First Asian Buddhist Summit Explores Interconnection of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Challenges

The First Asian Buddhist Summit convened in New Delhi with over 160 participants from 32 countries, explored the theme 'Role of Buddha Dhamma in strengthening Asia'. The event facilitated discussions on Buddhism's influence on sustainable development, social harmony, and cultural heritage through forums and expert presentations.

The inaugural Asian Buddhist Summit, held in New Delhi, attracted more than 160 international participants from 32 countries. Organized by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation, the summit focused on the theme 'Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia'. Participants from diverse backgrounds, including members of the Mahasangha, monastic leaders, diplomats, and Buddhist scholars, eagerly engaged with the topics at hand.

One of the summit's notable successes was the arrangement of two parallel forums. These discussions brought together fundamental teachings of Buddhism and their modern-day relevance, alongside an analysis of how these principles contribute to sustainable development, social harmony, and international cooperation. Several presentations offered innovative perspectives that combined age-old philosophy with contemporary applications to address current societal issues.

The summit also shed light on Buddhism's impact across Asia, from architecture and philosophy in Central Asia to unique integration into cultural practices in places like Mongolia and Japan. Experts shared insights from neuroscience to illustrate the clinical applications of Buddhist meditation and discussed the historic spread of Buddhism across regions, with the influence spanning from Vietnam to Kazakhstan and beyond, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings globally.

(With inputs from agencies.)