2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave Focuses on Mindful Communication

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) launched the 2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave on September 11 in New Delhi. The event, themed “Mindful Communication for Conflict Avoidance and Sustainable Development,” brought together religious leaders, media professionals and academics to discuss the role of Buddhism in promoting peace and ethical communication.

The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of a lamp by VIF President Gurumurthy and IBC Secretary General Venerable Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden. VIF Director Dr Arvind Gupta and Grammy Award-winning musician Shri Ricky Kej also participated in the event. Former Indian Football Team Captain Shri Baichung Bhutia was present as the Chief Guest.

In his opening address, Shri Baichung Bhutia stressed that Buddhism was a way of life, emphasizing: "The teachings of the Buddha have the message of peace and sacrifice." (Ministry of Culture) Bhutia stressed that Buddhism could play an important role in promoting world peace and brotherhood, and that the media had a crucial role in spreading the message of Buddhism across the world.

Dr Gupta stressed the importance of reflection and action in restoring civilisational values. He noted that Hindu and Buddhist scholars have long engaged in dialogue on these issues and suggested that the media could benefit from Buddhism’s emphasis on ethical conduct and enlightenment to promote balanced and ethical reporting.

Venerable Jangchup Choeden called for a world guided by truthfulness, compassion and altruism, which he identified as key attributes of the Buddha's teachings. He told those gathered, "In an age of increasing greed and conflict, the Buddha's guidance is absolutely necessary." (Ministry of Culture)

Gurumurthy highlighted the damage done to the world in recent centuries and underscored India's role as the cradle of important philosophical traditions.

At the event, IBC Director General Abhijit Halder noted the enthusiastic response from the media and announced plans for a larger conclave. He noted that it was “high time that the Buddha’s teachings on conflict prevention and sustainable development are internalised by the world.” (Ministry of Culture) Halder also highlighted India’s unique position as the land of the Buddha, making it an important focal point for the dissemination of these teachings.

The event aimed to foster dialogue on how Buddhist principles can contribute to contemporary challenges, such as conflict resolution and sustainable development. It also highlighted the role of the media in promoting ethical communication in line with these values.

The conclave reflected the growing interest in Buddhism around the world as a means of peaceful communication and conflict resolution. As the birthplace of Buddhism, India occupies a unique position in these discussions. While the majority of the world’s more than 500 million Buddhists reside in Asia, in countries such as China, Japan and Thailand, the influence of the religion is felt virtually everywhere. In India, Buddhists today make up less than 1% of the population, but Buddhism continues to influence various aspects of the country’s spiritual and cultural life.

Founded in 2013, the IBC is an international Buddhist organization headquartered in New Delhi. It aims to bring together Buddhist organizations from around the world to promote dialogue, understanding and cooperation. The Vivekananda International Foundation, established in 2009, is a New Delhi-based think tank that focuses on international relations and India's role in the global order.

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IBC organized the 2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave on the theme of “Conscious Communication for Conflict Avoidance and Sustainable Development” (Ministry of Culture)
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The article 2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave Focuses on Mindful Communication appeared first on Buddhist News Global.

2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave Focuses on Mindful Communication

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