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Japanese delegation audience with H.H. the Dalai Lama.
Bihar: Bodhgaya, the most holy place for the Buddhists, where the Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment came alive vibrantly during the four-day International Sangha Forum (20th to 24th December) organised at the Mahabodhi Cultural Center auditorium. More than 2000 Sangha members from around 33 countries participated in the Forum and discussed different subjects based on the theme “Bridging Traditions and Embracing Modernity, A Dialog on the Buddha’s Teachings in Today’s World”.
H.H. the Dalai Lama blessed the Forum by inaugurating the event and participating in the prayer gathering at the end before the Bodhi Tree at the main stupa. H.H. the Dalai Lama in His inaugural message expressed appreciation for the organisers and Sangha members who have come to participate in the Forum. He talked about the essential teachings of the Buddha, and how Buddhism could help promote and create a better and peaceful society and he wished the Forum to have fruitful discussions to further the teachings of the Buddha and contribute to world peace.
Shri Pema Khandu, honourable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh state, attended the inaugural session and expressed full support for the Forum. Shri Nitish Kumar, honourable Chief Minister of Bihar state, later met with the heads of the delegations from the participating nations.
The Forum had 9 sessions in which more than 44 Sangha scholars presented their papers and made presentations on various topics such as: Interpreting Ancient Buddhist Wisdom – a cross-cultural perspective; The Four Characteristics of Dharma-A timeless wisdom of Buddha; The Four Immeasurable-an analytical study within different perspective; 37 Factors of Enlightenment-a comprehensive exploration of their reverence and application in contemporary society; Buddhism and Modernity-the intersection of Buddhism and technology; Exploring Vinaya-a comparative study of monastic discipline in Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist traditions; Samadhi in Practice and Scripture-a comparative study of traditional and contemporary approaches; Exploring the Depth-Prajnaparamita Sutras and its practical implications in today’s world; and Valedictory session.
Japanese and Korean Sangha delegations comprising some 26 members headed by the Representative Dr. Arya Tsewang Gyalpo and Ven. Geshe Tenzin Namkha attended and presented papers and delivered talks at the Forum. Chief participants among the Japanese delegation were: Ven. Shuei Kobayashi of Juzennin Temple, Ven. Shiho Nakao of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Ven. Saito Yugen of Hagyudera Temple, Ven. Endo Ryukyu of Wadaji Temple, Ven. Ryunin Inui of Koyasan and others. The South Korean delegation includes Ven. Hyeon-bong, Ven. Kum Gang, and Ven. Ja Hong who presented papers and spoke at the Forum.
Ven. Shiho Nakao of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple presented his paper and delivered a talk on “Buddhism in our Daily Life” at the inaugural session with the theme, “Interpreting Ancient Buddhist Wisdom: A Cross-Cultural Perspective”.
Representative Dr. Arya chaired the second session under the same theme in which among others Ven. Kum Gang of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and Ven. Ryunin Inui of Koyasan Japan spoke on “The Role of Buddhism in the 21st Century”.
Ven. Endo Ryukyu of Wadaji Temple chaired the 6th session “Buddhism and Modernity; The Intersection of Buddhism and Technology” and he also talked on “A Unique Way to Share Dharma in the 21st Century” and made an interesting demonstration. Ven. Ja Hong from Korea talked about “The Use of Modern Technology and Media in Disseminating Buddhist Teachings and Practices”.
Rev. Jokan Ono of Fugenji Temple presented his paper and talked in the 9th session on “Links of Inter-Dependence, in which he spoke on harmony, secularisation, and diversity of Japanese Buddhism.
Chairpersons and speakers were all awarded certificates of appreciation. Ven. Acharyas, high priests, monks, and nuns from most of the Southeast Asian nations were present at the Forum. Sangha members and participants have come from Europe, Australia, Mexico, etc. The Forum was widely covered by the local media. It was said that this was the first-ever Forum in which all Buddhist traditions came together to discuss how Buddhism could promote peace and stability in this difficult war-torn world. After the final session, Prof. Geshe Ngwang Samten read the resolution of the Forum and all the participants unanimously passed the resolution which affirmed the unity of all Buddhist traditions and their effort to work together for world peace and harmony.
H.H. the Dalai Lama gave a special audience to the Japanese and Korean delegations and advised them to follow the teachings of the Buddha sincerely and use scientific aspects and explanations of Buddhism for the benefit of humanity. He said “Reincarnation and life after death concept are important, but many may not be able to follow it easily. We need to emphasise Buddhist philosophy and psychology to make it relevant and helpful for the modern world.”
A special prayer gathering headed by H.H. the Dalai Lama was conducted at the premises of the main stupa and the Bodhi tree where Buddha achieved enlightenment. The participating Sangha members recited prayers in their respective languages. Japan and Korean sangha members recited the Heart Sutra, Hannya shingyo.
-Filed by the Office of Tibet for Japan and East Asia
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Korean delegation audience with H.H. the Dalai Lama.
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A glimpse of the International Sangha Forum Bodhgaya.
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H.H. the Dalai Lama addressing the gathering.
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Representative Dr. T.G. Arya chairing a session.
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Korean and Japanese Sangha members reciting prayers.