Representing 32 countries, the delegates have set the objective of finding out newer ways and means to examine the capacity and the resilience of Buddhism to engage itself and be useful in giving a more peaceful and progressive world. And hence the topics to be discussed include conflicts and violence, social disparity, environmental degradation, the role of ethics and values, besides seeking novel ways to make Buddhism play a more effective role in evoking the conscience of the people in the trouble-hit regions of the planet we live in.
Besides all-faith prayer meetings, a 'dhamma yatra' will end with the planting of saplings from the sacred Boddhi trees from sacred locations like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Sri Lanka.
A Buddhist cultural heritage festival (Sambodh) will highlight the richness and the beauty of the cultural "assets" of various nations and how they can be used as cementing bonds between the countries. Focus will also be on how to locate and preserve the priceless Buddhist artifacts and monuments all over the country and elsewhere, where they remain neglected and in pretty bad shape.
India, the mother of many cultures, will indeed be richer if we can care for our heritage and love of humanity. That was the message the Buddha had left 2600 years ago. And the message will reverberate over the next week as the world Buddhist leaders will chant in unison the peace mantra of the Buddha for a more loving and caring planet to live in.
