work together in order to create a better world. With a unified sense of purpose, we can tackle any issue and make a positive difference.

He emphasized that cultivating a universal responsibility for each other and for the planet we share is the real key to human survival. “This requires a good heart and a heightened awareness,” he said.