The First Asian Buddhist Summit 2024
Context
The First Asian Buddhist Summit 2024 was held in New Delhi. It was organised by India’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Relevance:
GS-01 (Culture)
Highlights:
- The theme of the summit is “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia.“.
- The summit aimed to foster cultural diplomacy, peace, and compassion across the continent, bringing together leaders and representatives from 32 countries.
- With over 700 participants, including high-ranking Buddhist monks, diplomats, scholars, and community leaders, the summit focused on the unifying power of Buddha’s teachings as a means to address contemporary global challenges and promote cooperation among Asian nations.
- Buddha Dhamma’s Modern Relevance: Buddhist values were highlighted as essential for promoting peace, compassion, and unity among Asian nations.
- Cultural Bonds & Peace: Emphasis was placed on non-violent governance and fostering harmony through shared Buddhist principles.
- Education & Youth Engagement: The summit proposed establishing Himalayan educational institutions to pass on Buddhist teachings to future generations.
- Revitalising Heritage: Efforts were called for in preserving Buddhist literature, promoting art and architecture, and establishing pilgrimage routes.
- Buddhism in Science & Medicine: Buddhist practices like mindfulness were acknowledged for their potential in healthcare and mental wellness.
- Delhi Declaration: The summit concluded with a commitment to enhance regional unity and cooperation across Asia based on Buddhist teachings.
Origin of Buddhism
- Buddhism originated in India over 2,600 years ago as a transformative way of life.
- Emerging from South and Southeast Asia, it is a major religion grounded in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, born around 563 BCE.
- Gautama was born into the royal Sakya clan in Kapilvastu, near Lumbini, close to the Indo-Nepal border.
- At the age of 29, he left his privileged life, choosing a path of extreme self-discipline.
- After meditating for 49 consecutive days under a pipal tree in Bodhgaya, Bihar, he attained enlightenment, or Bodhi.
- He shared his first teachings in Sarnath near Varanasi, known as the Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana, or “turning of the wheel of law.”
- Buddha passed away at 80 in 483 BCE in Kushinagara, Uttar Pradesh, an event known as Mahaparinibbana.
Core Principles of Buddhism
- Buddha advocated a balanced path, urging followers to avoid both excessive indulgence and strict asceticism.
- This approach, known as the Madhyam Marg or “Middle Path,” highlights personal responsibility in seeking happiness.
- Central teachings are rooted in the Four Noble Truths (Ariya-Sachchani) and the Eightfold Path (Atthanga Magga).
- Four Noble Truths
- Dukkha: Suffering is a fundamental aspect of existence.
- Samudaya: There is a cause for all suffering.
- Nirodha: Suffering can be overcome.
- Magga: Following the Eightfold Path leads to the end of suffering.
- The Eightfold Path
- Right view
- Right intention
- Right speech
- Right action
- Right livelihood
- Right mindfulness
- Right effort
- Right concentration
- The concept of Dukkha, or suffering, is central, extending beyond physical pain to the potential for suffering itself. Buddhism emphasises enlightenment as a life goal, achievable by transcending self-indulgence and self-denial.
- It recognises no supreme deity; instead, the focus is on attaining Nibbana, a state of profound liberation in this life.
Ethical Guidelines:
Buddha established a moral code for both monastics and laypeople, summarised in the Five Precepts (Pancasila):
- Avoid violence.
- Avoid stealing.
- Avoid sexual misconduct.
- Avoid lying or gossip.
- Avoid intoxicants like drugs and alcohol.
These precepts support ethical conduct and self-discipline, reinforcing a compassionate and mindful lifestyle. Through the teachings of Buddha, Buddhism offers a path to enlightenment that is accessible in daily life, fostering inner peace and ethical living.
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