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International Conference on Buddhism in Contemporary Times concludes

 Media Coverage  |  04-10-2022

Need to inculcate Buddha’s philosophy in conduct and thought
Vijay Darda

Buddha’s philosophy stands on the principles of wisdom, modesty and compassion. That is why Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar who was a man of principles, was naturally attracted to Buddha. And that is why the Indian Constitution is based on the philosophy of Buddha. The values of democracy are freedom, equality and fraternity. Therefore, just installing the statues is not enough. There is a need to inculcate the democratic values of Buddhist philosophy in conduct and thought, said the chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha Vijay Darda here on Monday.

He was speaking at the concluding function of the International Conference on Buddhism in Contemporary Times: Relevance of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

Darda further said Lord Mahavir and Tathagata Buddha also renounced the royal family and glory to seek eternal truth. The principle of ‘forgiveness’ enunciated by Lord Mahavir is the foundation of non-violence. It is necessary to adopt the principles of the greats in life. Unfortunately, the thoughts of equality given by great men are nowhere to be seen today. Caste discrimination is on the rise again. The politics of the world has also changed, the Earth is red with blood. Therefore, it is necessary for the world to realise that there is no alternative but to follow Buddha’s teachings. It is only then that man and humanity will survive, he asserted. Sangha Kaya Foundation president Ajahn Prashil Gautam, Puranchandra Meshram, senior journalists Prakash Dubey and Shripad Aparajit, information commissioner Rahul Pande, Dr Ved Prakash Mishra and others were present.

 

The world learned democracy from Buddhism: Bhadant V Vajiramedhi

Democracy basically stands on the pillars of equality, freedom, fraternity and justice. It is considered a democracy only if these principles are present. Today, most countries in the world are following the path of democracy. But these principles were advocated by Tathagat Gautam Buddha 2600 years ago. It was also adopted in the Buddha Sangha. Thus, the democratic countries across the world, including India, adopted democracy through Buddhism, said Bhadant V Vajiramedhi, the head of International Meditation Centre, Thailand.

He was speaking after inaugurating the International Conference on Buddhism organised by the RTM Nagpur University Centre for Buddhist Studies and Gagan Malik Foundation at Hotel Centre Point here to mark the 66th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din.

The topic of the conference was ‘International Conference on Buddhism in Contemporary Times: Relevance of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’. The RTM Nagpur University vice-chancellor Dr Subhash Chaudhary presided over. The commissioner of social justice department Dr Prashant Narnavare, director of BARTI Dr Dhammajyoti Gajbhiye, world-renowned Buddhist thinker Bhadant Pornchai Pinyapong, Mitchell P of Germany, Bhadant Maha Aryan of Thailand, Danai Chanchaochai, Patcharapimol Youngprapakorn, Captain Nattakeet, Uttichai Worasingh were the chief guests.

Bhadant Vajiramedhi further said the Indian Constitution is also based on equality, freedom, fraternity and justice. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had also stated that he took these principles from Buddha Dhamma.

Earlier, Gagan Malik made the welcome address while Dr Puranchandra Meshram introduced the guests. The dignitaries expressed their views in various sessions during the day-long conference.

 

Propagate teachings of Buddha Dhamma: Dr Pongsak Tangkana

The president of Nirvana Foundation in Thailand and Buddhist thinker Dr Pongsak Tangkana said Buddha Dhamma is truly relevant even today after so many years. Therefore, in today’s gloomy environment, it needs to be propagated in every household across the world.The president of Nirvana Foundation in Thailand and Buddhist thinker Dr Pongsak Tangkana said Buddha Dhamma is truly relevant even today after so many years. Therefore, in today’s gloomy environment, it needs to be propagated in every household across the world.

 

Chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha Vijay Darda addressing the concluding function of ‘International Conference on Buddhism in Contemporary Times: Relevance of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’ while the head of International Meditation Centre, Thailand, Bhadant V Vajiramedhi, Buddhist thinker Dr Pongsak Tangkana, president of Sangha Kaya Foundation Ajahn Prashil Gautam, Dr Puranchandra Meshram, senior journalists Prakash Dubey and Shripad Aparajit, information commissioner Rahul Pande, Dr Ved Prakash Mishra, Gagan Malik of Gagan Malik Foundation and others look on.

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