New Delhi will host the first-ever Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS), an international gathering aimed at fostering dialogue among Buddhist leaders, scholars and practitioners from across Asia, on November 5-6. The summit is being organised by the Indian Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) on the theme, “The Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia”.
According to the ministry, the summit will be a "manifestation of India's Act East policy", underlining India's commitment to promoting Buddhist heritage and its relevance in addressing today's social and spiritual challenges, with special attention to building bridges between South and Southeast Asian countries.
The central objective of the summit is to facilitate understanding among diverse Buddhist communities while addressing contemporary challenges, including cultural preservation, environmental concerns and ethical issues. According to a press release from the Press Information Bureau of India, discussions will focus on Buddhist art, architecture, heritage and the importance of Buddhist relics. In addition, speakers will explore how the principles of Buddhadharma can contribute to scientific research and general well-being.
The event will bring together several prominent leaders, with Indian President Droupadi Murmu expected to be the chief guest. This high-level participation reflects the importance of the summit and is aligned with India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies, which focus on inclusive and collective development in Asia. These policies support regional cooperation and cultural exchanges, aimed at strengthening the continent’s spiritual heritage.
An exhibition titled “India as Dhamma Setu (Bridge) Connecting Asia” will accompany the summit, highlighting India’s historical and cultural ties with Buddhism. India has a long-standing commitment to promoting Buddhist culture, highlighted by initiatives such as the Buddhist Tourism Circuit, which connects key sites associated with the life of the Buddha, as well as the recent World Buddhist Summit and the International Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage. These efforts align with India’s mission to preserve and promote Buddhist teachings and heritage in modern society.
The exhibition will feature artifacts and documents illustrating India's influence on Buddhism in Asia. In particular, it will showcase the contributions of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism beyond the borders of India during the third century BCE. After converting to Buddhism, Ashoka used his position to propagate the Buddha's teachings throughout his empire and sent emissaries to far-flung regions, including Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. His efforts established Buddhism as a major cultural and spiritual force on the Asian continent.
ABS organizers said the summit would address the lasting impact of Buddhadharma on Asian societies and explore how Buddhist teachings remain relevant. Sessions will examine Buddhism’s potential contributions to sustainability and mental well-being, areas where interest in Buddhist practices has grown in recent years. By fostering discussions on these topics, it is hoped that the summit will provide practical applications of Buddhist teachings to meet the needs of modern society.
The ABS comes amid a renewed interest in Buddhism in India. Since the Buddha’s enlightenment in the fifth century BCE, his teachings have continued to inspire followers around the world. Today, India is home to about eight million Buddhists, a small but historically significant minority in the country. Over the past decade, the Indian government has stepped up efforts to showcase this heritage, recognizing the value of Buddhist teachings in promoting peace, compassion, and environmental stewardship.
The summit organizers expressed hope that it would contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable world by promoting dialogue and cultural exchange, strengthening ties between Buddhist communities, and supporting efforts for peace and environmental resilience across Asia. Through these gatherings, participants are encouraged to discuss the role of Buddhism in promoting a balanced and ethical approach to global issues, drawing on the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, wisdom, and interdependence.
IBC, co-organizer of the event, said the ABS marks a major step forward for Buddhist cooperation in Asia. By addressing common issues and promoting cultural heritage, the summit aims to strengthen the role of Buddhism as a unifying force across diverse regions. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of many Buddhist organizations to foster shared understanding and values that can address Asia’s unique challenges. Through these discussions and exchanges, the ABS could inspire a collective vision of a peaceful, sustainable and inclusive Asia, reflecting the Buddha’s teachings in contemporary life.
See more
First Asian Buddhist Summit to be held in Delhi on November 5-6 (The Hindu)
'Manifestation of India's Eastern Policy': First Asian Buddhist Summit to be held in New Delhi from November 5-6 (Swarajya)
India hosts first Asian Buddhist Summit (Economic times)
Asian Buddhist Summit in New Delhi on November 5-6; President to be Guest of Honour (Commercial standard)
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The article India to host Asian Buddhist summit to address contemporary Buddhist issues appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.
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