The monumental International Sangha Forum Bodhgaya – 2023 (ISFB-2023), hosted in the sacred precincts of Bodh Gaya, India, witnessed the convergence of over a hundred global Buddhist organizations from the 20th to the 23rd of December. Guided by the venerable presence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the forum resonated with the collective wisdom of more than two thousand Buddhist monks hailing from Sri Lanka, India, Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Bhutan, Nepal, Japan, Russia, Korea, and Mongolia.
The main objective of the Sangha Forum was to foster mutual understanding and respect among the diverse Buddhist traditions worldwide. By bridging the gaps between various Buddhist cultures, the forum aimed to lay the foundation for a unified global Buddhist community. Delving into the shared aspects of different Buddhist cultures, discussions at the Forum were centered around the practical application of Buddhism in the contemporary world. Concurrently, the second Bhikku exchange program unfolded, contributing to the exchange of wisdom and experiences among monks from different corners of the Buddhist world.
The coordination of the forum was handled by the International Buddhist Confederation, Tibet House, and Tibet Buddhist Council. Additionally, 21 sub-organizers from various countries played integral roles in ensuring the success of the event. In Sri Lanka, the primary organizational responsibilities were shouldered by the Buddhist Brotherhood, guided by its Chairman, Damenda Porage. The distinguished Maha Nayaka Thero of the Asgiriya chapter, accompanied by 60 Maha Sangha representing the Tri Nikaya in Sri Lanka, led the Sri Lankan delegation to India.
The delegation, comprising approximately 100 individuals from Sri Lanka, included both monastic and lay participants. Under the esteemed leadership of Damenda Porage, the Sri Lankan delegation had the privilege of an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The forum garnered extensive media coverage, thanks to the proactive efforts of the Buddhist Brotherhood in Sri Lanka, which had strategically arranged widespread media coverage in the country prior to the commencement of the forum.
During their stay in Bodh Gaya, the delegation found accommodation in various hotels, with those participating in the International Sangha Exchange program being hosted at the Vatpa temple of Thai origin. Organizers thoughtfully ensured the well-being of the delegation by providing three meals daily and required transportation throughout their stay.
The ceremonial commencement of the forum unfolded with grandeur on December 20th at the International Convention Center in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. the forum took on an auspicious tone as His Holiness the Dalai Lama took his seat, officially marking the commencement. Steering the proceedings were Ven. Siling Thonghor Rinpoche Thero from India and Ven. Mahayano Thero from Thailand.
The inaugural moments saw the reverent recital of the Karaniya Metta Sutta, setting a spiritual tone for the day. Vinnie Enjee, the Secretary of ISF, then eloquently delivered a welcome speech, extending warm greetings to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Maha Sangha, and esteemed guests. His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the gathering, imparting wisdom and guidance.
Further dignitaries, including Minister Pema Kandu from Arunachal state and IBC’s Director General Abhijith Haldhar, shared their insights and perspectives with the assembled audience. The symbolic launch of the forum, graced by the participation of the Maha Sangha, unfolded with great significance. Representing Sri Lanka, the Asgiri Maha Nayaka, Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thero, played a pivotal role in the launch, marking a momentous honour for the nation. A historical milestone ensued as Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thero, the sole Sangha Raja present, delivered the first Sangha Raja speech of the event. Sri Lanka basked in the honour bestowed upon it, a testament to the tireless efforts of Damaneda Porage, the Chairman of Buddhist Brotherhood in Sri Lanka.
Addressing the assembly, Sangha Nayakas Ven. Kenpo Sonam Thero, Ven. Pouh Iddimuni Thero, and Ven. Kanbo Nomun Khan Thero, representing Mongolia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, respectively, extended heartfelt congratulations to the forum. The General Secretary of IBC, Ven. Kensur Jangchup Voden Thero, then took the podium, urging collective support to ensure the success of the forum. The event resonated with a harmonious blend of spirituality, wisdom, and international camaraderie.
The focal points for discourse during these sessions were ”Buddhist Disciplinary System for Monks” and ”The Role of Buddhism in the 21st Century.” A comprehensive introduction was provided for each speaker. Representing Sri Lanka, Ven. Raluwe Padmasiri Thero and Most Ven. Prof. Mahawela Ratanapala Thero eloquently addressed the audience during the first seminar.
The second day of the forum, which unfolded on the 21st of December 2023, graced the halls of the International Convention Center in Bodhgaya, India.
The distinguished speakers grappled with profound themes throughout the day, offering insights on ”Buddhist Philosophy for All Times,” a ”Comparative Study of Four Noble Truths,” an examination of the ”Comparative Study of the Concept of Nirvana,” and an exploration of ”Buddhist Philosophy and Modernism.” Notable contributors included Ven. Prof. Pallekande Rathanasara Thero, Most Ven. Prof. Kandegoda Wimaladhamma Thero, and Most Ven. Prof. Miriswatte Wimalagnana Thero.
The culmination of the forum transpired on the 22nd of December at the prestigious International Convention Hall in Bodhgaya, Bihar. Topics such as ”Exploring the Vinaya Pitaka,” ”A Comparative Study between Buddhist Traditions,” and the ”Concept of Wisdom in the Modern World” were discussed.
Representing Sri Lanka, Most Ven. Prof. Medagampitiye Vjithadhamma Thero and Most Ven. Prof. Lenagala Siriniwasa Thero eloquently shared their insights during this esteemed gathering.
Distinguished speakers, including Ven. Telo Rinpoche Thero from Mongolia, Ven. Vajiramedi Thero from Thailand, and Ven. Sri Saranankara Maha Nayaka Thero from Malaysia, added their perspectives to the discourse. Pari Jinpa Gyatso, the organizer, extended a gracious vote of thanks.
Following the culmination of the forum on 22nd December, a Pirith Chanting ceremony graced the serene grounds in front of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar on 23rd December which was conducted under the noble presence of His Holiness the 14 th Dalai Lama, alongside esteemed leaders from the global Buddhist Sangha. A vast gathering comprising Buddhist monks and laypeople congregated to partake in this spiritually significant event. The sacred resonance of Pirith Chanting echoed through the air, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence in the historic surroundings of Bodh Gaya.
© satipatthana magazine
