IBC Newsletter

Samyak Sambodh  VOLUME III ISSUE 2 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2019

Council of Patrons ‘Let’s restore and move on’:  His Holiness Thich Tri Quang Deputy Patriarch, Vietnam Buddhist , Vietnam ABCP held in Mongolia  His Holiness Preah Agga Maha Sangharajadhipati PM Modi gifts Supreme Patriach, Mahanikaya Order, Buddha statue  His Holiness Dr. Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa and Chairman, State Sangha Committee,  His Holiness Sanghanayaka Suddhananda Mahathero President, Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, Bangladesh  His Holiness Jinje-Beopwon 13th Supreme Patriarch, Jogye Order of Korean , South Korea  His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso India (Tibet in Exile)  His Eminence Rev. Khamba Lama Gabju Choijamts Supreme Head of Mongolian Buddhists, Mongolia  His Eminence 24th Pandito Khamba Lama Damba Ayusheev Prayers at the inauguration of the 11th General Assembly of Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace Supreme Head of Russian Buddhists, Russia (ABCP) at the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery  His Holiness Late Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera he 11th General Assembly of Asian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mongolia Supreme Patriarch,  His Holiness Late Phra Achan Maha Phong Buddhist Conference for Peace in May 2015, that he announced the gifting Samaleuk T(ABCP) was held in Ulaanbaatar, of a Buddha statue with his two disciples Sangharaja, Laos from 21-23 June, 2019 at Mongolia’s to the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery.  His Holiness Late Aggamaha Pandita leading monastery Gandan Tegchenling The Indian Council for Cultural Davuldena Gnanissara Thero Monastery, under the benevolent gaze of a Relations-ICCR was assigned the Mahanayaka, , huge Statue of Lord Buddha with his two responsibility of commissioning the disciples. statues. It awarded the contract for It was during the visit of the Indian commissioning and installation of the International Symposium Contd. on page 2... on Scholarship for Studying Buddhism in India As a part of IBC outreach to IBC celebrates Buddha Jayanti connect the Buddhist world with he auspicious Vaisakh day of Dhamma, the Secretary General, Ven India’s vast treasure- trove of full moon was commemorated Dr Dhammapiya called upon the global Buddhist knowledge, legacy, and by the International Buddhist community to shun violence in all forms heritage, as well as to promote T Confederation (IBC) in prayers- recitation for that is the only way to live a happy scholarship and research, IBC of the sutras, meditation and discourse on and peaceful life. “As nobody wants to be is on the path of launching an Dhamma. harmed and no living creature wants to academic initiative in phases. In his message of greetings to all, die, let us shun violence and also stop the page 9... including brothers and sisters in the Contd. on page 15... Samyak Sambodh

...Contd. from page 1 PM gifts Buddha statue to Mongolian monastery

Statues to Ram Sutar Fine Arts Private Education, Cultural, Science & Sports Mr. and in the Republic of Buryatia, the Limited headed by world-famous Yo. Baatarbileg and several other Members 24th Pandito Khamba Lama Damba Sculptor Padmabhushan Shri Ram Vanaji of Parliament were present and delivered Badmayevich Ayusheev; the head lama of Sutar and Shri Anil Ram Sutar. remarks during the inaugural ceremony. the Kalmyk people, Telo Tulku Rinpoche, The statue was installed in the The messages of the President of Sri who is also the honorary representative gigantic Assembly Hall of the Gandan Lanka and Prime Minister of Bangladesh of the Dalai Lama for Russia, Mongolia, Tegchenling Monastery in April this year were also read out by representatives of and the members of the Commonwealth with the consecration carried out under the respective countries and handed over of Independent States; and the head lama Buddhist tradition and ritual. Though, to the President of ABCP Khamba Lama of the Tuvan people, Lopsan Chamzy. Choijamts. The special message of His Among the distinguished guests was on 6th September, later this year, the 50th Holiness Dalai Lama was also screened the president of Mongolia, Khaltmaagiin theABCP’s Statue General will Assembly be officially was inaugurated held in this during inaugural ceremony. Battulga. During the opening ceremony huge illustrious hall. The Conference was held under the he remarked: “Mongolia has always The historic Gandan Tegchenling theme “Let’s restore and move on” in supported the Asian Buddhist Conference Monastery was founded in 1809 by the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary for Peace, and it has been seen as a Gelug school of Buddhism, and of the Assembly. As part of the events, an valuable contribution of Mongolians not the institutional and cultural center of International Academic Conference was only to ensuring peace throughout the Mongolian Buddhism. The monastery’s also held on June 22 and 23 under the world but to maintaining its values, which abbot, His Eminence the Khamba topic of “Buddhist heritage and values are still valid to this day. Guided by the Lama Gabju Choijamts Demberel, is the of 21st teachings of the compassionate Buddha, highest-ranking Buddhist leader in the under the aspiration of Asian countries to country. He is also president of the Asian preserve Century”. their cultural It was heritage first convened through the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace Buddhist Conference for Peace and head spreading the teachings of the Buddha madeduring its the voice difficult heard timesnot only of in Cold Asia War, but of the Centre of Mongolian Buddhists. and valuing wisdom and compassion in throughout the whole world. Moreover, The Indian Council for Cultural ensuring peace. it has presented new opportunities in Relations also sponsored a 15- The leaders who participated in cultural, educational, and economic member Laddakh Cultural Group for a the conference were the most senior long-term cooperation where human performance at the opening ceremony Buddhists in the Russian Federation rights, freedom and unity are upheld. of the Conference that was attended by over 150 guests from 14 countries including India, South Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, , North Korea, Vietnam, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thailand, Japan and Mongolia, with a Tibetan delegation led by Venerable Thupten Ngodup, the Nechung Kuten, and representatives from all of the major Buddhist traditions. Since ABCP is a registered observer organization of UN, Ms. Ingha Rhonda King, President of ECOSOC, Ambassador and Permanent Representative from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also attended the inaugural ceremony. From the Mongolian Government, the President Kh. Battulga, the Minister of

A session of the 11th General Assembly of the ABCP

2 | IBC Newsletter Therefore, the conference was registered as an observer to the UN’s Economic and Excerpts from the Report by Gabju D. Choijamts, Social Council in 1988 in recognition of its President of ABCP, Khamba Lama of Gandan contribution to the well-being of humanity through its actions for peace.” (from the Tegchenling Monastery, the Centre of Mongolian Buddhists at the 11th General Assembly of ABCP The Asian Buddhist Conference for PeaceOffice ofis thea voluntary President mass of Mongolia) movement of Ulaanbaatar, 23 June 2019 aspirations to realize the ideals of peace, Dear Most Venerable monks and lamas of Nepal, Venerable Gunaratna Thero justiceAsian Buddhistsand human reflecting dignity. theirIts aim sincere is to of the National Centres, of India, and a representative of the bring together efforts of Buddhists in Brothers and sisters in the , Buddhists of the former USSR or present support of consolidating universal peace, Ladies and Gentlemen harmony and cooperation among people the existing international situation, of Asia. I would like to, on behalf of the Mongolian andRussia the to noble Ulaanbaatar. goals and While objectives discussing of The history of the organization dates Buddhists and the people of Mongolia, Buddhism, they supported the initiative to 1968, when three eminent Buddhist extend my sincere gratitude to you all of the Khamba Lama to unite for carrying monks—Ven. Khamba Lama Samagiin for accepting our invitation to the 11th out joint actions by Asian Buddhists Gombojav (Mongolia), Ven. Khamba Lama General Assembly of ABCP and coming for the promotion and development of Jambaldorj Gomboev (USSR) and Ven. to our beautiful country - the land of blue peace in Asia. Guided by this mission, Kushok Bakula Rinpoche (India)—met in skies, and extend to you all, with folded they unanimously decided to call a Buryatia to discuss the state of Buddhism hands, a very warm welcome on this Meeting of Asian Buddhists in June 1970, in the region and to explore the possibility auspicious day. thus setting in motion the noble cause of of setting up a Buddhist organization. In peace promotion. July 1969, Ven. Sumanatissa and Ven. a long period of time since the last 10th I would like to bow and pay my deep GeneralWe have Conference all gathered of hereABCP after and quite the respect to our gurus - the Most venerable (India) and Ven. Amritananda (Nepal) present regular Ulaanbaatar General Samaagiin Gombojav of Mongolia, Most visitedWipulasara Ulaanbaatar (Sri Lanka), at the Ven. invitation Jinaratana of Assembly is important for we are tasked Venerable Sumanatissa Thero of Sri Khamba Lama Gombojav. Over the course to review and assess our organisation's Lanka, Venerable Gunaratna Thero of of their meeting they agreed to establish past history and outline the future goals India, Venerable Amritananda Thero of an international Buddhist organization in and objectives. Nepal and Most Venerable Gomboyev of the Mongolian capital. Russia for their enormous contribution On 13 June 1970, another meeting come a long way over the past half a to laying the foundation of this noble was held in Ulaanbaatar, approving a centuryWe Asian to unite Buddhists our efforts have for the together noble cause, setting in motion the solidarity resolution to establish an international striving of all the sentient beings for movement of the Asian Buddhists, and organization called the Asian Buddhist founding and extending our organisation. of our world. On behalf of the participants in our general assembly was held in the city and peaceIf we and look tranquillity back into of allthe the pages peoples of General Assembly and on my personal Ven.Committee Gombojav for Promoting was elected Peace. president. The first behalf I would like to express our sincere During the third general assembly in ago, right here in this land where we appreciation and respect to His Holiness New Delhi in 1974, the organization’s havehistory today we findconverged, that way the back foundation 50 years Samdech Tep Vong, the Great Buddhist current name was adopted, and in the stones of our movement for peace were Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia for your same year His Holiness the Dalai Lama laid. continuous support to the activities of participated in the forum and became an Let me clarify. In December 1969, ABCP and for the many years you have ABCP member. Gabju the Learned Samaagiin Gombojav, been with us. The ABCP, one of the few religious Khamba Lama of the Gandan Tegchenling Dear brothers and sisters in the organizations registered in the United Monastery, the Centre of Mongolian Dharma, Nations, has since convened 11 general Buddhist invited the Most Venerable Our Great Teacher Shakyamuni, the assemblies in Mongolia, Sri Lanka, India, Sumanatissa Thero of then Ceylon (Sri pinnacle of compassion, peace and Japan and Laos. Lanka), Venerable Amritananda Thero tolerance, was born on this Earth more

IBC Newsletter | 3 Samyak Sambodh than 2,500 years ago. Lord Buddha showed us the path leading to a peace without suffering, an immortal yearning of humankind. Teaching us that all kinds of suffering are born of our ignorance of the cause of all the sufferings, and showed us how to rid of all this suffering by way of purifying out minds and hearts, and through enlightenment. The teachings of peace and the manifestation of the ideas of peace spread far and wide in most of the countries of Asia, bringing in its fold thousands and millions of followers, establishing one common universal cultural heritage to become a global religion. Today, peoples living in other continents are also broadly accepting Buddhism. The world Buddhists, true to the teachings of the Great Shakyamuni, have always prayed for lasting peace and have walked in unity under one movement for peace. In the 1970s, when the dangers of Cold and when some countries and peoples ofWar Asia was were growing exposed throughout to the devastations the world, of war, Asian Buddhists came together in solidarity and unity to become one of the movements consistently and invariably standing up for peace for humanity, and that organisation, with efforts of the Asian Buddhists for peace, of delegations of the founding national become an expression of the unity of our and Mongolia's Khamba Lama S. Gombojav, centres of ABCP. heartfive scores and soul,years and of history a reliable and support which has of one of the initiators of the movement, Over the past half a century, the our cooperation is the Asian Buddhist was elected the President of the Centre, activities of our organisation had grown Conference for Peace. and Indian venerable Gunaratana and in strength, scale and scope, making ABCP, the peace movement of the Asian Venerable Sumanatissa of Ceylon were strong and broad social impact and Buddhists, guided by the teachings of Lord elected the centre's Vice President, while cooperation among the Asian Buddhists Buddha, was thus founded with a mission a Mongolian profession Ch. Jugder was for peace. A striking illustration of this to strengthen peace and security on the elected the organisation's Secretary was the foundation of the ABCP National Asian continent, unite the peace-loving general. This marked the beginning of the Centres of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, history of ABCP - an organisation for unity Bangladesh, Republic of Korea and the and friendly relations among nations, of the Asian Buddhists. Democratic People's Republic of Korea andAsian spreading Buddhists, the teachings establish of equitableour Lord and the fact that delegation of 15 national Buddha. newly established organisation were centers have come here today for our Proceeding from this very premise, the theThe National first Centres member of centresIndia, Mongolia, of this 11th General Assembly. This goes to Russia, Japan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. I would prove the invariable commitment of the was held in Ulaanbaatar in 1970, set up like to emphasise that these National Asian Buddhists to the teachings of Lord thisfirst peace meeting organisation of Asian Buddhists,and which whichbegan Centres have always actively supported Shakyamuni, the values of Buddhism and the activities of ABCP and have been true the supreme mission of ensuring peace with weapons in hand, meet each other to the founding goals and missions of the throughout the world. Furthermore, this its history under the motto “May fighters organisation even up to today. Taking is a striking illustration of the fact that This Meeting issued a resolution on this opportunity, I would like to sincerely we have all come and gathered here to establishingwith flowers ain centre their hands."for coordinating the thank the venerable monks and members

fight for peace, sustainable development 4 | IBC Newsletter to strongly raise our voice for peace

for the peoples of Asia and putting an endand redoubleto foreign our wars efforts and for aggressions tranquillity in the continent by stepping up the involvement of the Asian Buddhists in these endeavours. These efforts were also spearheaded at banning weapons of mass I feel proud to destruction, such as nuclear, chemical and bacteriological weapons, and promoting note that the universal disarmament. Buddhists of held in Kandy, New Delhi, Tokyo and India, the holy Ulaanbaatar,The first guided five General by these Conferences, goals and objectives, galvanised the efforts of the land where Asian Buddhists, thus making a practical contribution to the cause of global Shakyamuni gave and regional peace, and it became a recognised part of the international body his first sermons, of peace-loving organisations, which can

have always ABCP. remained the be qualified as the key achievements of Ulaanbaatar issued an Appeal for Peace spiritual strength in AsiaThe and first putting General an end Conference to the Vietnam in

The inauguration of 11th General and cornerstone the Buddhists of the Asian countries for War, and supported the initiative of uniting Assembly of Asian Buddhist peace. Conference for Peace (ABCP) of peace The Second General Conference in Kandy, Ceylon adopted a special resolution on Indo-China and an Appeal and well-being of peoples of the world Nine General Conferences of ABCP with renewed joint effort, vigour and new were held during these 30 years. The First to defuse regional and international commitments. General Conference was held in 1970 in tensions,to all Buddhists guarantee of Asiathe right and theto peace, World Allow me to thank you all once again Ulaanbaatar, the then Mongolian People's progress and development, and reminded sincerely. Republic. The Second one was held in the aggressors and instigators of wars and Distinguished Venerable and friends in Kandy, Sri Lanka in 1972, the third in 1974 violence, that the Dharma. in New Delhi, India, the fourth in Tokyo, “He who, by causing pain to others, The past 50 years of history of the Asian Buddhist movement for peace in Conferences in Ulaanbaatar in 1979 and He, entangled in the bonds of hatred, the face of the Asian Buddhist Conference 1982,Japan inthe 1976, seventh the fifthin 1986 and sixthin Vientiane, General Wishes to obtain peace for himself, for Peace, overcoming the huge global Laos, the eighth and the ninth General (Dhammapada) political and social changes spanning two Conferences were held in Ulaanbaatar, RecallingWill never thebe free teaching from hatred” of the Lord millenniums, is rich in historical lessons. Mongolia. These General Conferences Buddha and accordingly, the ABCP This is our common pride and a joint outlined the goals and objectives of the President had appealed to remain history. This history can be divided into organisation in light of the pressing invariably committed to peace. I would two basic periods, one pertaining to the global and regional issues, and took 20th century and the other to the 21st important decisions that emboldened the note that the Buddhists of Sri Lanka even century. spirit, hopes and cooperation of the Asian todaylike to, continue from thisto be podium,true to the specifically teachings Buddhists. of Lord Shakyamuni, and have become the connected with the events in the last three The 10 year activities of ABCP, spanning vanguards in the struggle for peace. The first 30 years of ABCP was closely the period from 1970 to 1980, depending The New Delhi Declaration, adopted say that these 30 years were a period of on the then existing circumstances, were at the Third General Conference held in energeticdecades of activity the twentieth of our organisation. century. We can special years prompting our organisation

India in 1976, was particularly significant IBC Newsletter | 5 Samyak Sambodh for it added fresh impetus to the growth every one of us here today. and development of our organisation, Under such circumstances, there in Mongolia. expanded the framework of its activities, arises the imperative need to revive and peaceThe organisation, Honourable with Prime its headquartersMinister of and outlined the roles and responsibilities intensify the activities of ABCP. On the Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh, addressing the of the Buddhists, especially Buddhists of other hand, the political and economic 73rh Session of the UN General assembly Asia. situation of the member countries are in 2018 had said, “More recently, in the I feel proud to note that the Buddhists becoming stable, the National Centres of India, the holy land where Shakyamuni have a better capacity to carry out activities on their own, they are being for20th combining century, in voices the epoque of international of the Cold remained the spiritual strength and replenished with a new generation of BuddhistsWar, we were for conducting the world salient peace activitiesthrough gave his first sermons, have always monks and lamas, and better realise the the Asian Buddhists Conference for Peace country to support our movement and roles and responsibilities of the Buddhists (ABCP), established in 1969 and we are thecornerstone interest of of our peace. organisation, India was rendering the first in the ever-changing and evolving world, comprehensive support. against the ideological divide. Nowadays, Today, we must celebrate the name, weachieving deem there tangible is a pressing results indemand the fight for the efforts and contributions of our Great effective dialogue mechanisms, such as Teacher Bakula Rinpoche, the former the ABCP, which has consultative status at President of ABCP. the UN ECOSOC. Thus, we are determined And so, taking this opportunity, on to revitalize its activities at regional and behalf of the Mongols and the national international arenas.” This statement of centre delegates present here, I would our Prime Minister are consonant with like to sincerely thank the delegation head my striving and aspirations to revive and and members of delegation of the India project the ABCP and its activities to a ABCP National Centre for preserving new level, the afore-mentioned calls and with honour this tradition in the new appeals, and accordingly set up a National Millennium, and who, in support of our Organising Committee for the organisation today's General Assembly, have come here of the 11th General Assembly under the in Ulaanbaatar. Dear brothers and sisters in the The organising committee worked very Dharma, hardmotto and "Rejuvenation made very andgood Way preparations Forward." for the General Assembly. I would like to thank you all for your hard work. theConflicts region and and in contradictions the world; major have I would also like to thank all the become frequent in recent years in ABCP National Centres, who too are full mutual sanctions, imposing their own Mongolian President Kh. Battulga of determination to project their own willinfluential against countrieseach other, are mounting resorting trade to activities to new levels and heights, for and information technology war, and are and proceeding from all this, there have coming to this General Assembly with refusing to address all issues through been new ideas and suggestions for new thoughts and ideas. strengthening and intensifying out joint Dear brothers and sisters in the efforts. Dharma, theeither disarmament talks or dialogue. agreements, What's more and some are Striking examples of this were the The present 11th General Assembly increasingmajor powers their have military even budgets, relinquished and is extremely important for all of us. I am have mounted an arms race. All this are May 2017 in New Delhi at the initiative of fraught with the danger of putting under theExecutive India ABCP Council National meetings, Centre, first and held the in would be successful by mapping out the second Executive Council meeting held futureconfident goals that and the objectives, General the Assembly long- global humanity. in May 2018 in Dhaka, Bangladesh where term mission of our organisation with threatAlongside the peaceful this, ecological and tranquil crisis, life globalof the it was decided that the 11th general constructive ideas and suggestions, within climate change, hunger, poverty and Assembly of ABCP would be held in the precinct of the new revised Charter of pandemics owing to the dire shortage of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. ABCP, which would carefully lay out the potable water and food, the growing social The state and government of Mongolia, organisational and structural set up of the gap owing to the unbalanced distribution with due account of the developing organisation. circumstances in the world, have been The General Secretary, members of and other global crimes demand collective expressing their interest and initiative to the National Organising Committee and I solutionof wealth, through international collective human effort trafficking from revive the activities of the international personally, actively worked for the draft-

6 | IBC Newsletter ing of the new revised version of the ABCP Charter, and the draft revised Charter had been shared with all the National Centers for their feedback, comments and sugges- 2019 ULAANBAATAR DECLARATION tions. I would like to thank those National Adopted on the Auspicious Occasion of Centres that had sent in their comments 50th Anniversary and Eleventh General Assembly of and suggestions earlier. Our organisation, while consistently Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace implementing its noble mission must June 21-24, 2019 expand the direction of its activities by promoting international collaboration ideology or any other premise should to implement the 17 goals of the UN representatives of peace-loving be opposed at all levels. Sustainable Development Goals, covering BuddhistsWe, Buddhist from Asia, monks gathered and laymen,for the 1.3 Create cultures of peace and a host of issues such as economy, Eleventh ABCP General Assembly, justice across civilisations, cultures environment, peace and security and in coinciding with the 50th anniversary and religions by co-ordinating dialogue this respect we consider it very timely of ABCP, at Ulaanbaatar, the capital among civilisations and cultures in the participation of the President of of Mongolia, being conscious of new ECOSOC (UN Economic and Social Council) changes and developments taking efforts for inter-cultural and inter- Honourable Ambassador Rhonda King place in the international arena, more religiousorder to preventpeace-building. conflicts and support in our 11th general Assembly. ABCP is particularly in the recent past, take 1.4 Stand for respect of human determined to intensify its activities commitment to uphold global peace, rights and against discrimination in all for peace and shall work to gain the 'C' forms. Consultative status of ECOSOC. the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni 1.5 Build bridges of inter-cultural In view of this, one another important andmorality, UN sustainable unity, and development.equality based on and inter-religious understanding, task would be to increase the number of dialogue and cooperation to overcome ABCP members. In this respect, the Dhaka the social, economic, cultural and Executive Council meeting had already theWhereas, life of the as people Buddhists through what sustained can we religious dynamics that increase the agreed to improve outreach and establish spiritualdo to bring aboutdevelopment a qualitative and change moral in risk of wars. contacts and relations with the Buddhists values in conformity with the noble 1.6 Develop commitments in all in the ASEAN and SAARC regions. teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, areas of life to building peace and to Accordingly, Ven. Dr. Khy Sovanaratana of who taught us to overcome greed, the Cambodia ABCP National Centre and hatred, jealousy, violence, cruelty and 1.7 Join forces, share new insights revengefulness by building an attitude anddissolving traditional potential wisdom, for conflict. coming from National Centre were appointed as the of unconditional love, universal a diversity of civilisations and religions twoMr. SonamRegional Wangchuk Coordinators. of the ABCPAvailing India of brotherhood and contentment. can prevent injustices and dangers that this opportunity, from the podium of this Now, therefore, at the conclusion threaten our life community on this General Assembly, I would like to call on of our successful celebrations and planet. the heads of the National Centres to make meetings we, the assembled delegates, the above initiative a practical reality. unanimously resolve and adopt this Article 2: Buddhist Response to An international scholarly conference Declaration. Sustainable Development is being organised on the sidelines of 2.1 Climate change is causing havoc the 11th General Assembly involving Article 1: Buddhist Response to and poses existential crisis before the eminent scholars from the regional Peace, Disarmament and Conflict countries, research institutes, colleges Avoidance all nations to work towards sincere 1.1. All nuclear tests should be implementationonly planet we allof liveall in.international We call on scholarly conference would come up with banned and anti-proliferation treaties, agreements, protocols and treaties on valuableand universities. proposals I amand confidentrecommendations that this including the Treaty on the Prohibition climate change. for the future development policy and 2.2 Nature Conservation can neither actions of ABCP. be sidelined nor overlooked as other I would like to sincerely thank you all Hibakushasof Nuclear and Weapons the successful should outcome be fully species who co-habit this planet are again and wish success to the deliberations. ofimplemented. the 2020 Nuclear We pray Non-Proliferation for surviving being wiped out too due to effects May the Triple Gem bless our noble Treaty Review Conference. caused by us humans bearing in mind deeds. 1.2 Extremism, radicalization and the interdependence of nature and the With inputs from ICCR and Buddhistdoor terrorism in the name of religion, welfare of all sentient beings.

IBC Newsletter | 7 Samyak Sambodh

2.3 ABCP member countries all signatories of global development goals; given that only 11 years are Signatories to the declaration: Heads of the left before the implementation of ABCP National Centres. these goals, ABCP National Centres commit themselves to work closely ABCP Bangladesh National Centre 1 Most Ven. Sanghanayaka with their respective governments in Suddhananda Mahathero collaboration with the UN and other multilateral bodies to speed up the ABCP Bangladesh National Centre 2 Jibanananda Barua implmentation of these goals for the Cambodia National Centre His Holiness Samdach Preah Tep Vong

Articlebenefit of3: all.On Interreligious Dialogue Department of Religion and Culture, Most Ven. Thupten Ngodup and Cooperation CTA, Dharamsala 3.1 Promote the unity and harmony ABCP India National Centre His Eminence Lochen Tulku among religious groups, further Rinpoche exchanges and cooperation with the religious organisations in all countries Japan Religious Persons Council Most Ven. Shohaku Kishida 3.2. Insist on the principles of for Peace friendship, peace, development and cooperation, cherishing peace in the ABCP Korean National Centre, DPRK Most Ven. Kang Su Rin religious organisations. ABCP Korean National Centre, Ven. Dr. Woneung Lee Chi Ran 3.3. Form attitudes of individuals Taego Order, Republic of Korea and societies towards the ‘other’ so that there would be no brutal acts of Buddhist Fellowship Organisation of Most Ven. Khamvan Voradeth individuals can be made in the name Lao People’s Democratic Republic of religion and violent groups within religious traditions. ABCP National Centre Gandan Most Ven. Da Lama Kh. 3.4. Foster the inspiring and Tegchenling Monastery Byambajav peace-building elements of religions, ABCP National Centre Dashichoiling His Eminence Dr. Ch. Dambajav more effective ways of dialogue and Monastery Khamba Lama cooperation among religions and between the world of politics and ABCP Nepal National Centre Ven. Maitri Mahthera religions are needed. Anandkuti Vihar

Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Most Ven. Khamba Lama Article 4: On the Status of Gender Russia, Ivolginsky Datsan Ulan-Ude, Damba Ayusheev Equality Buryatia

in religious practices. Russian Federation, Aginsky Datsan Ded Khamba Lama Ven. Tsyren 4.24.1 Promote women’sequal rights rights, of women gender ABCP National Centre Dondukbaev 4.3 Accelerate progress and promote ABCP Sri Lanka Centre Ven. Prof. Pallekande women’sequality and enjoyment empowerment of their of rightswomen. in (Ven. Dr. Sumatissa Chapter) Rathanasara Mahathero political, economic, social, educational ABCP Sri Lanka National Centre Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara 4.4 Advocate access and participation (Ven. Dr. Wipulasara Chapter) Mahathero ofand womenreligious andfields. girls to education, training, science and technology, National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Most Ven.Dr. Thich Duc Thien including for the promotion of women’s Vietnam Combined Buddhist Universities Prof. Dr. Le Manh That work. of Vietnam equal4.5 Eliminate access to all full forms employment of discrimina and- tion and violence against women.

8 | IBC Newsletter International Symposium Article 5: On Children and Youth 5.1 Ensure that the rights, safety, the right to education and well-being of all on Scholarship for Studying children and young people are recognised, respected and protected. Buddhism in India child labor, use of children in armed s a part of IBC’s efforts to connect IBC will offer Scholarships for studying 5.2 Stand firmly against all forms of the Buddhist world with India’s Pali/Sanskrit and Buddhist Studies at vast treasure- trove of Buddhist various universities/institutions in India theirconflicts, eradication. sexual exploitation and human knowledge, legacy, and heritage, trafficking, and support all efforts towards A 5.3 Bring the views and experiences of as well as to promote scholarship and provide scholarships for higher studies children and young people to the attention research, IBC is on the path of launching toand interested later abroad. students In the firstfrom phase, abroad it will to of government and the community. an academic initiative in phases. study in India. In the second phase, the 5.4 Create child-safety and child- Such an initiative is rooted in the well- programme will be expanded to Indian friendly environment, where children and chronicled ancient tradition of India’s Na- students wanting to study abroad. young people with whom we have contact landa University and other similar centers Under a mentoring system wherein are safe and feel protected. of higher learning which drew students the international students coming to 5.5 Advocate for service responses to and scholars from all over the world. India on scholarship will also remain in meet the needs of marginalised children Since Buddhism was founded in India and close touch with IBC for any assistance or and young people. the most important Buddhist places asso- internship even after returning to their ciated with Shakyamuni Buddha’s life are respective countries. Article 6: On Buddhist Traditions, found here, India is the natural destina- IBC will also establish academic chairs Culture and Heritage tion for in-depth Buddhist learning. in Buddhist Universities of South, South 6.1 Assist and complement the Prof. Geshe Ngawang Samten, Vice- East and East Asia and will also mentor actions of the member states of ABCP Chancellor of the Central University for a Buddhist Leadership and Volunteers in preserving and promoting Buddhist Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, and leading IBC’s (Dhammadoot) programme for the youth. traditions and cultural heritage. academic programme says India is the To initiate the process, IBC is 6.2 Mobilise knowledge, research and natural destination for higher education organizing a two-day International reinforce international cooperation on in Buddhist studies. As everyone knows, Symposium on Scholarship for Studying Buddhist cultural heritage for stronger Buddhism is rooted in India, being the Buddhism in India on 20-21 July, 2019. global Buddhist partnerships. land of the origins of Buddha dharma. This two-day symposium is designed 6.3 Safeguard tangible Buddhist Scientists around the world are now with the intention of deliberating upon cultural heritage such as holy Buddhist and arriving at detailed modalities with monuments, historical buildings and of matter that eventually everything regard to eligibility criteria, selection archaeological sites in India, Nepal and dissolvesdiscussing and quantum so on, this physics- is not new the naturefor us. procedures, courses to be offered in around the world, including non-Buddhist Buddha had spoken about it and we had Indian universities and monasteries, and countries and maintain their sanctity. a huge body of literature on the subject. related subjects. The Indian Buddhist traditions The Symposium will be a two-way technology to record, document and covering logic, epistemology and interaction between Buddhist academics preserve6.4 Work Buddhist to make cultural the most heritage of digital and from Indian Institutes and representatives make it available online. in our Buddhist studies that draws lay from overseas Buddhist institutions. Encourage the expansion of Buddhist scholarsphilosophy as are well unique as those and it’s following this depth a The potential Indian host-institutions, NGOs which actively and substantively monastic way of life to India. representing major universities and engage in disaster relief, social welfare The various seats of Buddhist monastic institutions would give an and the attainment of the UN Sustainable learning in India including the revived overview of the educational prospects in Development Goals. modern Nalanda University and their respective university/monastery, Declared on this day the 23rd of many other universities in India with including the details of possible courses separate faculties of Buddhist studies that may be offered and duration of the the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery, provide existing resource base to build courses and other related facilities. As part theJune Centre 2019, of at Mongolian ABCP Headquarters Buddhists in at upon. Therefore, this initiative aims to of the dialogue there will be suggestions Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia by the heads of contribute to reviving India’s place as and feedback from the invited overseas delegations of the ABCP National Centres. an international seat for the study of participants managing and conversant in Buddhism and its multifaceted evolution. the area of academic exchanges.

IBC Newsletter | 9 Samyak Sambodh Life and Legacy of Atisha Shri Dipankarajnana (982 - 1054 CE) and Cultural Renaissance ​in Tibet

his feature on Atisha aims at showcasing his life and monks as well as the common Tlegacy from birth to , peopleHis preaching with a electrifiednew concept the through photographs of the related places and monasteries nobility of character andidealism.​ in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, of Atisha moral had purity, received, self-sacrifice, practiced, Nepal and Tibet. Valuable relics and mastered the instructions preserved in Tibetan monasteries on , , and like the statue of Devi Tara that he Vajrayana , worshiped and carried with him and non-Buddhist schools of his to his work place, caves where he times- including Vaisnavism, taught, (class rooms) his walking Shaivism and Tantrism, stick, his seats, the manuscripts studied sixty-four kinds of arts that he brought from Indonesia including music and logic, and from his guru, biography accomplished them by the age painted on the walls of a Tibetan of twenty-two; was ordained monastery, manuscripts, his into the Mahasanghika disciples and people associated at the age of twenty-eight. He with him in laying a strong was regarded highly by all the foundation of Buddhism in Tibet traditions of Buddhism in India at the time. Atisha Sri Dipankarajnana At the age of thirty-one, Atisha thegiving Indian it a uniqueteacher identity. was born ​ in the set off for a perilous journey village Vajrayogini in Bikrampur to Sumatra in order to study region of Bengal, currently in under the reputed Suvarnadvipi Bangladesh, in 982 CE. He was a Dharmakirti. Goddess Tara was great saint-philosopher of 10th- his guiding spirit and continued to 11th century, the last among the Statue of Atisha at Shalu monastery, Tibet be so until the end of his life, Atisha great Indian teachers who went remained there for twelve years. to Tibet for re-establishing and After over a decade of intensive cleansing Buddhism. training, he returned to Magadha. Soon he The people and the kings of Tibet made was appointed to the position of steward, This is the second or abbot, at the venerable Buddhist reinvigorate the lax, corrupt and decaying in a series on the university Vikramashila, established by systems.sacrifices He to inviterevolutionized him to reformthe social, and the King Dharmapala of Bengal and soon religious and cultural lives of the people Great Masters rose to prominence. in Tibet. Atisha has been venerated for In the 11th century, the Tibetan King nearly 1000 years as a revered personality, and dissemination of Dharma at the Byang-chub ‘Od invited Atisha when as a shining symbol of peace, compassion, monastic universities like ​Odantapuri, monastic Buddhist tradition of Tibet had Vikramashila, Somapuri and ​Nalanda. He been nearly wiped out after King Lang- amity in the Buddhist countries. played a singular role in infusing wisdom dar-ma’s intolerant reign. He has been an humanism,During his self-sacrifice, life in India, harmony Atisha andhad and resurgence of Buddhism, laying a devoted his energies for protection foundation of Buddhism in all its purity. the Tibetan Buddhist tradition because important figure for last ten centuries in

10 | IBC Newsletter Birth place of Atisha in Bangladesh The stick carried by Atisha wherever he traveled, still preserved with utmost devotion

collections written in both Sanskrit and Tibetan. He passed away in AD 1052 at the prophesied age of seventy-two in a village near Lhasa. He was enshrined near his last permanent home in the town of Nyetang. Drom-ton-pa, the principal disciple of Atisha kept his legacy, and this became later known as the Kadampa tradition of Buddhism. This was later revived by the Tibetan teacher Tsong-kha-pa, the founder of the Gelug tradition. The essence of the teachings of Atisha play a valuable role both for the monastic and lay societies a millennium later. Researching, reminding and reviving the unexplored avenues of the life and legacy of Atisha, is essential for enhancing systems of our times and understanding his great contribution to world history. The world today is suffering from over advancement Birth of Atisha from Drepung monastery, Tibet Atisha receiving initiation from his teacher in Indonesia of technology, fuelling greed, hunger and violence. Values and social conventions Sanskrit into Tibetan to spread Buddhism. are losing ground. Traditional spiritual compiled an innovative and thorough He also wrote several books on Buddhist beliefs and practices, along with socio- approachhe revived, to bodhichitta refined, systematized, known as “mind and scriptures, medical science and technical political systems are a need of the day for training” (Tib. lojong), in such texts as A science in Tibetan. Several books written harmony in life and enhancing cultural Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, and by him in Sanskrit are extant only in relations amongst all Asian countries. established its primacy to the Mahayana Tibetan translations now. By Prof. Dr. Shashibala, Dean, Centre for tradition in Tibet. Atisha spent nine years in Nyetang, a Indology, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Atisha wrote, translated and edited town near Lhasa, where he discovered Delhi Kendra, specializes in Buddhist arts and more than two hundred books from Tibetan libraries with impressive cross cultural connections among Asian countries

IBC Newsletter | 11 Samyak Sambodh

Demystifying the Buddhist Tantra

n order to elaborate on tantra and its alignment in Buddhist thought thought (adicinta) of the Mahayanist’s and practice there are two moot adventThis altruiston to intentthe beginsPerfection with theVehicle first Ipoints that need to be examined. (Paramitayana) where the aspirant

tantric practices in charity (dana), ethics (shila), heroic Thecarefully, first considering is to explore the the exotic-notoriety alignment of effortbegins (virya to exhibit), patience a special (ksanthi qualities), higher of that tantra conjures in the minds of most knowledge (jnana) and ensuing wisdom of us, and in terms of secret-occultism (prajna). The next stage raising from the it is associated with. The second is the altruist intent on the Mahayana path is Dharma Cakra the Adamantine Vehicle or Vajrayana. teach tantra? Is tantra an authentic Vajrayana is also known as the andanswer genuine to the part question, of the did repertoire the Buddha of learning and that from the vast doctrine Mantrayana or Tantrayana and Buddhist practice? An answer to these expounded by the Buddha spanning nearly constitutes the four progressive states 45 years there arose the sophisticated of the Action (Kriya), Performance are many Buddhists from the Southern philosophies, insightful treatises and (Carya), Yoga (Anuttara) and Highest schoolsquestions or Theravadins, are necessary and sincemany therefrom other metaphysical profundities. Further Yoga (Mahaanuttara) tantras. These the Northern or Mahayana schools who along the path of the Foe Destroyed () tantra in themselves contain the mother disbelieve that the Buddha taught tantra. and the Solitary Hearer (Pratekyabuddha) (Yamantaka, Guhasamaja), father This article explores with both a logical of the individual Vehicle (Theravada) (Cakrasamvara, heruka) and neutral as well as an inspirational viewpoint this practitioners, the potential Buddha-to- (Kalacakra) tantras. One undertakes fundamentally important issue. be transcends his motivation from just the Theravada when one wishes to free personal emancipation to help others oneself from the ills of samsara. Such that the Buddha taught a way of life and along the path. a person realizes the short comings We can begin with an understanding of cyclic existence and then generates an intense desire to escape from it. It gradually dawns on the person that he is but one person whereas sentient beings are innumerable and therefore it seems only more logical to sustain one’s spiritual

but for all sentient beings. quest,If we not attempt only for to one’s describe individual the three sake paths based on their scope and outcomes we can see a structure that helping the spiritual aspirant’s travel on the path of self-realization. These can be categorized as disciplined- efforts directed towards personal liberation and correspond to the Theravada; the generation of altruistic-sutric intentions with an enlightening attitude to free all sentient beings from the cycle existence due to the shortcomings of samsara and is the Mahayana path, and; the application of abhidharmic-metaphysics and the tantric-esoteric communion through deity yoga through arising in the illusory body under the practices and processes of Buddha Sakyamuni surrounded by the pantheon of his tantric manifestations

12 | IBC Newsletter Dakhinis bearing auspicious symbols of Buddha’s Enlightening Activity the Vajrayana or esoteric-tantric path. the third. turning of the wheel, yet he The energy-intent-energy-intent loop is supposed to have emanated in his arising from this motivation (virya), the is that for practicing Vajrayana, the sambhogakaya aspirant’s focus gets transmuted from the altruisticWhat intents needs of special a Mahayanist mention become here taught the Kalacakra Tantra to a chosen esoteric to the exoteric plane, ‘an outward imperatively more important or else the few, which lays at to Vultures rest the Peak controversy and first movement of one’s gaze, in which one re- practice of Vajrayana becomes a greater that the Buddha never taught the tantras. alizes that while he has been able to come cause for samsara and its enmeshments rather than leading the aspirant towards play havoc with the body, emotions and there are others who are still affected by the goal of Buddha-hood. mindsWhen of thesome eight of worldlyus there considerations arises a need it.out It of is a outlife of stronga calm-benevolence afflictive emotions, from For the sceptics who claim that the to apply spiritual balm to heal the bruises Buddha never taught Vajrayana or Tantra, to our mind, emotions and body. Our of a similar calm peacefulness. This altru- it is important to understand that there whereistic wish arises to help the all wish sentient to benefit being others cross exists no contradiction whatsoever and receive praise can play havoc with our the four river of suffering and attain the between the Theravada, Mahayana constant need to win, gain fame and profit stable, calm and insightful state similar to and the Vajrayana systems of Buddhist and pain. This becomes the reason for adicinta thought and practice. They essentially someoneequanimity to andrun forpositivity causesto the Buddha,anxiety of the aspiring Bodhisattava. all dovetail into one another and snuggly Dharma, Sangha and a Guru. his becomes the first thought’ or It is a strangely comfortable introvert- benevolence, compassion, and empathy, therefore complement each other, rather ed state which comes from keeping emo- theseWhile positive there feelings is a heady are mixinitially of thanfit into contradict the other each like other nested as loops, so some and tions at bay, primarily arising out of with- more at an intellectual level. This is also people unfortunately think. drawing from out attachments. It is only strengthened through the practice of exchanging self for others (Tib. lo-jong) of such a noble and valiant motivation. and the preliminaries contemplations While the Buddha never taught the but natural that as a direct consequence Tantra in the first or the second or IBC Newsletter | 13 Samyak Sambodh of the graded path (Tib. lam-rim) and which entails contemplating on death and , shortcomings of samsaric existence and karmic law of cause and effect. Pro-social priming is harnessed through meditating on the four immeasurables which constitute generating loving kindness (maitri), compassion (mudita), empathetic joy (karuna upeksha). These powerful contemplative ) and equanimity ( The Universal Mantra for practices give rise to a different generating Bodhicitta – Om Mani Padme Hum! being to operationalize our thinking, feelingmanifesting and frequenciesknowing. Differentof energy neuralwhich and manifesting ingenuity to surpass beckons the advent for the sadhaka coordinates are triggered out of altered oneself in available resources, magi-like into the sacred Tantra. It’s important to settings in our bio rhythm, endocrine understand that the advent into tantra is network and the practitioner can begins dharma. Fully realising that active peace intent-less – as natural as a fruit appearing isto nothelp necessarily and benefit an others absence on ofthe war, path and of on a tree – naturally and uncontrived! think, feeling, knowing and doing i.e. it is this intent to instigates arousal of Therefore, Theravada is like sowing skilfulto explore means and or detectupaya. Exploring finer ways new of a seed, which is deliberate, disciplined, pedagogies within one’s own continuum that gives rise to the warrior-ship of the effort to hone the body-mind combine hereto unknown, undiscovered and Bodhisattvasheroic endeavours. to benefit others; and with and nourishing skills and ignorant about. There is a heroism that attitudes. Mahayana is like nurturing arises out of unfamiliar-self-awareness, through the path of the sacred warrior the plant – watering, protecting and shifting of ego states from self to others givesThe rise act ofto helping,an intoxication, benefitting and others that pruning it for sustenance. Expressing fundamental love, affection and gentle care. Theravada entails strict discipline. Practice of Mahayana entails elegance and benevolence. Vajrayana path appears as a result of the practice of Theravada and Mahayana and in this sense it is uncontrived. It is like fruits appearing on

actual practice of Vajrayana is essentially the consummation tree as a natural of the consequence. fruit. The path The of Vajrayana reveals the clear light of bliss, the light of wisdom cognizing the nature of emptiness of self and all phenomenon. It annihilates ignorance – without ignorance both attachment and aversion left no support to cling to. Buddhist tantras presuppose and re-

means or upaya, represented by the vajra- movingquire that principle the union pouring between its wholesome the skilful enlightening activity into the ghanta- receptacle which is also the wisdom en- capsulating Prajnaparamitahrdya or the heart-wisdom of the universal mother! !!OM GATE GATE PARAGATE PARSAMGATE BODHI SVAHA!! By Dipankar Khanna (The author is a Scholar-in-residence at Srishti Buddhasakya muni surrounded by the pantheon of this tantric manifestations Institute of Art Design and Technology, Bangalore)

14 | IBC Newsletter ...Contd. from page 1 IBC celebrates Buddha Jayanti killing of animals,” the Venerable stressed. Ven Kabir, a meditation instructor and The Secretary General urged all to spiritual programme coordinator of “lead a life without fear or vindication, Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre in avoid reckless consumption and New Delhi. A short meditation session was thoughtless exploitation of nature. Let’s conducted by Dharmacharya Shantum be mindful in our thought and action so Seth, Buddhist Scholar and Practitioner that we can protect the environment and in the Zen Tradition, and representing the our mother earth.” On this thrice-blessed day (Sakyamuni’s Birth, Enlightenment relevance of Buddha Purnima was also and Mahaparinirvana), Venerable Dr. shownAhimsa at Trust. the function. A very powerful film on the Dhammapiya recalling the teachings of Lord Buddha, said “let us open our the inclusion of the voice of youth and heart and radiate boundless love and whatA uniqueBuddhism part meant of the to programme the young. wasMs compassion in all directions, treat Angmo Dechen shared how Buddhism everyone as our own with much love and gave her strength and resilience to endure care so that no living creature is harmed.” the loss of her father at a young age. The Secretary General’s discourse was The Executive Director of IBC, Mr. extremely meaningful and inspirational, Gobind Khampa delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the participants. today’s world. The celebrations were held The function was attended by monks, inreflecting a colourful on atmosphere, the issues yet confronting marked by devotion. Ven Lama Lobzang, working students, and members of the diplomatic President of IBC and President of Asoka community:government they officers, were H.E. lay Mr. persons, Austin Mission was the Chief Guest who started Fernando, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, the function with an invocation, followed H.E. Mr. Nilamber Acharya, Ambassador by the Mangalacharan blessings by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Monks of the Theravada Tradition, the Nepal, H.E. Mr. Bounneme Chouanghom, Refuge and Bodhicitta prayers by the Ambassador, Embassy of the Lao Peoples Mahayana Monks. Democratic Republic, H.E. Mr. Moe Kyaw In his welcome address, the Director Aung, Ambassador, Republic of the Union General of IBC Mr Malay K. Sinha presented of Myanmar, Ms. Moe Takeda, Second a brief overview of IBC and its outreach. Secretary, political section Embassy of Japan and Mr. Kim Kum Pyoung, Director, of Shakyamuni Buddha were recited by IBC Secretary General, Ven Dr Dhammapiya Korean Culture Centre. Inspirational teachings and quotations

Members of the diplomatic corps and other guests

IBC Newsletter | 15 DELENG19358

Maha Bodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

he International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is a Mission TBuddhist umbrella body that serves as a common To gather the collective wisdom of Buddhists around platform for Buddhists worldwide. It currently has a the world to speak with a united Buddhist voice; to membership comprising more than 300 organisations, make Buddhist values part of global engagement while both monastic and lay, in 39 countries. working to preserve and promote Buddhist heritage, traditions and practices. of the historic Global Buddhist Congregation held in NovemberHeadquartered 2011 in New in New Delhi, Delhi, wherein the IBC900 is delegates the outcome from all over the world, representing the entire Buddhist world, resolved to form an umbrella Buddhist world body based in India, the land of Buddha’s enlightened awakening and origins of Buddha dharma. The leadership of the IBC comprises the supreme religious Buddhist hierarchy of all traditions and countries as Patrons and members of our Supreme Dhamma Council.

the IBC provides a common platform to all followers of the AsBuddha per itsDharma motto, worldwide “Collective to Wisdom, address issues United that Voice”, are of both Buddhist and global concerns.

Editor: Vichitra Sharma  Editing & Design: Bushchat Media Published and printed by IBC Secretary General, Ven. Dr Dhammapiya, on behalf of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) at Naveen Printers, F-11B, Okhla Industrial Area Phase I, New Delhi 110020. Address: Room No: 330, 330A, 331, 331A, 2nd Floor, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi – 110011 (India) Phone: 011 23022364 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ibcworld.org