GNO - From October 1 to 4, the Kingdom of Bhutan held the 4th International Vajrayana Buddhism Conference in the capital city of Thimphu, with the participation of over 300 delegates from 26 countries
With the theme "Modernity in Buddhism", the conference content aimed to discuss the wisdom and timeless nature of the Vajrayana tradition in order to resolve major issues facing humanity in the digital age.
From the first day, presentations and discussions proceeded vibrantly around topics such as mind-body practice in Vajrayana Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhism in the West, values and ethics within this tradition, as well as the application of practice methods in daily life. In addition, topics such as Buddhism and Medicine, Vajrayana and contemporary life, women in this tradition, and engaged Buddhism were also emphasized, analyzed, and discussed.
The Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS) and the Central Monastic Body collaborated with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), headquartered in India, to organize this major event. Participating speakers included renowned spiritual leaders, eminent practitioners, teachers, scientific researchers, scholars from around the world, and those interested in the practical applicability of Vajrayana Buddhism in life.
A press release from CBS shared that the theme "Modernity in Buddhism" reflects the deep insight of Buddhism that is always relevant across all eras without ever becoming obsolete.
Other sub-topics included the skillful means (Upaya) of the Vajrayana tradition, Buddhist contributions to society, foundational Buddhist teachings such as Emptiness (Sunyata), the evolution of Vajrayana forms within Buddhism, as well as myths and legends of this tradition.
Speaking at the event, Dasho Karma Ura, President of the Centre for Bhutan Studies, stated that Buddhism offers its own distinct methods and perspectives—a profound source of wisdom that everyone can utilize to approach and shape economics, business, management, environment, food, commerce, technology, ethics, social organization, politics, and many other fields.
Eighty-one speakers from various countries shared their insights and experiences and held discussions with local and international participants. The first day featured the opening of a Buddhist calligraphy exhibition, including works by the famous calligrapher Jamyang Dorjee Chakishar from Sikkim, India, who holds the record for the world's longest calligraphy scroll (165 meters).
Vajrayana Buddhism has been intertwined with the Kingdom of Bhutan since the 8th century. In that spirit, CBS declared that they are eager to broadly disseminate the values of Vajrayana through major events such as this. The organization stated: "Buddhism has spread and developed over time; its philosophies and practice methods can actively contribute to global well-being while humanity is heavily affected by the pandemic. Therefore, this conference aims to explore ways through which Vajrayana Buddhism continues to benefit the contemporary world."
Also during the event, Most Venerable Dhammapiya, Secretary General of the IBC, shared: "With the support of the King of Bhutan in the past as well as the present, I am confident that the conference will bring many meaningful outcomes, and I also hope that such events will be held regularly in the future."
The Venerable added that the IBC provides a global platform for various Buddhist traditions and organizations worldwide to preserve, propagate, and share the values and teachings of Buddhism. In today's complex era, we should join hands to find common solutions for all humanity; in this context, Buddhist values are even more practical and relevant than ever.
Approximately 75% of the population in the Kingdom of Bhutan are Buddhists. Most of the remaining 25% are ethnically Lhotshampa of Nepalese origin, who practice Hinduism. Most Buddhists in Bhutan follow the Drukpa Kagyu or Nyingma schools of Vajrayana Buddhism.
