International Buddhist Forum - 2024: Program and Key Themes

The II International Buddhist Forum-2024 will take place in Ulan-Ude from August 12th to 14th. Its main theme is "Traditional Buddhism and the Modern Challenges". The main events of the forum will be held at three venues: the Institute of Mongolian Studies, Buddhology and Tibetology, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Ivolginsky Datsan and the Sports Complex of the Republic of Buryatia.

“The region possesses invaluable knowledge and the necessary foundation for in-depth discussions on issues related to Buddhism and Buddhology. The experience of the I International Buddhist Forum has demonstrated that the questions raised there are important and relevant, including those of unity in these challenging times. During the forum, Buryatia has become a global center for discussing Buddhism issues", noted Alexey Tsydenov, the Head of Buryatia.

On the first day of the forum, August 12th, the international conference on Buddhism in a Changing World will be held at the Institute of Mongolian Studies, Buddhology and Tibetology, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It will be dedicated to Buddhism research in Russia and worldwide, the history and philosophy of Buddhism, Buddhist culture and education, as well as the interaction between science and Buddhism.

On the same day, the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia will open the exhibition "Buryat Buddhist Art Masterpieces from the State Hermitage Museum."

On August 13th, the forum will continue at Ivolginsky Datsan ("Hambyn Khure") - the center of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia. Forum guests will have the opportunity to participate in the Khural (prayer service) called "Burkhan Bagshin Magtaal" and to pay homage to the imperishable body of the XII Pandito Khambo Lama Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov, to whom a conference will be dedicated on the same day. The Sangha of Russia suggested that the messages from Pandito Khambo Lama Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov should be discussed there. Additionally, in 2024, the Pandito Khambo Lama Institute celebrates its 260th anniversary, and a separate discussion panel will be dedicated to this event.

In the evening, Ulan-Ude will host a vibrant concert featuring performances of master artists from the Republic of Buryatia.

The opening of the II International Forum "Traditional Buddhism and the Modern Challenges" will take place on Wednesday, August 14th, at the Sports Complex of the Republic of Buryatia. The discussion panels will focus on topics related to Buddhist education, the Buddhist concept of consciousness and its significance in modern practices, traditional Oriental medicine, Buddhism and ecology, traditional values, international pilgrimage and tourism.

Before the opening of the II International Buddhist Forum, Ivolginsky Datsan will hold teachings on White Tara and a ceremony of Mandala construction.