The Buddhist event held from December 12-15 in Kathmandu, Nepal drew the participation of Buddhist dignitaries from 28 countries and territories.

The conference themed “Relying on the Dharma to contribute to world harmony” aims to spread practicing values ​​of Buddha's teachings in order to lead a happy life, creating inner and world peace.

Buddhist delegates pose for group photo with Prime Minister of Nepal

On the occasion, representatives of government of China, Laos, Cambodia, Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and leaders of Buddhist organization in countries and territories also sent messages to the Buddhist conference.

During the Buddhist conference, Senior Venerable Thích Quang Thạnh conveyed VBS’s messages and extended VBS’ congratulations to Most Venerable Vice President of the China Buddhist Association cum Chairman of the Buddhist Conference’s Organizing Committee Shi Yinshun. The VBS’s senior venerable stated that the Buddhist conference does not only propagate the Buddha's spiritual legacy but also promotes the development and dissemination of Buddhist culture within the region and around the world. The VBS’s dignitary also highlighted Nepal is the place where Buddhism originated, with many relics and sacred sites about the history of Buddha being preserved, such as Lumbini garden.

Also at the conference, Senior Member of the VBS’s International Buddhist Central Committee Thích Giải Hiền delivered the presentation “Returning to the spiritual roots of Xuanzang's Shaoxing, enlightening communication and promoting dialogue and exchange” and Venerable Member of the VBS’s Executive Council Thích An Đạt delivered the paper “Recognizing the history and status of Nepalese Buddhism and enhancing world Buddhist exchange and cooperation”.

During the Buddhist conference’s Youth Forum, Senior Venerable Member of the VBS’s Executive Council cum Vice Chairman of the VBS’s International Buddhist Central Committee Thích Giác Hiệp highlighted responsibilities of the young generation toward understanding the core Buddhist values in order to contribute to further development of Buddhism.

VBS delegation presents souvenir to Most Venerable Shi Yinshun

At the closing session of the conference taking place on December 14, the delegates unanimously agreed to approve the Kathmandu recommendation, which emphasizes the common faith and mission, preservation of the core values ​​of Buddhism; promotion of peace and mutual support, respect of the diversity, enhancement of Buddhist cultural exchanges and people's diplomacy; support of humanitarian initiatives, building of long-term mechanisms for charitable organizations; boosting of Buddhist education to preserve the Dharma and spread the value of Buddhist relics.

Nguyên Hải