Dalai Lama Inaugurates 2023 International Sangha Forum in Bodhgaya

Tejaswini

Bodh Gaya: The inaugural International Sangha Forum, held in Bodh Gaya, marked a significant gathering of over 2000 monks, nuns, and scholars from 35 countries. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in discussions that centered around the contemporary role of Buddhism, fostering a unified stance against global challenges such as ignorance, violence, injustice, economic disparity, and social discord.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama inaugurated the event, delivering a keynote address that underscored the transformative power of practicing Bodhichitta for global well-being. Addressing the audience, he attributed global suffering to negative actions and emotions, advocating the cultivation of inner strength and self-confidence through the teachings of Buddha. The Dalai Lama encouraged Tibetan scholars to preserve ancient texts, expressing pride in possessing Kangyur and Tengyur literature, which were translated in the 8th century from Pali and Sanskrit.

In highlighting the relevance of Bodhichitta in the modern world, the Dalai Lama acknowledged the discontent prevalent in societies with materialistic lifestyles. He noted Buddhism’s potential to address contemporary psychological challenges, attracting scientific interest in the study of the mind and emotions. Proposing the integration of mind and emotion studies into science education, he emphasized Buddhism’s role in providing solutions to mental and psychological issues.

A special guest at the inaugural session, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, addressed the global threats to peaceful coexistence faced by humanity in various parts of the world. Recognizing the assembly of Buddhist scholars as a crucial opportunity, Khandu highlighted the forum’s objective to create a unified voice against adversities. He portrayed Buddhism not merely as a religion but as a perfect way of life, offering stress and anxiety management solutions for modern challenges.

Positioning Buddhism as a beacon for global cooperation, Khandu urged participants to explore common issues and collaborate in addressing polarization and technological challenges. He called for strengthened global cooperation through Buddha’s teachings of karuna (compassion) and non-violence, envisioning the universalization of Buddhist values, including non-violence and religious harmony.

In summary, the International Sangha Forum in Bodh Gaya brought together a diverse assembly of Buddhist scholars to deliberate on Buddhism’s contemporary relevance and its potential contributions to addressing pressing global issues.