In a recent collaborative initiative, the Ministry of Culture has joined hands with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) to host the first Global Buddhist Summit in 2023. The motive is to foster diplomatic and cultural relations with other countries through Buddhism.
Understanding the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
Founded in November 2011 at the Global Buddhist Congregation in New Delhi, IBC is the most prominent religious Buddhist confederation worldwide. With its headquarters in Delhi, India, IBC’s primary goal is to establish a global role for Buddhism. It works to preserve heritage, share knowledge, promote values, and provide a united platform for Buddhism to participate in global conversations meaningfully.
About the Global Buddhist Summit 2023
The two-day Summit will witness participation from Buddhist monks from various countries, eminent scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners globally. There will be 173 international participants, including 84 Sangha members and 151 Indian delegates encompassing 46 Sangha members, 40 nuns, and 65 laity hailing from outside Delhi.
Under the theme “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis,” the summit aims to discuss pressing global issues and seek solutions based on Buddha Dhamma—a philosophy rooted in universal values. The objective is to formulate an academic document that aids in researching its viability as a tool for conducting international relations globally.
Why is it Significant for India?
India, being the birthplace of Buddhism, holds high importance in the realm of this religion. This summit can enhance India’s cultural and diplomatic relations with other countries, especially those adopting Buddhist Ethos.
Buddha’s Teachings: Addressing Contemporary Global Challenges
Lord Buddha’s teachings— including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path— have immense potential to address contemporary challenges such as war, economic crisis, terrorism, and climate change. These teachings emphasize compassion, non-violence, interdependence, ethical conduct, social responsibility, generosity, mindfulness, simplicity, and non-harming, which are crucial in maintaining peaceful coexistence, promoting social justice, and practicing sustainable living.
The Impact of Buddhism on India’s Soft Power Strategy
India employs Buddhism as a soft power strategy through cultural diplomacy, emphasizing Indian culture via art, music, films, literature, and festivals. Institutions like the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) frequently organize cultural events in Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Bhutan to reinforce cultural ties and showcase India’s cultural heritage.
Education and capacity-building initiatives are another strategic measure. India has established various Buddhist institutions and centers of excellence, such as Nalanda University and the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, to encourage and promote Buddhist studies and research. Furthermore, scholarships and training programs are offered to Buddhist students and monks from other countries.
Bilateral exchanges and initiatives form an integral part of this soft power strategy. India aims to deepen its relations with Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Bhutan. Various agreements have been signed, and assistance has been provided for the restoration and conservation of cultural heritage sites in these countries.
By hosting the Global Buddhist Summit 2023, India not only strengthens its global position but also furthers its cause of promoting peace and harmony through the teachings of Lord Buddha.