International Seminar on Exploring the Relevance of Buddhist Education in Addressing Global Challenges: Perspectives from Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha
Lumbini, Nepal – May 12, 2024
The two-day International Seminar on Exploring the Relevance of Buddhist Education in Addressing Global Challenges, organized by the Faculty of Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University, concluded today amidst a fervent call for the declaration of Lumbini as a city of peace. Scholars, researchers, and experts from various nations convened in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, to deliberate on the significance of Buddhist education in resolving contemporary global issues.
During the symposium, participants underscored the importance of promoting Lumbini as a beacon of peace and Buddhist philosophy. They urged the United Nations to recognize Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha, as a country of peace, citing the resolution of political conflicts as evidence of its suitability for such a designation.
A key recommendation from the seminar was the integration of Buddhist education into the school curriculum, emphasizing its role in fostering moral, meditative, and wisdom-based societies. Scholars emphasized that Buddhist philosophy and Vipassana meditation could offer solutions to myriad global challenges, including environmental degradation, economic instability, interpersonal conflicts, and mental health crises.
Yoga gurus highlighted the complementary nature of Buddhist philosophy and yoga, advocating for their widespread adoption as tools for personal and societal transformation. They emphasized the importance of incorporating these teachings into daily life to alleviate suffering and promote inner peace.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, Prof. Dr. Suvarna Lal Bajracharya, pledged to develop a new curriculum integrating Buddhist philosophy and yoga. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing this initiative and welcomed input from all stakeholders.
The symposium witnessed the participation of Buddhist monks and experts from diverse countries, including Nepal, Thailand, France, Myanmar, Japan, and India. Their presentations highlighted the universal applicability of Buddhist teachings in addressing contemporary challenges and promoting global harmony.
Reflecting on the seminar’s significance, Vice-Chancellor Suvarnalal Bajracharya expressed confidence that it would foster cooperation, inspire innovation, and contribute to the advancement of humanity. He emphasized the practical application of Buddhist teachings in addressing pressing global issues and urged participants to integrate these principles into their lives.
As the seminar concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Buddhist education as a transformative force for individual and collective well-being. They expressed optimism that Lumbini, with its rich spiritual heritage, would continue to serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
The symposium concluded with a sense of optimism and renewed determination to harness the power of Buddhist education in building a more peaceful and compassionate world.
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