First Global Buddhist Summit 2023

The First Global Buddhist Summit marks a historic milestone in the international Buddhist community, bringing together eminent spiritual leaders, scholars, and practitioners from diverse traditions and geographical locations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the First Global Buddhist Summit organized by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation. He spoke at the opening session held at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi.

The Ministry of Culture organized the very first Global Buddhist Summit was inaugurated in Collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). In a world where connectivity is more crucial than ever, this summit builds on the legacy of regional Buddhist gatherings. It emerges as a groundbreaking initiative for fostering global unity within the Buddhist faith.

First Global Buddhist Summit

It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 20th, 2023 at Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. The Ministry of Culture hosted the summit along with the International Buddhist Confederation for 2 days. The summit’s theme was “ Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis”. It was a way of engaging scholars and global Buddhist Dhamma leaders on matters of global concern. The summit discussed the fundamental values of Buddha’s dhamma and how it can provide guidance presently.

Significance of the Global Buddhist Summit

The Global Buddhist Summit was very important as it saw the participation of some important figures like the Dalai Lama. At this summit, Prime Minister Modi talked about the importance of Buddhist teachings in the contemporary world. The summit strengthened the country’s soft power and allowed it to connect with the Buddhist population. The summit was significant for the following reasons:

• Showcase India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and emphasize its historical faith
• Serving as a platform to strengthen bonds between nations following Buddhist traditions
• It was a major step towards the soft power diplomacy of India
• The government hoped to promote and preserve Buddhist heritage through such a big event

The objective of the First Global Buddhist Summit

The summit was an initiative by the Modi government to help strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties with the world. The main objectives of the summit were as follows:

• An important vision of the summit was to inculcate the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha
• Finding solutions to global issues through the universal values of Buddha Dhamma
• Providing a platform to Dharma masters and Buddhist scholars who are not members of the Sangha
• Discussing present issues from the perspective of Buddhism
• Working towards universal peace
• Create new texts for academic research
• Inculcate values of “Vasudeva Kutumbakam” among youths to rejuvenate society

Key Participants of the First Global Buddhist Summit

The summit saw the participation of some prominent Dharma practitioners and Sangha leaders from different parts of the world discussing global issues and finding solutions for the same in Buddha’s dhamma based on universal values. His Holiness Dalai Lama was also present there on the second day of the summit. In his address of 30 minutes, he focused on wisdom, compassion, and dependence as embraced by Buddha.

Here Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi welcomed everyone from different countries as he addressed the summit and in his speech said “ Buddha is beyond all” and he is a feeling that surpasses us. He is conscious of the mind which is beyond human manifestation. He expressed confidence that the summit will become an effective platform with the help of all nations. At last, the PM thanked and praised the International Buddhist Federation (IBC) and the Ministry of Culture for organising the summit.

Around 170 delegates from different countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Mexico, Japan, and Laos and 150 other participants from India were present at the conference. While there were no participants from China.

Themes and Topics of the First Global Buddhist Summit

Although the main theme of the summit was Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis. There were also four sub-themes for discussions:

• Preserving Buddhist traditions of Nalanda
• Health Sustainability and Environmental Crisis
• Buddha Dhamma and Peace
• Buddha relics, pilgrimage, and living heritage
• Bilateral Initiatives

If we see this summit as a bilateral exchange this was India’s attempt to strengthen its ties with Buddhist countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Cambodia. The summit witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements like the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA) for economic cooperation.

India also extended its help to these Buddhist nations in restoring and protecting their cultural heritage sites like the Bagan temple in Myanmar and Stupa in Nepal. India and Mongolia also announced cultural exchange programs under which 10 scholarships are to be given for studying Tibetan Buddhism to Mongolians.

Cultural Exhibitions and Events at the First Global Buddhist Summit

An Exhibition was also organised during the Global Buddhist Summit, the panch pradarshan celebration of five exhibitions. This exhibition depicted IBC’s 10-year journey and the cultural legacy of Buddha’s manifestation of Vadnagar city, Gujarat, works of master and religious leader Atisa Dipamkara Srijana, travel accounts of Xuanzang a Buddhist pilgrim and restoring the Ajanta paintings digitally.

Legacy of First Buddhist Global Summit

The legacy of the summit lies in its multifaceted impact from diplomatic exchange to cultural exhibitions. It provided a platform for discussion of global issues from a Buddhist perspective along with the facilitation of bilateral agreements including cultural exchange programs and economic cooperation. The summit focused on preserving Buddhist tradition, promoting peace, addressing the environmental crisis, and showcasing cultural heritage like Buddha’s relics and Nalanda which contributes to the role of Buddhism in the contemporary world. Along with all this, the cultural exhibition during the summit celebrated IBC’s journey and also the cultural legacy of Buddha’s manifestation providing a visual representation of the impact of Buddhism on history, art, and philosophy. The legacy of the Global Buddhist Summit goes beyond the event itself and leaves a lasting impact on cultural preservation, international relations, and global understanding of Buddhism’s enduring significance.

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Summary – First Global Buddhist Summit 2023

The First Global Buddhist Summit, held in New Delhi in 2023, was a significant event organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation. It aimed to bring together Buddhist leaders, scholars, and practitioners worldwide. The summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on discussing contemporary challenges and finding solutions based on Buddha’s teachings.

Key objectives included promoting the values of Buddhism, addressing global issues through universal Buddhist principles, and fostering diplomatic and cultural ties. Notable participants included the Dalai Lama, and discussions covered themes like preserving Buddhist traditions, health sustainability, peace, and cultural heritage.

The summit showcased India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism, strengthened ties with Buddhist nations, and served as a platform for bilateral agreements. India extended support for cultural heritage preservation in countries like Myanmar and Nepal. The event also featured cultural exhibitions celebrating Buddha’s legacy.

FAQs on First Global Buddhist Summit 2023

1. When and where did the First Buddhist Summit take place?

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 20th, 2023 at Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. The summit was hosted by the Ministry of Culture along with the International Buddhist Confederation for 2 days.

2. What was the main theme of the Global Buddhist Summit?

Although the main theme of the summit was Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis. There were also four sub-themes for discussions:

• Preserving Buddhist traditions of Nalanda
• Health Sustainability and Environmental Crisis
• Buddha Dhamma and Peace
• Buddha relics, pilgrimage, and living heritage

3. Mention the two bilateral exchanges that were signed at the Global Buddhist Summit.

The Global Buddhist Summit witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements like the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA) for economic cooperation.

4. Who inaugurated the first Global Buddhist Summit?

The first Global Buddhist Summit was inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Here Prime Minister Modi welcomed everyone from different countries as he addressed the summit.

5. Why was the Global Buddhist Summit significant?

The Global Buddhist Summit was significant for the following reasons:

• Showcase India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and emphasise its historical faith.
• Serving as a platform to strengthen bonds between nations following Buddhist traditions.
• It was a major step towards the soft power diplomacy of India.
• The government hoped to promote and preserve Buddhist heritage through such a big event.