Lumbini Buddhist University and Embassy of India, Kathmandu are delighted to present a collaborative seminar that delves into the profound impact of Buddhist teachings on community development and global well-being. This enlightening event seeks to explore the timeless wisdom of Buddhism and its relevance in fostering positive change on both a local and global scale.
Organizers:
- Lumbini Buddhist University
- Embassy of India, Kathmandu
In Collaboration with:
- Lumbini Development Trust
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations
- BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation
Key Highlights:
1. In-depth Discussions: Eminent scholars and experts will lead discussions on the profound influence of Buddhist principles on community development. The emphasis will be on the potential for positive transformations in societies, addressing contemporary challenges through the lens of ancient wisdom.
2. Global Well-being: Delve into the broader implications of Buddhist teachings on global well-being. Gain insights into the values and practices that can contribute to a more harmonious and interconnected world. Scholars will explore how Buddhism offers practical solutions to the complex issues faced by individuals and societies worldwide.
3. Collaborative Initiatives: Learn about collaborative initiatives between the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, and esteemed organizations such as Lumbini Development Trust, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation. These initiatives aim to promote cultural understanding and community growth, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit.
4. Corporate Support: Recognize the pivotal role played by corporate entities such as Asian Paints, Life Insurance Corporation of India, and NHPC in supporting and endorsing initiatives that contribute to societal welfare. Explore how the private sector can align with Buddhist principles to create a positive impact on community development and global well-being.
Contrasting Perspectives:
The seminar features diverse papers, each presenting a unique viewpoint on the intersection of Buddhism, community development, and global well-being.
- Buddhism for Mental Wellbeing: Bhikkhu Siri Vajira explores the roots of mental disturbances and recommends remedies based on Buddhist teachings. Excessive tanha is identified as the root cause, and Santurthi and sati are highlighted for their contribution to mental well-being.
- Buddhism for Human Well-being: Dr. Nyima Sherpa focuses on human well-being, emphasizing Buddhism’s role in identifying and addressing sources of human problems. The paper discusses Buddhism’s perspective on the path to freedom from misery.
- Teachings of The Buddha For Global Wellbeing: Dr. Animesh Prakash delves into Buddhist scripture to understand genuine well-being and its compatibility with modern scientific thought. The interconnectedness of all living beings and their matters is emphasized, promoting social justice, equality, and environmental consciousness.
- Concept of Global Well-being in Theravada Buddhism: Dr. Arun Kumar Yadav highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings through the concept of “Dependent Origination.” The paper emphasizes the profound impact of human actions on the delicate balance of well-being and advocates for living in harmony with the environment.
- Towards Social Harmony and Long-Term Sustainability: Dr. Siddharth Singh explores peacebuilding from a Buddhist perspective, emphasizing the inner dimension of peace and its role in fostering sustainable development and social harmony.
- Enlightened Well-Being: A Paradigm Shift in Assessing Global Prosperity: Acharya Dayanidhi, Assistant Professor at Lumbini Buddhist University, highlighted the outlines of a compelling synthesis of Buddhist perspectives on well-being, aiming to redefine indicators for assessing genuine prosperity in the contemporary context. Through a comprehensive literature survey and content interpretation, the presentation argues that the prevailing materialistic interpretation of well-being inadequately captures the essence of true peace, prosperity, and progress. The discussion emphasizes the limitations of the current linear understanding of happiness and highlights the failure to recognize the cognition of no-self as a crucial element of well-being. As a solution, the presentation recommends the incorporation of an enlightened well-being theory, advocating for a paradigm shift from materialistic interpretations to one guided by the wisdom of the Buddha. This recalibration is proposed as essential for fostering a comprehensive and sustainable foundation for well-being in the modern world.
- The Teachings of the Buddha: Fostering Global Well-being: Dr. Ujjwal Kumar discusses the timeless and universally relevant principles of Buddhism, including compassion, mindfulness, and non-attachment. These principles contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious global society, addressing issues from stress and anxiety to environmental consciousness.
- Concept of Well-being as Depicted in Dighajāņusutta: Prof. Rajesh Ranjan interprets the Dighajanusutta of the Anguttaranikaya, highlighting the concept of well-being and happiness. The paper explains the four means that lead to the welfare and happiness of a householder, along with the means of drain on one’s store of wealth.
The diverse range of perspectives presented in these papers showcases the richness and applicability of Buddhist teachings in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering both individual and global well-being. This event serves as a platform for exploring the intersections between ancient wisdom and modern aspirations for a harmonious and interconnected world.