The International Sangha Forum (ISF) 2023 on 'Bridging Traditions, Embracing Modernity-A Dialogue on the Buddha's Teaching in Today's World' held in Bodh Gaya on Wednesday was formally inaugurated by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Wednesday.
The Dalai Lama addressed the assembly and stated, "Everyone should be instilled with compassion, regardless of whether they practice Buddhism in the Sanskrit or Pali traditions. For our own well-being and the sake of global peace, we must adopt the Bodhisattva practices.
"Similarly, Bodhichitta, the mind of enlightenment, is a very precious practice that gives inner strength. Because of Bodhichitta, Buddha became enlightened. We too should make Bbodhichitta our principal practice and should not harm others. When you have Bodhichitta, you feel at ease. Anger, hatred, and jealousy subside," said the Dalai Lama.
More than two thousand monastics from various Buddhist traditions from across the world are present at the event, which is taking place at the International Convention Centre Bodhgaya. Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, was also present for the event.
Monks, nuns, and Bhikkhu academics from many Buddhist traditions will talk about the finer points of Vinaya norms and the relevance of Buddhism in the twenty-first century throughout the conference.
As stated by the ISF, "The primary focus of the conference is to develop ongoing dialogues and collaborations between practitioners of the Pali traditions of Southeast and South Asian countries such as India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia and those of Sanskrit tradition from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia and other parts of the world."" The conference will identify and highlight the benefits of studies and practices that are common to all traditions as well as develop an appreciation and understanding of the strengths found within those traditions," it stated.
Tibetan spiritual leader, along with delegates from the International Sangha Forum and members of the public at the Mahabodhi Stupa, will take part in a World Peace Prayer Session on December 23 in the morning.
Moreover, on December 29 and December 31, he will lecture for three days at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground. On January 1, 2024, in the morning, a Long Life Prayer will be offered to him at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground.
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