March 03, 2016 Hundreds of Buddhist recently assembled in Thailand’s Ayutthaya for an international gathering aimed at promoting the values of Buddhism.
The event, which was in its second installment, took place at the historic Maha Tat temple with delegates from 320 organizations in 39 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.
Commenting on the aim of the event, Princess Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk, chairman of the International Buddhist Confederation said:
“Thus, IBC aims to provide a common platform to all Buddhist traditions and organisations to not only serve the path of the Dharma but also to serve humanity. It’s our endeavour to make the eternal message of the Buddha: compassion, peace, harmony, non-violence and respect to all sentient beings and mother natures,”
Some of the topics discussed included promoting Bodh Gaya in India, where Buddha is said to have obtained enlightenment.
Bodh Gaya is popular not just among Buddhist followers but among general tourists who visit India.
Lait Mansigh, former Indian diplomat and founder president of Kalinga Langka Foundation, commented on Bodh Gaya saying:
“We are trying to have a closer association with Bodh Gaya. And I think the discussion now is how can we have central our headquarters in Bodh Gaya. There has already been discussion between the chief minister of Bihar where Bodh Gaya is located. And he has invited the IBC to come and set up its headquarters there. So that’s the discussion that is going on,”