The sacred city of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, served as the venue for the landmark Nepal-China Buddhist Culture and Art Conference 2025, held from April 26–27 at Lumbini Buddhist University. This significant event brought together eminent scholars, spiritual leaders, and policymakers from both nations to explore their shared Buddhist heritage under the theme “The First One Belt, One Road China-Nepal Buddhist Culture and Art.”
The success of the conference was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several key institutions, including Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini Development Trust, Sariputra Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the World Alliance for the Buddhist Cultural Exchange Co. Ltd., Wuzhou Calligraphy and Painting Academy, and the Chinese Cultural Promotion Society.
This conference effectively bridged ancient wisdom with modern academic discourse through a carefully curated program of scholarly presentations and cultural engagements. It revolved around eight core themes, primarily focusing on Buddhist culture, history, and art as connecting threads between Nepal and China. Over the course of two days, six sessions were conducted during which 45 research papers were presented—34 by Chinese scholars and 11 by Nepali researchers.
Day One: Inaugural Ceremony and Academic Foundations
The conference commenced with a spiritually enriching opening ceremony held at Metta Hall, where the recitation of the Five Precepts by Ven. Sagar Dhamma imbued the atmosphere with a sense of solemnity and reverence.
The formal inauguration was graced by the Honorable Chet Narayan Acharya, Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, whose keynote address eloquently traced the 1,600-year-long trajectory of Nepal-China Buddhist relations, citing historical pilgrimages by renowned figures such as Faxian and Xuanzang.
The morning segment of the first day primarily involved registration and ceremonial arrangements, fostering informal interaction among participants before the academic discussions began. The afternoon schedule featured three major academic sessions that set a strong intellectual foundation
for the conference. These included traditional Buddhist rituals, the announcement of the prestigious Faxian and Xuanzang Scholarships, and keynote speeches by notable dignitaries.
In the first academic session held in Metta Hall, five significant papers were presented. These included Prof. Ye Shuxian’s comparative analysis of lotus symbolism in Chinese and Nepali Buddhist art and Prof. Deji Drohna’s study on the historical significance of Princess Bhrikuti in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. These presentations highlighted profound historical and cultural linkages between the two nations.
The evening was marked by parallel sessions held concurrently in Metta Hall and Karuna Hall. While Metta Hall focused on papers related to cultural exchange, Karuna Hall featured discussions centered on Buddhist art history.
This dual structure enabled participants to delve into their specific areas of interest. The day’s proceedings concluded with a cultural tea reception, providing a serene and informal setting for networking and dialogue among participants.
Day Two: Expanding Dialogue and Commitment to the Future
The second day built upon the momentum of the first, deepening academic engagement through thematic and specialized sessions. In the morning, parallel sessions continued in both main venues. Metta Hall, chaired by Prof. Gitu Giri, featured eleven presentations that explored various aspects of Buddhist contributions. Among these, Prof. Jin Yiming’s paper on the influence of Buddhabhadra on Chinese Buddhism and Rajendra Ghimire’s exploration of Buddhist philosophical concepts in the Belt and Road Initiative stood out.
Simultaneously, under the leadership of Ven. Sabuj Barua, Karuna Hall hosted another eleven presentations, which delved into Buddhist philosophy and practice. Noteworthy among them were Prof. Yi Hua’s study on the interrelation between Buddhism and tea culture in Nepal, and Dr. Prerak Regmi’s innovative approach to integrating Buddhist principles into contemporary medical practice. These sessions highlighted the interdisciplinary relevance of Buddhist scholarship in the present day.
In the afternoon, Metta Hall hosted seven impactful presentations focusing on cultural diplomacy and heritage conservation. Highlights included Prof. Tsering Yangdzom’s exploration of Princess Khribtsun’s evolving representation in Tibetan history and Prof. Dong Shiwei’s scholarly work on the White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple. These contributions emphasized the enduring influence of Buddhist art and history in shaping contemporary cultural relations between Nepal and China.
The event culminated in a closing forum where delegates formalized their commitments to future collaboration. As a gesture of appreciation, tokens of metta were presented to the paper presenters, moderators, and rapporteurs. These symbolic gifts, intended for permanent display at their respective institutions, will serve as lasting reminders of the conference’s significance and shared purpose.
Key Outcomes and Long-Term Impact
The NCBCA Conference 2025 yielded significant academic and institutional outcomes that will guide the trajectory of future Nepal-China Buddhist collaboration. The establishment of the Faxian and Xuanzang Scholarships opens avenues for student exchanges, while the appointment of four visiting professorships at Lumbini Buddhist University marks a major step toward sustained academic cooperation. Perhaps most importantly, the conference concluded with a joint declaration emphasizing the intent to advance collaborative research, protect and promote shared Buddhist heritage sites, develop culturally integrative educational programs, and expand people-to-people connections.
By successfully weaving together ancient Buddhist legacies with modern frameworks of international engagement, the conference underscored the relevance of spiritual heritage in diplomacy and scholarly discourse.
As Dr. Tilakram Acharya aptly remarked in his closing address, the gathering did more than commemorate shared traditions—it actively revitalized the ancient Silk Routes of wisdom in the 21st century. The NCBCA Conference 2025 has laid a robust foundation for an enduring tradition of cultural and academic exchange between Nepal and China. The seeds of dialogue and cooperation planted in Lumbini will undoubtedly flourish, nurturing generations of scholars and practitioners in the years to come.