The summit will bring together Buddhist leaders, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from India and abroad to examine contemporary global challenges through the framework of the Buddhadharma. According to organizers, more than 200 delegates and 800 participants from around the world are expected to attend.

Global Buddhist Summit: World Buddhist Leaders Gather in New Delhi 

New Delhi: New Delhi is preparing to welcome Buddhist leaders, scholars, and practitioners from around the world for the second Global Buddhist Summit scheduled on 24 and 25 January. Organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Culture, the event will take place at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the summit as chief guest, repeating his role from the inaugural edition in 2023. The theme for this year’s gathering is ‘Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence’. Organisers say it reflects the aim of strengthening Buddhist philosophy’s contribution to societal harmony and international cooperation.&nbsp;IBC Director General Abhijit Halder announced the details during a press conference earlier on Friday, pointing to the summit’s role in promoting peace and universal values at a time of global tensions. More than 200 delegates are expected, including heads of national Buddhist Sanghas, supreme patriarchs, and senior figures from various countries. The total attendance is anticipated to exceed 800 participants.&nbsp;The summit will focus on applying Buddhist teachings, known as Buddha Dhamma or Dharma, to some of the most pressing issues facing the world today, including conflict, environmental concerns, and social division. Participants will include prominent leaders from across Asia.&nbsp;&nbsp;From Nepal, Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, will attend. Myanmar will be represented by Most Ven Ashin Kumara, Pro Rector of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy. From Bhutan, His Eminence Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, founder of Siddhartha’s Intent, is among the key speakers. Japan’s delegation includes Rev. Kosho Tomioka, Director of the Japan Buddhist Federation.&nbsp;Other notable figures include Maris Sangiampongsa, former Foreign Minister of Thailand; Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien from Vietnam; Gyeltrul Jigme Rinpoche from India; Master Shih Jian-Yin from Taiwan; and Prof. Robert Thurman, a renowned Buddhist scholar from the United States.&nbsp;The IBC, a New Delhi-based umbrella organisation serving as a global platform for Buddhists, says the summit brings together state leaders, Dhamma practitioners, and scholars. In addition to discussions, the event will feature exhibitions on sacred Buddhist relics and India's contemporary cultural engagement with Buddhism, as well as ‘Virasat se Vishwa: India’s Buddha Dhamma Outreach’.&nbsp;A major highlight will be a live demonstration of NORBU, described as a ‘Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding’. This AI language model, based on advanced algorithms and trained on extensive Buddhist texts, generates contextually relevant responses in multiple languages. The IBC has adopted NORBU as its global patron and named it ‘Kalyan Mitra’ (Spiritual Friend), aiming to engage younger generations in a tech-driven era.&nbsp;The first Global Buddhist Summit in April 2023 also took place in New Delhi, drawing delegates from 31 countries and focusing on contemporary challenges through Buddhist principles. The gathering is seen as part of India’s broader efforts to highlight its historical connection to Buddhism and foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

The theme for this year’s gathering is ‘Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence’. Organisers say it reflects the aim of strengthening Buddhist philosophy’s contribution to societal harmony and international cooperation.

New Delhi: New Delhi is preparing to welcome Buddhist leaders, scholars, and practitioners from around the world for the second Global Buddhist Summit scheduled on 24 and 25 January. Organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Culture, the event will take place at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the summit as chief guest, repeating his role from the inaugural edition in 2023. The theme for this year’s gathering is ‘Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence’. Organisers say it reflects the aim of strengthening Buddhist philosophy’s contribution to societal harmony and international cooperation. IBC Director General Abhijit Halder announced the details during a press conference earlier on Friday, pointing to the summit’s role in promoting peace and universal values at a time of global tensions. More than 200 delegates are expected, including heads of national Buddhist Sanghas, supreme patriarchs, and senior figures from various countries. The total attendance is anticipated to exceed 800 participants. The summit will focus on applying Buddhist teachings, known as Buddha Dhamma or Dharma, to some of the most pressing issues facing the world today, including conflict, environmental concerns, and social division. Participants will include prominent leaders from across Asia. From Nepal, Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, will attend. Myanmar will be represented by Most Ven Ashin Kumara, Pro Rector of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy. From Bhutan, His Eminence Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, founder of Siddhartha’s Intent, is among the key speakers. Japan’s delegation includes Rev. Kosho Tomioka, Director of the Japan Buddhist Federation. Other notable figures include Maris Sangiampongsa, former Foreign Minister of Thailand; Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien from Vietnam; Gyeltrul Jigme Rinpoche from India; Master Shih Jian-Yin from Taiwan; and Prof. Robert Thurman, a renowned Buddhist scholar from the United States. The IBC, a New Delhi-based umbrella organisation serving as a global platform for Buddhists, says the summit brings together state leaders, Dhamma practitioners, and scholars. In addition to discussions, the event will feature exhibitions on sacred Buddhist relics and India's contemporary cultural engagement with Buddhism, as well as ‘Virasat se Vishwa: India’s Buddha Dhamma Outreach’. A major highlight will be a live demonstration of NORBU, described as a ‘Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding’. This AI language model, based on advanced algorithms and trained on extensive Buddhist texts, generates contextually relevant responses in multiple languages. The IBC has adopted NORBU as its global patron and named it ‘Kalyan Mitra’ (Spiritual Friend), aiming to engage younger generations in a tech-driven era. The first Global Buddhist Summit in April 2023 also took place in New Delhi, drawing delegates from 31 countries and focusing on contemporary challenges through Buddhist principles. The gathering is seen as part of India’s broader efforts to highlight its historical connection to Buddhism and foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

The theme for this year’s gathering is ‘Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence’. Organisers say it reflects the aim of strengthening Buddhist philosophy’s contribution to societal harmony and international cooperation.

India to host second Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi

Dalai Lama attended the Global Buddhist Summit on day 2 in New Delhi on Friday. Earlier India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi. This summit marks the significance and importance of India in Buddhism. Delegates from about 30 countries will participate in the event.

Dalai Lama attends the Global Buddhist Summit on day 2

Tibetan spiritual guru Dalai Lama on Friday attended the Global Buddhist Summit, a two-day event hosted by India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBS) on 20 and 21 April. &nbsp;Dalai Lama spoke for a length of about thirty minutes to a group of monks and other delegates who had assembled here on day 2 of the gathering, according to PTI news agency citing sources.

In his address, the spiritual guru highlighted the ideals and philosophy of Buddhism. ''In his nearly half-an-hour address, the Tibetan spiritual leader spoke of compassion, wisdom and meditation,'' a source told PTI.

Dalai Lama said that these are three ideals which are central to the philosophy and teachings of Lord Buddha. There was no confirmation of the Dalai Lama's visit. He was issued an invitation to the event, organisers said on Monday during a news conference. However, it had not been determined if he would attend.

On Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the opening session of the groundbreaking summit.

PM Modi during his address mentioned the challenges posed by the present times. His address figured concerns including war, climate change, economic instability, terrorism and religious extremism.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-hits-back-at-g7-says-position-as-nuclear-state-final-and-irreversible-584618">North Korea hits back at G7, says position as nuclear state 'final and irreversible'</a>

The prime minister said that these challenges can be overcome with the help of Lord Buddha's teachings.&nbsp;

There are two parts to the summit. One is academic session and the other one is Sangha session. The inaugural session was open for the media to attend however, the second session was not.&nbsp;

Early on Friday morning, a government-in-exile official from the Central Tibetan Administration, also known as the CTA, informed PTI that "His Holiness will attend the event." The conference is being hosted at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-recruitment-ad-calling-for-real-men-to-fight-in-ukraine-584624">Russian recruitment ad calling for 'real men' to fight in Ukraine</a>

It is a first-of-its-kind summit hosted by India. India is the birthplace of Buddha and has a unique advantage in spreading the culture of Buddhism across the world. Events such as Buddha Purnima, which commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana, can be used as a platform to promote Buddhist teachings and practices.

WATCH | Have British schools become breeding grounds for Anti-Hindu hate?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-have-british-schools-become-breeding-grounds-for-anti-hindu-hate-584594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Through events like these, India can showcase its rich Buddhist heritage and encourage people from all over the world to visit the country and explore its Buddhist sites. By leveraging its Buddhist legacy, the country can also play a major role in promoting peace, compassion, and mindfulness globally.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Tibetan spiritual guru Dalai Lama on Friday attended the Global Buddhist Summit, a two-day event hosted by India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBS) on 20 and 21 April.

Tibetan spiritual guru Dalai Lama on Friday attended the Global Buddhist Summit, a two-day event hosted by India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBS) on 20 and 21 April. Dalai Lama spoke for a length of about thirty minutes to a group of monks and other delegates who had assembled here on day 2 of the gathering, according to PTI news agency citing sources. In his address, the spiritual guru highlighted the ideals and philosophy of Buddhism. ''In his nearly half-an-hour address, the Tibetan spiritual leader spoke of compassion, wisdom and meditation,'' a source told PTI. Dalai Lama said that these are three ideals which are central to the philosophy and teachings of Lord Buddha. There was no confirmation of the Dalai Lama's visit. He was issued an invitation to the event, organisers said on Monday during a news conference. However, it had not been determined if he would attend. On Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the opening session of the groundbreaking summit. PM Modi during his address mentioned the challenges posed by the present times. His address figured concerns including war, climate change, economic instability, terrorism and religious extremism. Also Read | North Korea hits back at G7, says position as nuclear state 'final and irreversible' The prime minister said that these challenges can be overcome with the help of Lord Buddha's teachings. There are two parts to the summit. One is academic session and the other one is Sangha session. The inaugural session was open for the media to attend however, the second session was not. Early on Friday morning, a government-in-exile official from the Central Tibetan Administration, also known as the CTA, informed PTI that "His Holiness will attend the event." The conference is being hosted at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. Also Read | Russian recruitment ad calling for 'real men' to fight in Ukraine It is a first-of-its-kind summit hosted by India. India is the birthplace of Buddha and has a unique advantage in spreading the culture of Buddhism across the world. Events such as Buddha Purnima, which commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana, can be used as a platform to promote Buddhist teachings and practices. WATCH | Have British schools become breeding grounds for Anti-Hindu hate? × Through events like these, India can showcase its rich Buddhist heritage and encourage people from all over the world to visit the country and explore its Buddhist sites. By leveraging its Buddhist legacy, the country can also play a major role in promoting peace, compassion, and mindfulness globally. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dalai Lama attends Global Buddhist Summit hosted by India, speaks of compassion, wisdom and meditation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session of the Global Buddhist Summit in Delhi. The two-day Summit is being hosted by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).

Indian PM Modi addresses inaugural session of Global Buddhist Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi today (April 20). The summit is being organized by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with its grantee body International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).

Indian PM Modi to inaugurate first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi

India is going to host the world's first Global Buddhist Summit on April 20. Eminent Buddhist delegates from all around the world will be gathering in New Delhi. Dalai lama has already arrived in the national capital. What does this event entail? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | India to host maiden Global Buddhist Summit

Whether one takes it as human faith or belief and follows it as religion, philosophy or spirituality, the fact is; all four major religions of the world: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are Asia-born. The first two originating from the arid land of the Levant and the latter two bloomed in midst of a vast riverine/water body which spanned from the lofty snowline to deep sea called “Bharata-Varsha, or land of Bharata” of the “Epics and the Puranas”:

“Uttaram yat samudrasya 
Hmadreschaiva dakshinam 
Varsham tad Bharatam nama 
Bharati yatra santatih”. 
(Vishnu Purana, II, 3. 1)

"The country that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharata; there dwells the descendant of Bharata"

Of the above four, however, let’s today have a glimpse of salient features of Buddhism founded in 6th BC and enthusiastically propagated by the 3rd century BC empire-state of emperor Ashok. Indeed, the unassuming and reticent founding father of Buddhism subsequently gave India the pride of place in the heart of millions of Buddhists, spread across geographical distance, to visit the sanctum sanctorum of the origin of the divinity of the creator, Lord Buddha. Understandably, Buddhism made India equal to what Mecca stands for the Muslims; Jerusalem to Christians and Kashi for the Hindus. Additionally, the “Char Dham” of the Hindus can be seen to be at equal footing with that of Buddhism’s “Char Dham” of Lumbini, Nepal, where the Lord was born and the three Indian centres of Gaya (where enlightenment was attained), Sarnath (the hub of preaching and teaching) and Kusinagar or Kasia where the Lord left for his abode of eternal bliss.&nbsp;

Indeed, the familiar serene and smiling face of a meditate-ing Buddha under the tree invariably made a captivating scenario leading to a spirit of spontaneous obeisance and fraternity around. No wonder Buddhism and its disciples never ever had to carry either a sword or a man-killing military operations manual to ravage the countryside with a merciless ride on horse, chariot and elephant brigade of glorified myth and victor’s history.

Sheer power of love, piety and empathy, giving a helping-hand and all-embracing fraternity constituted the primary tool of Buddhism to tap the mind and attract the alien in their own land. It’s the magic of simple, intelligible words which made Buddhism so attractive and irresistible. It was charm, rather than challenge, which formed the magnet for men of all hues beyond the geography of India’s 50 lac square kilometre.

Thus, belonging to Sakya clan of Kapilavastu (modern south Nepal bordering India) Buddha (Siddharth at birth) in the 6th century BC to Gautam gotra or family was born with silver spoon in mouth, being the son of Raja Suddhodana. Yet, the son of the king chose to be an ascetic, renouncing all the worldly power and pleasures at twenty-nine, soon after the birth of his son Rahul. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Why and how did all this happen? It’s because the sensitive and an exceptionally precocious mind of the son of the Raja developed a profound grasp over, and astute detection of, the causes of human misery and the inescapable suffering therefrom, especially at old age. Hence, the emphasis was on, for leading simple, harmonious and contended life. To do that, Lord Buddha stipulated the “Middle Path” called the “Noble Eight-fold path”: “Right Views, Right Aspirations, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Contemplation”.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, despite lofty thoughts and lucid semantics, Buddhism remained confined within its place of origin and did not expand till another royal push was given by the Magadha Emperor Ashok after his 261 BC pyrrhic victory in Kalinga war. Overnight, the electric transformation of a remorse-filled Satan Ashok to Saint/Sadhu Ashok (Chandasoka to Dharmasoka) opened the door for Buddhism to expand under the guidance and navigation of the “changed-man”. Ashok led from the front for peaceful “conquest” through love and piety thereby eschewing war as an instrument of state policy forever. This not only came as a boon for Buddhism but opened new vista for India transcending Central, East and Southeast Asian barriers with consummate ease, without shedding a single drop of blood. Thus, what Buddha taught as an ideal theory, Ashok put it into idyllic practice.

Overnight, the Emperor deployed the state machinery to propound the basics of Buddhism in the simplest of forms; setting up rock and pillar inscriptions at far-flung frontier posts from north-west to south and east to west.

In lightning speed the non-violent “Dharma” (Buddhist doctrine) became the fulcrum of the foreign policy of Indian Emperor. Without imposing his sectarian belief on others the Emperor practised what he preached. Resorting to non-violence, tolerance, fraternity, humility and obeisance to fellow humans of all faith and followers.&nbsp;

Dharma in the Ashok lexicon was referred to as “Dhamma”, as found from various Rock Edicts at Shahbazgarhi (Peshawar), Mansehra (Hazara District Pakistan), Kalsi (Dehradun), Girnar (Junagarh), Sopara (Maharashtra), Dhauli (near Bhuvaneswara), Jaugada (Odisha), Yerragudi (Kurnool), Prayagraj (UP), Palkigundi, Lauriya Araraj (Bihar), Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar), Delhi. Separate Kalinga Edicts at Tosali (or Samapa) and the “Standing Buddha” at Bamiyan (today’s Afghanistan) spoke volumes about the power of non-violence impacting places bordering far-away Central Asia.

Not content with symbolic structure, what amazed the world was the written substance inscribed in the rock edits in the simplest of semantics. Buddhist Dhamma from India radiated through the beauty of thoughts and the glory of action. Dhamma consisted of “(1) Sadhave or Bahu-kayane (much good); (2) Ap asinave (freedom from depravity); (3) Daya (mercy); (4) Dane (magnanimity); (5) Sache (truthfulness); (6) Sachaye (purity); and (7) Madhave (gentleness)”. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

To put the basics into a practice followed the charter of duties for all. “Anarambho prananam (non-slaughter of animate beings); avihisa bhutanam (non-injury to live creatures); matari pitari susrusa (hearkening to father and mother); thaira susrusa (hearkening to elders); gurunam apachiti (reverence to teachers); mita-samstuta-natikanam bahmana-samananam danam sampatipati (magnanimity and seemly behaviour towards friends, acquaintances and relatives and towards priests and Sramana ascetics); dasa-bhatakamhi samyapratipati (seemly behaviour to servants)”; and “apa-vyayata and apa bhandata (small expense and accumulation)”. That constituted the core of Ashok’s profound understanding of the universal altruism of Buddhism. Indeed, how simple, easy, lucid, luring and enduring religious words could be? Devoid of jargon and the complications of an ethereal and exotic extravaganza, what else could be more exciting to adopt, and easier to imbibe? No ritual, no rite, no romance, no retribution even if one does not understand right! How does it become possible? It does become not only possible but real through piety, mercy, non-violence and simple ways of life.

Thus, Buddhism today, like other religions, may have its several schools of competing thought, nevertheless, that does not in any way corrode the fundamentals and the foundation on which is built the indestructible edifice of non-violent and peaceful ways to teach and preach. No wonder, with all its destructive ideology and devastating implementation thereof, the Communist Party of China (CPC) cannot stand the inherent superiority of Buddhism to conquer the mind over matter and materialism. One, therefore, is neither shocked nor surprised at the non-participation of the Xi-led CPC in discussing peace, prosperity, tranquillity and world fraternity. Buddhism and Beijing are poles apart. Terror in Tibet and the hounding of harmless are embedded into Dragon’s DNA. Lord Buddha is meaningless. Ashok is useless. International Buddhist Confederation is hopeless in the eyes of hostile Hans. Only the CPC “core commander” Xi is matchless.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Whether one takes it as human faith or belief and follows it as religion, philosophy or spirituality, the fact is; all four major religions of the world: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are Asia-born.

Whether one takes it as human faith or belief and follows it as religion, philosophy or spirituality, the fact is; all four major religions of the world: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are Asia-born. The first two originating from the arid land of the Levant and the latter two bloomed in midst of a vast riverine/water body which spanned from the lofty snowline to deep sea called “Bharata-Varsha, or land of Bharata” of the “Epics and the Puranas”: “Uttaram yat samudrasya Hmadreschaiva dakshinam Varsham tad Bharatam nama Bharati yatra santatih”. (Vishnu Purana, II, 3. 1) "The country that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharata; there dwells the descendant of Bharata" Of the above four, however, let’s today have a glimpse of salient features of Buddhism founded in 6th BC and enthusiastically propagated by the 3rd century BC empire-state of emperor Ashok. Indeed, the unassuming and reticent founding father of Buddhism subsequently gave India the pride of place in the heart of millions of Buddhists, spread across geographical distance, to visit the sanctum sanctorum of the origin of the divinity of the creator, Lord Buddha. Understandably, Buddhism made India equal to what Mecca stands for the Muslims; Jerusalem to Christians and Kashi for the Hindus. Additionally, the “Char Dham” of the Hindus can be seen to be at equal footing with that of Buddhism’s “Char Dham” of Lumbini, Nepal, where the Lord was born and the three Indian centres of Gaya (where enlightenment was attained), Sarnath (the hub of preaching and teaching) and Kusinagar or Kasia where the Lord left for his abode of eternal bliss. Indeed, the familiar serene and smiling face of a meditate-ing Buddha under the tree invariably made a captivating scenario leading to a spirit of spontaneous obeisance and fraternity around. No wonder Buddhism and its disciples never ever had to carry either a sword or a man-killing military operations manual to ravage the countryside with a merciless ride on horse, chariot and elephant brigade of glorified myth and victor’s history. Sheer power of love, piety and empathy, giving a helping-hand and all-embracing fraternity constituted the primary tool of Buddhism to tap the mind and attract the alien in their own land. It’s the magic of simple, intelligible words which made Buddhism so attractive and irresistible. It was charm, rather than challenge, which formed the magnet for men of all hues beyond the geography of India’s 50 lac square kilometre. Thus, belonging to Sakya clan of Kapilavastu (modern south Nepal bordering India) Buddha (Siddharth at birth) in the 6th century BC to Gautam gotra or family was born with silver spoon in mouth, being the son of Raja Suddhodana. Yet, the son of the king chose to be an ascetic, renouncing all the worldly power and pleasures at twenty-nine, soon after the birth of his son Rahul. Why and how did all this happen? It’s because the sensitive and an exceptionally precocious mind of the son of the Raja developed a profound grasp over, and astute detection of, the causes of human misery and the inescapable suffering therefrom, especially at old age. Hence, the emphasis was on, for leading simple, harmonious and contended life. To do that, Lord Buddha stipulated the “Middle Path” called the “Noble Eight-fold path”: “Right Views, Right Aspirations, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Contemplation”. Nevertheless, despite lofty thoughts and lucid semantics, Buddhism remained confined within its place of origin and did not expand till another royal push was given by the Magadha Emperor Ashok after his 261 BC pyrrhic victory in Kalinga war. Overnight, the electric transformation of a remorse-filled Satan Ashok to Saint/Sadhu Ashok (Chandasoka to Dharmasoka) opened the door for Buddhism to expand under the guidance and navigation of the “changed-man”. Ashok led from the front for peaceful “conquest” through love and piety thereby eschewing war as an instrument of state policy forever. This not only came as a boon for Buddhism but opened new vista for India transcending Central, East and Southeast Asian barriers with consummate ease, without shedding a single drop of blood. Thus, what Buddha taught as an ideal theory, Ashok put it into idyllic practice. Overnight, the Emperor deployed the state machinery to propound the basics of Buddhism in the simplest of forms; setting up rock and pillar inscriptions at far-flung frontier posts from north-west to south and east to west. In lightning speed the non-violent “Dharma” (Buddhist doctrine) became the fulcrum of the foreign policy of Indian Emperor. Without imposing his sectarian belief on others the Emperor practised what he preached. Resorting to non-violence, tolerance, fraternity, humility and obeisance to fellow humans of all faith and followers. Dharma in the Ashok lexicon was referred to as “Dhamma”, as found from various Rock Edicts at Shahbazgarhi (Peshawar), Mansehra (Hazara District Pakistan), Kalsi (Dehradun), Girnar (Junagarh), Sopara (Maharashtra), Dhauli (near Bhuvaneswara), Jaugada (Odisha), Yerragudi (Kurnool), Prayagraj (UP), Palkigundi, Lauriya Araraj (Bihar), Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar), Delhi. Separate Kalinga Edicts at Tosali (or Samapa) and the “Standing Buddha” at Bamiyan (today’s Afghanistan) spoke volumes about the power of non-violence impacting places bordering far-away Central Asia. Not content with symbolic structure, what amazed the world was the written substance inscribed in the rock edits in the simplest of semantics. Buddhist Dhamma from India radiated through the beauty of thoughts and the glory of action. Dhamma consisted of “(1) Sadhave or Bahu-kayane (much good); (2) Ap asinave (freedom from depravity); (3) Daya (mercy); (4) Dane (magnanimity); (5) Sache (truthfulness); (6) Sachaye (purity); and (7) Madhave (gentleness)”. To put the basics into a practice followed the charter of duties for all. “Anarambho prananam (non-slaughter of animate beings); avihisa bhutanam (non-injury to live creatures); matari pitari susrusa (hearkening to father and mother); thaira susrusa (hearkening to elders); gurunam apachiti (reverence to teachers); mita-samstuta-natikanam bahmana-samananam danam sampatipati (magnanimity and seemly behaviour towards friends, acquaintances and relatives and towards priests and Sramana ascetics); dasa-bhatakamhi samyapratipati (seemly behaviour to servants)”; and “apa-vyayata and apa bhandata (small expense and accumulation)”. That constituted the core of Ashok’s profound understanding of the universal altruism of Buddhism. Indeed, how simple, easy, lucid, luring and enduring religious words could be? Devoid of jargon and the complications of an ethereal and exotic extravaganza, what else could be more exciting to adopt, and easier to imbibe? No ritual, no rite, no romance, no retribution even if one does not understand right! How does it become possible? It does become not only possible but real through piety, mercy, non-violence and simple ways of life. Thus, Buddhism today, like other religions, may have its several schools of competing thought, nevertheless, that does not in any way corrode the fundamentals and the foundation on which is built the indestructible edifice of non-violent and peaceful ways to teach and preach. No wonder, with all its destructive ideology and devastating implementation thereof, the Communist Party of China (CPC) cannot stand the inherent superiority of Buddhism to conquer the mind over matter and materialism. One, therefore, is neither shocked nor surprised at the non-participation of the Xi-led CPC in discussing peace, prosperity, tranquillity and world fraternity. Buddhism and Beijing are poles apart. Terror in Tibet and the hounding of harmless are embedded into Dragon’s DNA. Lord Buddha is meaningless. Ashok is useless. International Buddhist Confederation is hopeless in the eyes of hostile Hans. Only the CPC “core commander” Xi is matchless. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bharat-born Buddhism in a world of bickering

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi. This summit marks the significance and importance of India in Buddhism. Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama is also likely to attend the summit. Delegates from about 30 countries will participate in the event.