Lumbini, Nepal – November 30, 2024
The historic birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, once again became a focal point for global peace initiatives as it hosted the International Seminar on Exploring Gautama Buddha’s Teachings for Peace Building and Sustainable Development at Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The event brought together scholars, diplomats, and peace advocates from across South Asia and beyond.
The seminar, jointly organized by the South Asia Foundation-Nepal, The South Asia Centre for Peace Research and Sustainable Development, and Lumbini Buddhist University, was attended by notable dignitaries, including former ambassadors, university leaders, and experts in peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The day began with a warm welcome from Mr. Kamal Thapa, Assistant Lecturer at LBU, followed by a registration and tea session. The inaugural ceremony featured a tribute to the Triple Gems and the lighting of a holy lamp, led by Ven. Maitri Mahathera, symbolizing the light of knowledge and peace that Buddha’s teachings bring to the world.
In his keynote address, Prof. Priyankar Upadhyaya, UNESCO Chair Professor at the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research, BHU, Varanasi, emphasized the universal relevance of Buddha’s teachings in promoting peace, tolerance, and sustainable development. He stressed that understanding Buddha’s wisdom can lead to harmonious coexistence and help resolve the conflicts facing the world today.
The morning session included remarks from a range of distinguished personalities, such as Amb. Deep Kumar Upadhyaya, Prof. Dilip Kumar Barua, and Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, who expressed their hopes for lasting peace and collaboration through the teachings of Buddha. The chief guest, Prof. Dr. Triratna Manandhar, former Vice-Chancellor of LBU, shared his thoughts on the significance of Lumbini as a center for global peace and a hub for spreading Buddhist teachings worldwide.
As the seminar progressed, various panel discussions delved deep into topics such as conflict management, sustainable development, and the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in modern diplomacy. Panelists included renowned experts such as Amb. Ranjit Rae, Amb. Manjeev Singh Puri, and Prof. Manoj Mishra, all of whom highlighted the critical role that Buddha’s teachings could play in addressing modern challenges like climate change, conflict, and inequality.
A standout session focused on “Integrating Buddhist Principles into Peace Education”, where leading scholars discussed how Buddhist ethics could be incorporated into educational curriculums to foster a culture of peace among youth worldwide.
Parallel sessions also provided a platform for scholars like Dr. Hans Raj and Mr. Gajendra Gupta to present research on Buddha’s teachings in the context of sustainable development, with a particular focus on the teachings’ application in resolving contemporary global issues.
In the afternoon, the final panel discussion on the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in contemporary diplomacy featured contributions from Amb. Pankaj Saran, Prof. Anjoo Saran Upadhyaya, and Prof. Dilip K. Barua, emphasizing the role of spirituality in fostering international relations based on mutual respect and peace.
The day concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice-Chancellor of LBU, who reaffirmed Lumbini’s role as a global symbol of peace and enlightenment. The seminar ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Rajendra Ghimire, Director of International Relations at LBU, who expressed gratitude to all participants and reiterated the importance of collective efforts in building a peaceful and sustainable world.
This seminar, which gathered scholars, diplomats, and peacebuilders from across the world, stands as a reminder of the timeless relevance of Buddha’s teachings. The event further solidified Lumbini’s position as a center of global peace dialogue, fostering international collaboration for the common good of humanity.