Dalai Lama to Inaugurate the First International Sangha Forum

*His Holiness the Dalai Lama reciting prayers in front of the statue of the Buddha in the*
*inner sanctum of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India on December 16, 2023.*
*Photo Tenzin Choejor*

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is set to inaugurate the first-ever International Sangha Forum in Bodhgaya, Bihar, this Wednesday, 20 December. The event, themed “Bridging Traditions, Embracing Modernity: A Dialogue on the Buddha’s Teaching in Today’s World,” is anticipated to be a landmark occasion.

The forum will witness participation from over 2,000 sangha members and guests from 33 countries, including Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, and Mongolia. It will provide an unprecedented platform for Sangharajas, Abbots, and heads of various Buddhist institutions to engage in dialogue.

The primary aim of the conference is to enhance ongoing conversations and cooperation among practitioners of the Pali, Sanskrit, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. It seeks to underline the commonalities in study and practice across these traditions while acknowledging and appreciating the unique strengths inherent in each.

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Additionally, the forum will delve into the role and relevance of Buddhism in the 21st century, a topic of growing significance in our rapidly evolving world. This discussion is expected to provide insights into how ancient teachings can be applied to modern-day challenges, offering a fresh perspective on Buddhist practices and principles.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a revered spiritual leader, will also participate in a World Peace Prayer Session on the morning of 23 December. This session, which will include delegates from the three-day International Sangha Forum and members of the public, will be held at the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya. The session is expected to be a profound experience, resonating with messages of peace and harmony.

The conference, to be held at the International Convention Centre Bodhgaya, Maya Sarovar, is set to be a milestone in the history of Buddhist congregations, fostering a deeper understanding and unity among various Buddhist traditions.