TV
Denouncing the spread of religious fundamentalism all over the world, the second International Conference for Young Buddhist Scholars emphasised on the need for ‘Buddha Dhamma’ amidst painful destructions all around the world.
“It has become a challenge to talk of compassion, kindness, peace, truth and harmony when there are painful destructions all around. We need to save the world with Dhamma, we are blessed to be in these times to shoulder this responsibility,” said the Chief Guest, Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
The conference was organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), with support from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Ambedkar International Centre, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The conference majorly focused on Buddha Dhamma and its application in Education, Scientific Research, Healthcare, and Well-Being. Young academicians and researchers from seven countries, including India and members of the diplomatic community from Thailand, Bhutan, Cambodia and the Republic of Korea attended the conference.
His Eminence, the 8th ChokyongPalga Rinpoche from Ladakh, the Guest of Honour said that the Buddha Dhamma that had survived for 2,500 years needed to evolve with the challenging times now, in order to remain relevant. He advised the young scholars to spread the message of the Buddha and the Great Masters of peace, harmony and love in these troubled times.
In his welcome address, the Secretary General of IBC, ShartseKhensur Rinpoche JangchupChoeden said as in many countries around the world, 'our universities too should start separate departments to study the linkages between Buddha Dhamma and science'.
The Academic Papers were on Buddha Dhamma and mental well-being, the application of Dhamma education in school, Jataka Tales and their relevance, the transformation of Cambodian society after years of destruction by Khmer Rouge, among others.
SupadchaSrisook, a PhD research scholar from Thailand, explained how in Thailand, there was a project from the Ministry of Education about the relationship between the house, temple, and school. They see the importance of the connection between parents (house), religion (temple), and teachers (school), as well as how to cultivate students to have a good quality of life, both physically and mentally, for society.
In the process of this project, every school and high school (specific government schools must study the history of Buddha and Buddha Dhamma), at least once per week and undertake Buddhist activities, and attend temple -collaborated Buddhist camps. Students who participated in the Buddhist camp; engaged in various activities, including prayer, learning the Buddha’s Dhamma and meditation, besides practicing patience and getting involved in personal duties and responsibilities.
Ven. Morm Savonn PhD Research Scholar at Delhi University from Cambodia in his Paper mentioned that monks are highly valued members of the public. Buddhism has contributed significantly to Cambodia’s societal well-being and is a component of the social order’s development. The people and society of Cambodia place a high value on social well-being. Regretfully, he said that the Khmer Rouge ruined Cambodian society. Millions of people lost their lives in this civil war in Cambodia. Monks were murdered and made to lay down their lives, and other monasteries were destroyed. Buddhism was revived after the Khmer Rouge regime, and religion gradually started to grow again.
The primary objective of the conference was to create a vibrant platform for young researchers to share their insights, engage in scholarly pursuit, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. By facilitating interdisciplinary discussions, fostering collaboration, and promoting the exchange of knowledge, the conference aimed to contribute significantly to the advancement of scholarship in the field of Buddhist Studies and its integration, and impact on Education, Scientific Research, Healthcare, and Well-Being.
This integration offers a transformative potential for individuals and society. By fostering mindfulness, ethical conduct, compassion, and holistic health, these teachings can address contemporary challenges and enhance the quality of life. Implementing these principles requires a collaborative effort, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to cultural sensitivity and sustainability. Through such efforts, the timeless wisdom of Buddha Dhamma can contribute significantly to the development of a more compassionate, healthy, and harmonious world, read an official release.
