Mettavalokanaya_Magazine_August_2017

"Buddhism in the 21 st
Century" International
Buddhist Conference
Bihar, India….
Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Culture and Tourism,
Governor Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar,
Mr. M.L. Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda
Mahavira University also participated in this International
Buddhist Conference.
Buddhika Sanjeewa
After visit in Bihar, India….
The three-day Special International Buddhist
conference held at Rajgir - Nalanda International
Convention Centre, Bihar, India from March 17 - 20,
2017. The conference organized grand level by the
Ministry of culture, Government of India and Nava
Nalanda Mahavihara (Deemed University).
The President of India, His Excellency Pranab
Mukherjee and Tibetan Spiritual Leader His Holiness
the Dalai Lama was the Chief Guests of the Buddhist
conference.
Over 400 spiritual leaders, erudite scholars and
students from 35 different countries including Sri Lanka,
Burma, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Uganda
representing both the Sanskrit and Pali traditions are
participating in the conference.
The three-day conference, aimed at renewing
contacts and discussing Buddhism’s perspectives and
responses to global issues. Delegates discussed panel
discussion on resolving conflict and peace building on
the Conference. In his keynote address, His Holiness
the Dalai Lama spoke about the oneness of the entire
7 billion human beings and their universal desire for
happiness. “All seven billion human beings desire
happiness. Happiness cannot come from fear and anger.
Therefore, we need compassion, love and friendship
to foster feelings of mutual trust and belonging,” His
Holiness said.
Speaking on the occasion, the President of India,
His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee said that no part of
the world today is free from the scourge of violence.
This crisis is all pervasive. The basic question being
raised today is how to stop this wanton destruction
and come back to sanity. He said that the philosophy
of Buddhism is as relevant today as ever - especially as
the world grapples with complex problems that seem
intractable. Buddhism has had a deep influence on
human civilization. The President said as they return
to their respective areas of activity and influence, he
requested them all to redouble their efforts to promote
the simple Truths and the Path of the Buddha that show
we can be better citizens and contribute to making our
land a better place to live in.
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