National Conference on Nalanda Buddhism Held in Mundgod, Karnataka
The Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) organized a significant conference titled “Nalanda Buddhism in the 21st Century – Re-tracing the Source in the Footsteps of Acharyas: From Nalanda to the Himalayas” at the Gaden/Drepung Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka. This event gathered leading Buddhist scholars, spiritual leaders, and monastic practitioners from the Himalayan region and beyond.
Keynote Addresses
Gaden Tripa Rinpoche, Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Palsangpo, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of Nalanda Buddhism as a source of wisdom in today’s world. He highlighted the teachings of great Nalanda masters like Acharya Shantarakshita, Nagarjuna, and Guru Padmasambhava, and their relevance in addressing global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Venerable Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation, also delivered a keynote address focusing on the core teachings of Nalanda Buddhism, including logic, compassion, Vipassana meditation, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path.
Conference Themes and Discussions
The conference sessions explored various themes, including the history and development of Nalanda Buddhism, its philosophical foundations, and its role in the modern world. Scholars discussed how the Nalanda tradition aligns with modern scientific thought and contributes to understanding the mind and consciousness.
The event also acknowledged the vital role of monasteries in Mundgod, such as Gaden, Drepung, and Sera, in preserving the Nalanda tradition. These monasteries have become centers for monastic education for thousands of monks and nuns from the Indian Himalayan region since Tibet’s loss in 1959.
Objectives and Impact
A key objective of the conference was to encourage debate, research presentations, and cultural exchange on the impact of Nalanda Buddhism across Himalayan states, including Arunachal Pradesh, North Bengal, Sikkim, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. With 350 delegates in attendance, the conference successfully promoted a deeper understanding of Nalanda’s enduring legacy.
The gathering also addressed the transformative changes in Himalayan Buddhist communities due to political, cultural, and socio-economic developments. The IHCNBT aims to preserve and propagate Nalanda Buddhist teachings for future generations, marking another important step toward promoting its relevance in the modern world.
Doubts Revealed
Nalanda Buddhism -: Nalanda Buddhism refers to the teachings and practices that originated from the ancient Nalanda University in India, which was a great center of learning for Buddhist studies. It focuses on wisdom, compassion, and understanding the nature of reality.
Mundgod -: Mundgod is a town in the state of Karnataka, India. It is known for its Tibetan settlements and monasteries, which are important centers for preserving Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition -: This is an organization that works to promote and preserve the teachings of Nalanda Buddhism, especially in the Himalayan regions of India. They organize events and conferences to spread awareness and understanding of these teachings.
Gaden Tripa Rinpoche -: Gaden Tripa Rinpoche is a high-ranking title in Tibetan Buddhism, referring to the head of the Gelug school, which is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The person holding this title is highly respected for their knowledge and leadership.
Venerable Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche -: Venerable Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche is a respected Buddhist monk and teacher. ‘Rinpoche’ is a title given to highly esteemed teachers in Tibetan Buddhism, indicating their spiritual achievements and wisdom.
Mundgod monasteries -: These are religious communities in Mundgod where monks live, study, and practice Buddhism. They play a crucial role in preserving Buddhist teachings and culture, especially for the Tibetan community in India.
Cultural exchange -: Cultural exchange involves sharing ideas, traditions, and practices between different cultures. In this context, it means people from different Himalayan states learning from each other’s Buddhist practices and traditions.