First Asian Buddhist Summit Convenes in New Delhi, Showcases Buddhist Teachings for Modern Society

New Delhi: The inaugural Asian Buddhist Summit, organized by India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), took place in New Delhi on November 5-6, 2024, drawing 700 participants from 32 countries, including leading monastic figures, scholars, diplomats, and experts in Buddhist studies. Themed “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia,” the summit explored Buddhist teachings’ relevance in today’s society, focusing on sustainable development, social harmony, and international cooperation.

The summit featured two parallel forums: one delving into the foundational teachings of Buddha and their modern-day applications, and another exploring the role of Buddhist philosophy in addressing global challenges. The forums brought forward innovative ideas, showing how Buddhist principles could provide practical solutions for societal betterment.

Among the presentations, Prof. Ceon Ramon of the University of Washington compared the Buddhist concept of meditation with neuroscience, highlighting its potential for mental health treatment through meditation and mindfulness techniques. Meanwhile, Shirendev Dorlig from Mongolia shared the success of Vipassana meditation programs introduced in Mongolian prisons, transforming even hardened inmates through structured meditation practices.

Buddhist influence on Central Asian culture was another key topic. Scholars highlighted Buddhism’s impact on art, architecture, and lifestyle in regions like East Turkestan and Russian republics like Kalmykia and Buryatia. Dr. Jagbir Singh of Dyal Singh Evening College, Delhi, traced Chinese Buddhist architecture’s evolution, noting how Buddhism introduced unique architectural styles that continue to shape China’s aesthetic heritage.

The summit also shed light on Buddhism’s influence beyond Asia. Prof. Dr. Shobha Rani Dash from Japan’s Otani University explained how Hindu deities, introduced alongside Buddhism, have become an integral part of Japanese culture, with Saraswati (Benzaiten) revered as a local deity. Dr. Yalcin Kayali from Ankara University highlighted the Buddhist heritage in the Uyghur Turkish cultural sphere, demonstrating Buddhism’s integration into the cultural fabric of Central Asia.

Other notable speakers included Ven. Dr. Polgolle Kusaladhamma from Sri Lanka, who discussed Buddhist meditation’s potential for mental and emotional well-being, and Ven. Ugyen Tshering from Bhutan, who highlighted how Buddhist philosophy underpins Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness model, inspiring national policy and societal values.

Representatives from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan underscored the growing interest in rediscovering their Buddhist heritage. Kazakhstan’s representative, Ruslan Kazkenov, expressed admiration for Buddhism’s similarities with local Tengrian beliefs and suggested hosting the next summit in Kazakhstan.

The Asian Buddhist Summit concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding, academic collaboration, and practical applications of Buddhist philosophy. This milestone event has set the stage for ongoing dialogue and cooperation, with the hope of expanding Buddhist teachings’ reach and relevance across Asia and beyond.