International Sangha Forum 2023 concludes with key resolutions

By Tsering Dhundup

DHARAMSHALA, Dec 23: The International Sangha Forum (ISF) 2023, themed “Bridging Traditions, Embracing Modernity: A Dialogue on the Buddha’s Teachings in Today’s World,” concluded on Friday, with a series of resolutions aimed at fostering unity and addressing contemporary global issues. 

The resolutions encompass commitments to regular dialogues and conferences to facilitate understanding and to address challenges in a unified manner, facilitating exchanges of monastics among different traditions, honouring diversity, promoting wisdom and compassion for global challenges, incorporating scientific understandings with Buddhist wisdom, nurturing interactions with loving-kindness, and a dedication to the practice and promotion of Buddha’s teachings for world peace.

Foremost Buddhist figure His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated the three-day event at Bodh Gaya on December 20. In his address, he emphasised the universal importance of compassion and the practice of Bodhisattva for world peace. He highlighted the significance of Bodhichitta—the mind of enlightenment—as a practice that brings inner strength, urging attendees to adopt this principal practice and refrain from harming others.

Over 2,000 participants from 33 countries, including monks, heads of Buddhist institutions, and devotees, engaged in discussions focused on bridging various Buddhist traditions. The forum aimed to foster ongoing dialogues and collaborations between Pali traditions of Southeast and South Asian countries of India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia) and those of the Sanskrit tradition from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia and other parts of the world.

The conference prioritized discussions on maintaining the authenticity of established Buddhist traditions while adapting teachings to meet contemporary needs. It highlighted the necessity of making the Dharma more accessible and meaningful, particularly to younger generations and regions unfamiliar with Buddhism. Furthermore, there was an emphasis on supporting and upholding the standards of Buddhist monastics in today’s world to prevent the deterioration of the Dharma.