The Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader from Tibet, went to the Global Buddhist Summit in India on April 20 and 21. The conference was hosted by India and the International Buddhist Confederation. On the second day of the conference, the Dalai Lama gave a speech that lasted around 30 minutes. He talked about compassion, wisdom, and meditation, which are important principles in Lord Buddha’s teachings. The organizers of the summit said he had received an invitation to attend but had not confirmed his attendance beforehand.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the conference on Thursday. He mentioned different problems such as terrorism, conflict, climate change, economic instability, and religious extremism. He said that Lord Buddha’s teachings could help solve these problems.
The summit has two parts: an academic session and a Sangha session. The media could attend the opening session, but not the second. India, being the birthplace of Buddha, has a unique opportunity to promote Buddhism worldwide. Events like Buddha Purnima, which honours the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana, can be used as a platform to spread the message of Buddhism.
