Asian Buddhist Summit Emphasizes Dhamma’s Role in Strengthening Asian Unity and Sustainability
The Buddhist Channel, 13 November 2024
New Delhi, India -- In a groundbreaking convergence of Buddhist leaders, scholars, and policymakers, the First Asian Buddhist Summit convened in New Delhi from November 5-6, 2024. Organized by India's Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the summit bore the theme “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia” and saw participation from 32 countries, bringing together over 160 international attendees among a larger audience of approximately 700.
The summit brought together the Mahasangha, monastic leaders, diplomatic representatives, Buddhist studies academics, and practitioners from diverse Buddhist traditions. Over two days, parallel forums created an immersive experience, inviting participants to explore the Buddha’s teachings and their relevance to current social and ecological issues. These discussions explored applying Buddhist principles to promote social harmony, international cooperation, and sustainable development in the modern world.
Among the highlights were presentations that bridged Buddhist philosophy with contemporary science and social welfare. Professor Ceon Ramon from the University of Washington illustrated connections between neuroscience and Buddhist meditation techniques, highlighting how ancient Buddhist insights into cognitive processes can assist in treating mental health issues today.
Another standout was a report by Mr. Shirendev Dorlig, Director of the Vipassana Research Center in Mongolia, on the successful integration of Vipassana meditation programs within the Mongolian prison system, yielding promising outcomes in behavior rehabilitation.
The summit also showcased how Buddhism has historically shaped Asian art, architecture, and cultural practices. Dr. Jagbir Singh of Delhi University traced the origins of Chinese Buddhist architecture back to the Han Dynasty, with the construction of the White Horse Monastery as a tribute to Indian monks Kashyap Matanga and Dharmaratna.
Meanwhile, Professor Shobha Rani Dash from Kyoto’s Otani University discussed the unique presence of Hindu deities in Japanese Buddhism, explaining how figures like Saraswati, known locally as Benzaiten, have blended into Japan’s spiritual landscape.
The summit also explored Buddhist influences on Central Asian culture. Dr. Yalcin Kayali from Ankara University described the transfer of Buddhist texts into the Uighur language, such as the *Golden Light Sutra*, which helped embed Buddhist philosophy into local Turkic traditions. Kazakh representative Ruslan Kazkenov expressed interest in hosting future summits in Central Asia, recognizing Buddhism’s role in shaping regional culture and traditions.
Overall, the summit’s success underscored the potential for Buddhist values to serve as a unifying force across Asia, offering a shared ethical framework to foster peace, mutual understanding, and sustainable development. With mounting interest from scholars, practitioners, and communities worldwide, the First Asian Buddhist Summit has laid a foundation for future gatherings that continue to explore the enduring legacy of Buddha Dhamma in modern Asia.