The Dalai Lama inaugurated the three-day International Sangha Forum (ISF) 2023 at Bodh Gaya on Wednesday to discuss the necessity of Buddhism to be made more easily accessible, relevant and meaningful to the younger generations, and in regions unfamiliar with it.

Taking up the theme of "Bridging traditions, embracing modernity: A dialogue on the Buddha’s teaching in today’s world", the forum will also deliberate on the underlying thread of unity in various Buddhist traditions — Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan — and their inherent unique strengths.

“Compassion should be instilled in everyone, regardless of whether they practise Buddhism in Pali or Sanskrit traditions. We must follow the practices of Bodhisattva for world peace and ourselves. I follow the practices of Bodhisattva and they have benefited me much,” the Dalai Lama said in the inaugural address.

“Similarly, Bodhichitta — the mind of enlightenment — is a very precious practice that gives us inner strength. Because of Bodhichitta, Buddha became enlightened. We too should make Bodhichitta our principal practice and should not harm others. When you have Bodhichitta, you feel at ease. Anger, hatred and jealousy subside,” the Dalai Lama added.

Over 2,000 monks, heads of Buddhist institutions and devotees from 33 countries are participating in the summit to discuss the “urgent and pressing need” to maintain the authenticity of the established Buddhist traditions and at the same time allow the adaptation of the Buddha’s teachings to meet the needs of the challenging modern times.

Apart from discussing the balancing of traditions and modernity, the participants from Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia, India and other countries will also consider how to support and maintain the standards of Buddhist monastics in the contemporary world.

Speaking further on the occasion, the Dalai Lama asserted the need for the people to do away with ignorance and negative emotions because they create suffering among themselves and others through bad actions. He also implored everybody to follow the Buddha’s teachings to not do any evil, cultivate a wealth of virtue, tame the mind, not harm anybody and be of benefit to others.