Overview
World Buddhism, encompassing Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, can be categorized into Pali and Sanskrit traditions, respectively. The Pali tradition, with its rich cultural heritage and historical depth, presents significant opportunities for research and dialogue with practitioners of the Sanskrit tradition that can promote greater understanding and respect among Buddhists of the Pali and Sanskrit communities worldwide.
Over the past three decades, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has committed himself to promoting ongoing dialogues and cultural exchanges between Pali and Sanskrit monastics, with a specific emphasis on the Vinaya. These endeavors are aimed at nurturing mutual understanding and appreciation of traditions and practices that may be unfamiliar to one another. Cultural exchanges are of paramount importance in forging personal connections, cultivating friendships, extending dialogues, and offering direct exposure to traditions that have developed independently over many centuries, remaining only partially understood.
In line with the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Southeast Asia Coordinator Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been planning and coordinating a series of programs since 2018 to the present day. The most recent program currently in the planning stages is the International Sangha Forum 2023 scheduled for December 2023 in Bodhgaya, India, along with the second year of the International Bhikkhu Exchange Program, set to be inaugurated in Bodhgaya as well that will welcome an additional 50 monks representing both the Pali and Sanskrit traditions.
What is the event about?
The four-day program will invite over 2000 monastics from Buddhist traditions around the world. On the first three days of the conference, monks, nuns, and Bhikkhu scholars from the different Buddhist traditions will start the discussions on the finer aspects of the Vinaya rules and the role of Buddhism in the 21st century. The conference will conclude with a prayer gathering at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya with Buddhist Leaders and Maha Sanghas on the last day.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will grace the prayer session at the Mahabodhi Temple as well as the inaugural session of the conference along with other Buddhist leaders from around the world.
Forum Objectives
The primary focus of the conference is to develop ongoing dialogues and collaboration between practitioners of the Pali traditions of Southeast and South Asian countries of India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia) and those of the Sanskrit tradition from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia and other parts of the world.
Media heading
Use this snippet to build various types of components that feature a left- or right-aligned image alongside textual content. Duplicate the element to create a list that fits your needs.
Discover
Event heading
Speakers from all over the world will join our experts to give inspiring talks on various topics. Stay on top of the latest business management trends & technologies
Post heading
Use this component for creating a list of featured elements to which you want to bring attention.
Continue reading