Under the theme “Wisdom Transmission in Buddha Dhamma in the 21st Century,” the conference became a vibrant hub of cross-cultural dialogue. Scholars, monks, and dignitaries from India, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Taiwan moved beyond theoretical doctrine, focusing instead on practical tools for a new era.

The discussions revealed a tradition in dynamic evolution. The path forward, as charted by the speakers, is not one of isolation but of integration—weaving principles of compassion and mindfulness into the very fabric of modern life, from digital spaces to science classrooms.


From Ancient Texts to AI and Mental Health

The agenda was notably contemporary. Panels dissected topics ranging from the ethical development of artificial intelligence to leveraging digital tools for Dharma outreach. The conversation seamlessly connected Emperor Ashoka’s ancient governance model to modern challenges of global leadership and environmental crisis.

A powerful screening of a documentary on the “Holy Relic Exposition in Vietnam,” which drew a staggering 17.8 million devotees, served as a testament to the enduring power of faith in the digital age.

A key concern was the mental well-being of youth. Senior researcher Yeshi Dawa from the 108 Peace Institute highlighted the critical role compassion plays in addressing today’s mental health challenges, positioning ancient practice as a modern-day remedy.


A Call for Integration and Authenticity

A consistent thread was the need for authenticity and integration. IBC Director General Abhijit Halder distilled the essence of the teachings into five essentials for the younger generation: mindfulness, impermanence, compassion, self-realization, and environmental responsibility.

This call for relevance was echoed by Gautam Buddha University Vice-Chancellor Rana Pratap Singh, the chief guest, who advocated for integrating Buddha Dhamma into formal education systems, including science curricula, to foster a new kind of leadership grounded in happiness and sustainability.

The very language of the tradition was scrutinized. Keynote speaker Prof. K T S Sarao praised the IBC’s deliberate use of the term “Buddha Dhamma” over the Western-colonial “Buddhism,” noting the original Pali term is vital for accurate understanding and ethical global governance.


Preserving the Unbroken Thread

The conference opened and closed by honoring the sacred, unbroken lineage of wisdom it seeks to propagate. In his welcome address, IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche stressed the urgent need to sustain this continuity.

Concluding the event, Prof. Ravindra Panth of the IBC’s Academics Division brought the theme full circle, underlining that this transmission is not merely academic. It is about preserving the “uninterrupted flow of consciousness” (Citta Santati)—a goal that requires not just discussion, but collective practice and profound commitment.

The conference ultimately served as a living bridge—between young and old, East and West, ancient wisdom and the unprecedented challenges of a new century.