The summit aims to unite Sangha leaders, scholars, experts and practitioners of various
Buddhist traditions across Asia, and elsewhere, to foster dialogue, promote understanding and
address contemporary challenges facing the Buddhist community
By Kamran Khan
The first Asian Buddhist Summit was held in New Delhi on November 5 and 6, 2024. It was organized
by the Union ministry of culture, government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist
Confederation (IBC). President Droupadi Murmu was the chief guest. She said that when the world
today is facing an existential crisis on many fronts, not only conflicts, but also the climate crisis, the
large Buddhist community, in South Asia, and across many parts of the world, has much to offer to
humankind.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiran Rijju, also participated, along with Minister of Culture and
Tourism, Gajendra Sekhawat.
In the backdrop of a Pali invocation rendered by monks, the atmosphere was loaded with a sacred
spirit. The summit explored the Buddhist heritage through an academic dialogue, but its essence was
driven by a strong sense of spirituality.
There were around 160 delegates from different countries, including from Uzbekistan, Kazhakstan and
Tajikstan. Significantly, these countries are tied up to this heritage because of their proximity to the
famous Silk Route. This route was frequented by traders and travelers, which helped in spreading the
message of Buddha.
The summit aims to unite Sangha leaders, scholars, experts and practitioners of various Buddhist
traditions across Asia, and elsewhere, to foster dialogue, promote understanding and address
contemporary challenges facing the Buddhist community. Sangha in Buddhism refers to the people
who follow the teachings of Gautam Buddha.
The theme of the summit, ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia’, highlights its objective to
explore commonalities across diverse Buddhist traditions, practices and beliefs, in different countries.
It will focus on how Dhamma can help build a value-based society that promotes unity, peace and
strength across the South Asian region.
Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BCE. Siddhartha, who was born in Lumbini (now in
Nepal), travelled across unknown terrains to spread his message of peace and compassion. He attained
enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and began preaching the teachings of Dhamma at Sarnath, Uttar
Pradesh.
Later, Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka, Burma, Southeast Asia, China, Tibet, , Afghanistan, Japan and
Central Asia. To strengthen ties with countries where Buddhism has deep roots, the Indian government
has actively engaged with Southeast Asian nations, and China, Japan, and Sri Lanka, through cultural
diplomacy, emphasizing on the shared Buddhist heritage.
The first Global Buddhist Summit was held in New Delhi in April 2023. It was inaugurated by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, and organized by the Union ministry of culture and IBC. The first
international conference on ‘Shared Buddhist Heritage’ was organized in March 2023, as part of India’s
presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The International Abhidhamma Divas was held
in New Delhi on October 17, 2024.
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is a global umbrella organization of Buddhist
communities, headquartered in New Delhi. Registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, its
primary aim is to preserve, promote and advance Buddhist heritage worldwide. This international
summit was part of this ongoing effort.
“Meeting a diverse variety of spiritual leaders and thinkers from different countries was a fine
experience. Buddhism has a lot to offer to this world trapped in conflict and violence,” said a delegate.
Photos by Kamran Khan.