The modern world is experiencing rapid changes, marked by social, political, and environmental challenges leading to conflict, alienation, and uncertainty. In such a context, the timeless wisdom of the Buddha Dhamma offers guidance through compassion, wisdom, and harmony. The principles of collective wisdom, united voice, and mutual coexistence are central to fostering peace, shared prosperity, and deeper human connection.
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), inspired by these values, seeks to reaffirm the relevance of Buddha Dhamma in addressing contemporary challenges through solidarity and cooperation. The 1st Global Buddhist Summit, held in 2023, brought together over 170 delegates from across the globe, including esteemed members of the Sangha and lay practitioners. Centered around the theme “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis,” the summit fostered meaningful dialogue on applying Buddhist principles to address modern societal issues.
Building on these foundational insights, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) plans the 2nd Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) to be held on January 24–25, 2026, in New Delhi, with the proposed theme “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence.” This theme aims to further strengthen the role of Buddhist philosophy in nurturing societal harmony and promoting constructive international engagement.
Rationale
The theme highlights the Buddha’s teaching that all phenomena are interdependent, condensed in the principle of Paṭicca-samuppāda (Dependent Origination). This concept is central to Buddhist philosophy and describes how events and experiences arise and cease in a dependent manner, illustrating the interconnected web of conditions that shape existence and suffering.
This view is foundational in the Pāli Canon and key Mahāyāna sūtras and is crucial to understanding that individual actions resonate across the shared field of life. Buddhist texts and traditions emphasize that while wisdom (prajñā) is often cultivated personally, its fullest expression arises in community. Though members of the Buddhist Sangha bring unique experiences and insights, it is through dialogue, ethical engagement, and mutual support that deeper collective wisdom emerges.
The doctrine of dependent origination illustrates the Buddha’s insight into causality and interdependence. According to this teaching, nothing exists independently; every phenomenon arises conditioned by other phenomena, creating an unbroken chain of causality. The twelve-link chain—from ignorance through craving and becoming—demonstrates that suffering is not isolated but arises from shared causes, emphasizing human interconnectedness and responsibility.
The Buddhist phrase “many in body, one in mind” captures the synergy created when diverse individuals unite in shared intent and ethical aspiration. Unity in diversity is not enforced sameness but an empowered acknowledgment and celebration of differences while sustaining a common purpose. Buddha Dhamma teaches that coexistence is not merely tolerance but an active realization that the happiness, suffering, and destiny of all beings are inextricably linked.
Compassion and ethical conduct (sīla) are not optional; they are essential for the liberation of oneself and others. The Buddha’s teachings on good friendship, intentional communities, and the settlement of disputes—as found in the Dīgha Nikāya and Majjhima Nikāya—demonstrate practical pathways for creating harmonious societies grounded in collective well-being.
Objectives
- To highlight the continuing relevance of Buddha Dhamma principles in social harmony, peace, and cooperation in the modern era.
- To strengthen the unity of voice among followers of the Buddha Dhamma across nations and traditions while celebrating diversity.
- To promote practical pathways for mutual coexistence in addressing global issues such as conflict, inequality, and ecological crises.
- To encourage dialogue and mutual respect among diverse Buddhist traditions to strengthen unity in shared values.
- To integrate timeless Buddhist wisdom with modern learning to guide future generations toward peace, coexistence, and sustainability, where human progress aligns with respect and care for nature.
Sub-Theme Ideas
Collective Wisdom and United Voice for Social Harmony
This theme explores how the convergence of diverse perspectives within the Buddha Dhamma tradition nurtures compassion and empathy. It emphasizes the transformative power of collective understanding in addressing contemporary social challenges and reflects on how interdependence and mutual respect form the moral foundation for peaceful and inclusive societies.
Entrepreneurship and Right Livelihood in Buddha Dhamma
Anchored in the Noble Eightfold Path’s principle of Right Livelihood, this theme examines value-based entrepreneurship and ethical economic models. It discusses mindfulness in business, stress management, and community-oriented enterprise, reimagining entrepreneurship as generosity, balance, and mindful contribution to society and the environment.
Scientific Research, Healthcare, Medicine, and Sustainable Living in Buddha Dhamma
This theme bridges ancient wisdom and modern science, examining how Buddhist approaches enhance physical and mental health, ecological awareness, and sustainability. Studies explore correlations between Abhidhamma’s analysis of mental states and modern cognitive science, advancing holistic health and well-being grounded in balance and mindful coexistence.
Learning in the Light of Buddha Dhamma
This theme investigates how knowledge is preserved, transmitted, and adapted in the digital age. The Buddha’s teachings were experiential and transformative, aimed at cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. The focus is on collective learning, Dhamma-centered education, and globally enabled participation in practice and study.
Sangha Dynamics through Roles, Rituals, and Practice in Buddha Dhamma
This theme reflects on the Sangha as a living model of collective growth and spiritual friendship (kalyāṇamitta). It explores how monastic values can integrate with contemporary communal life, fostering inclusivity, resilience, unity in diversity, and the shared pursuit of awakening.
Conclusion
As inheritors of a timeless tradition of wisdom and compassion, humanity stands at a moment where ancient insight must meet modern aspiration. The Buddha’s teachings invite reflection and action—building communities rooted in kindness, mindfulness, and shared understanding. The International Buddhist Confederation envisions itself as a beacon of unity, where every voice contributes to harmony and every act embodies compassion in motion. Through the light of the Dhamma, may transformation be inspired, peace nurtured, and a better world shaped for generations to come.
Dhammapada Verse
न हि वेरेन वेराहन, सम्मन्तीध कुदाचनं ।
Na hi verena verāni, sammantīdha kudācanaṃ;
अवेरेन च सम्मन्तन्त, एस धम्मो सनन्तनो ॥
Averena ca sammanti, esa dhammo sanantano.
Translation:
Hatred does not cease by hatred at any time.
Hatred ceases through non-hatred.
This is an eternal law.
About the 1st Global Buddhist Summit
The 1st Global Buddhist Summit was held on 20–21 April 2023 in New Delhi, with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India as the Chief Guest. The Summit brought together over 170 delegates from 31 countries, including Supreme Heads of Sanghas, spiritual masters, eminent scholars and lay practitioners. Organised under the theme “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis,” it fostered meaningful dialogue on applying Buddhist principles to modern societal issues.
About the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is a global Buddhist umbrella organisation headquartered in New Delhi under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Established in 2011 under the patronage of the supreme Buddhist religious hierarchy, the IBC has a global membership of over 300 monastic and lay organisations. United by the motto “Collective Wisdom, United Voice,” the IBC aims to integrate Buddhist values into global discourse, promoting transparency, inclusiveness and balanced representation across traditions, genders and emerging Buddhist communities worldwide.
