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The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, and International Buddhist Confederation are jointly organising a one-day conclave on "Buddha's Madhyama Marg/The Middle Path to Guide Global Leadership" on Saturday, September 14 at the Nehru Science Centre, Worli. Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, will be the chief guest at the event.
The event aims to deliberate ways of disseminating and internalising universal values for the followers of Dhamma across the philosophical, academic, cultural, and national diversities; to work together in addressing the current challenges both within an individual and globally to offer a sustainable model for the future of the world. The conference will also honour the legacy of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, whose contribution to modern Buddhism remains indispensable. The Buddha's Madhyama Marg (Middle Path) and the Eightfold Path embrace every type of righteous conduct covering every aspect of life essential for the sustenance and welfare of the individual and society. Buddha Dhamma is not just a doctrine but includes the processes of `learning and understanding', `practicing' through practical application, and it is `experienced', which is the state of gaining `enlightenment'. The conference will consist of three sessions, namely "Role and Relevance of Buddha Dhamma in Modern Times," "Significance of Mindful Techniques," and "New Age Leadership and Implementation of Buddha Dhamma." Collectively, these panels will deliberate on practical solutions to the goal of universal brotherhood, sustainability, and overall personal well-being in light of Buddha's teachings and the principles of Dhamma. It is a historical fact that with the evolution of Dhamma as a concept, it took firm footing in the country of its origin--India--and gradually started to disseminate throughout Asia, and later assimilated and evolved with the culture of those countries. Similarly, King Ashoka's rock-edicts, pillar-edicts, etc. even now stand as a Dhamma-marker, witness to this pan-Asian dissemination. Ashoka's rule saw not only good Dhamma governance but all-round development in his kingdom. His reign over the vast empire of the ancient Indian subcontinent is a good example of how much the teaching and practice of Dhamma can bring transformation in the individual and in society, largely bringing peace, happiness, prosperity, and harmony to the land. Today, despite the galloping progress mankind has made to master science and technology, it has failed to master Dhamma nature. The rising wave of violence throughout the world is due to the degradation of human values from our misconduct. Dhamma can create a peaceful global social order. In the present world scenario, the human race has been in such a great need to be free from conflict, ill-feeling, greed, selfishness, and uncertainty of life due to regular waves of pandemic. To eliminate violence and conflict, all one must do is resolve the underlying causes and conditions. The texts, doctrines, and philosophy of Buddha Dhamma are best suited for interfaith dialogue, harmony, and universal peace. The Buddha Dhamma can resurrect the universal brotherhood, peaceful coexistence, and harmonious surroundings in the community of nations. Humanity is in dire need of peace and harmony both in its personal life at home, and at work, as well as at the global level. Peace will not be established until human nature is steered towards dhamma and yearns for peaceful existence. (ANI)
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