Source: This post on Asian Buddhist Summit 2024 has been created based on the article “Asian Buddhist Summit 2024” published in PIB on 5th November 2024.
Why in news?
The First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) takes place on November 5-6, 2024, in New Delhi, India.
About the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS)
1. Organizers: Hosted by India’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
2. Theme: “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia” – exploring Buddhism’s impact across Asia.
Chief Guest: The President of India, underscoring the significance of the event.
Summit Focus Areas
1. Buddhist Art, Architecture, and Heritage: It reflects the spiritual and cultural ties within Buddhism. Indian landmarks like Sanchi stupas and Ajanta caves that convey Buddha’s teachings and artistic heritage.
2. Buddha Cārikā (Wanderings) and Dissemination of Teachings: Buddha’s travels in India to spread his teachings to people from diverse backgrounds.
3. Role of Buddhist Relics in Society: Relics symbolize Buddha’s teachings, promote community gatherings, support local economies, and inspire peace and compassion.
4. Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-being: It emphasis on mindfulness, compassion, and interconnectedness offers holistic approaches to health and wellness.
5. Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in the 21st Century: Ancient texts and philosophies continue to offer wisdom on human nature, reality, and enlightenment.
India’s Initiatives to Preserve Buddhist Heritage
1. Buddhist Tourism Circuit: A government initiative to develop a tourism circuit encompassing key Buddhist sites in India, including Kapilvastu.
2. Global Buddhist Summit 2023: It focused on values and peace, emphasizing Buddha Dhamma’s role in global challenges.
3. SCO Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage (2022-2023): Discussed Buddhist art and archaeological connections among member states.
3. Symposium on Vipassana Meditation (2024): An event in Bangkok discussing meditation’s role in well-being and peace.
4. Recognition of Pali Language as Classical: Pali, used in Buddha’s sermons, achieved classical status in October 2024, affirming its cultural importance.
5. International Abhidhamma Diwas: It was held on October 17, 2024, in New Delhi, celebrating Abhidhamma’s teachings and Pali’s role in preserving Buddha Dhamma.
About Buddhism
1. Origins of Buddha Dhamma: Buddha Dhamma originated in the 6th century BCE when Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment, sharing profound teachings on the nature of existence and the path to liberation.
2. Post-Mahaparinirvana: After the Buddha’s passing, his followers preserved and spread his teachings, which eventually evolved into three main Buddhist traditions: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
3. Emperor Ashoka’s Contribution: Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (268-232 BCE) played a transformative role in promoting Buddha Dhamma, applying its principles to governance, which fostered societal peace, happiness, and harmony. His rock and pillar edicts remain as lasting testaments to Buddhism’s spread across Asia.
4. Early Divisions and Development: By the first century CE, Buddhism saw a significant split, leading to Mahayana and Nikaya Buddhism, with Theravada as the only remaining Nikaya school. This division marked the formation of distinctive interpretations within Buddhism.
5. Expansion and Adaptation: As Buddhism expanded beyond India, it adapted to local cultures. It spread northward through Central Asia into East Asia, forming the Northern branch, and eastward into Southeast Asia, developing the Southern branch.
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