The role of Buddhism in global geopolitics was discussed at the International Scientific Conference "Buddhism in a Changing World." The event took place at the Institute of Mongolian Studies, Buddhist Studies, and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences during the II International Buddhist Forum "Traditional Buddhism and Modern Challenges" on August 12 in Ulan-Ude. The director of the Institute, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Historical Sciences Boris Bazarov delivered a report.
He invited participants to discuss key issues regarding the influence of Buddhism on addressing the relationship between traditional values and the values of the 21st century, which are shaped by high technologies and widespread informatization that create conditions for unimpeded cultural exchange and the imposition of foreign values and lifestyles.
In his speech, he noted that "humanity has entered a zone of turbulence and uncertainty against the backdrop of a severe economic crisis. This situation is stressful for many people, regardless of their political views and beliefs. The vectors of further development in this situation will largely be determined by the duration of the stress experienced by society and the chosen paths out of that stress. Even the most conservative, traditional forms of worldview, including religions such as Buddhism, are changing."
"Buddhism, over a long period of development in countries with various social, cultural, political, and environmental conditions, has ensured a high degree of adaptability among its followers and interaction with traditional societies. Today, in the third millennium, it has not lost its significance. Continuing to develop its branches in philosophy and art, it still reacts sharply to all processes occurring in modern society, demonstrating a logical response to the consequences of globalization, informatization, ecological disasters, and actively participating in contemporary geopolitical processes. This makes it relevant to study to what extent Buddhism can successfully adapt to the new challenges of the third millennium and its relationships with state and social institutions and representatives of other beliefs," emphasized the academician.
Boris Bazarov also discussed how Buddhist philosophy influences the fight against ecological disasters. According to him, traditional pollution from human activities is compounded by radioactive contamination, storage and disposal of nuclear munitions, fuel from nuclear power plants and missiles, as well as the storage and destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles.
"All these are results of human activity. Therefore, the main cause of ecological disasters lies in human nature itself. Buddhism has immense potential to impact this nature. Its idea of unity and harmony among all beings, supplemented by teachings on ten negative and positive deeds—principles that boil down to 'do no harm to your surroundings'—carries a powerful ethical resonance that shapes a person's relationship with the world around them," noted the director of the Institute of Mongolian Studies, Buddhist Studies, and Tibetan Studies.
Additionally, Boris Bazarov touched on topics such as Buddhist education and the issue of building relationships between Buddhist clergy and laypeople with secular authorities. He emphasized that "it is essential to understand to what extent philosophical-ethical principles and religious attitudes in Buddhism can guarantee the preservation of traditional values and ensure their adaptation to new realities." According to him, the task lies in maintaining a mode of constant dialogue rather than confrontation between secular authorities and believers.
Concluding what has been said above, I want to stress that it is important to highlight the special role of Buddhism in the realities of the third millennium. This role not only persists in contemporary social and political processes but is also steadily increasing. Buddhism retains a high degree of adaptability even today.
Throughout its long existence and development, Buddhism has ensured peaceful interaction and mutual enrichment with traditional societies, the speaker concluded.
The scientific conference "Buddhism in a Changing World" brought together doctors of science, professors, scholars, and experts from 15 participating countries and 40 regions of Russia.
These included representatives from academia, university lecturers, researchers from areas where Buddhism is widely represented as one of the main religious beliefs, historians, political scientists, specialized professionals, and students.
The II International Buddhist Forum “Traditional Buddhism and Modern Challenges” is being held in Buryatia from August 12 to 14, 2024, at the initiative of the Head of Buryatia, Alexey Tsydenov, with the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The forum aims to create a new platform for international dialogue and comprehensive discussions on the development of Buddhism, Buddhist culture, philosophy, and practice, while promoting scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation among Buddhist organizations from different countries. The forum will be attended by representatives from 15 countries: Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Bhutan, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, China, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan. The total number of participants is expected to exceed 600.
The forum is organized by the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia, the Government of the Republic of Buryatia, and the Foundation for the Promotion of Buddhist Education and Research, with support from the Roscongress Foundation.
He invited participants to discuss key issues regarding the influence of Buddhism on addressing the relationship between traditional values and the values of the 21st century, which are shaped by high technologies and widespread informatization that create conditions for unimpeded cultural exchange and the imposition of foreign values and lifestyles.
In his speech, he noted that "humanity has entered a zone of turbulence and uncertainty against the backdrop of a severe economic crisis. This situation is stressful for many people, regardless of their political views and beliefs. The vectors of further development in this situation will largely be determined by the duration of the stress experienced by society and the chosen paths out of that stress. Even the most conservative, traditional forms of worldview, including religions such as Buddhism, are changing."
"Buddhism, over a long period of development in countries with various social, cultural, political, and environmental conditions, has ensured a high degree of adaptability among its followers and interaction with traditional societies. Today, in the third millennium, it has not lost its significance. Continuing to develop its branches in philosophy and art, it still reacts sharply to all processes occurring in modern society, demonstrating a logical response to the consequences of globalization, informatization, ecological disasters, and actively participating in contemporary geopolitical processes. This makes it relevant to study to what extent Buddhism can successfully adapt to the new challenges of the third millennium and its relationships with state and social institutions and representatives of other beliefs," emphasized the academician.
Boris Bazarov also discussed how Buddhist philosophy influences the fight against ecological disasters. According to him, traditional pollution from human activities is compounded by radioactive contamination, storage and disposal of nuclear munitions, fuel from nuclear power plants and missiles, as well as the storage and destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles.
"All these are results of human activity. Therefore, the main cause of ecological disasters lies in human nature itself. Buddhism has immense potential to impact this nature. Its idea of unity and harmony among all beings, supplemented by teachings on ten negative and positive deeds—principles that boil down to 'do no harm to your surroundings'—carries a powerful ethical resonance that shapes a person's relationship with the world around them," noted the director of the Institute of Mongolian Studies, Buddhist Studies, and Tibetan Studies.
Additionally, Boris Bazarov touched on topics such as Buddhist education and the issue of building relationships between Buddhist clergy and laypeople with secular authorities. He emphasized that "it is essential to understand to what extent philosophical-ethical principles and religious attitudes in Buddhism can guarantee the preservation of traditional values and ensure their adaptation to new realities." According to him, the task lies in maintaining a mode of constant dialogue rather than confrontation between secular authorities and believers.
Concluding what has been said above, I want to stress that it is important to highlight the special role of Buddhism in the realities of the third millennium. This role not only persists in contemporary social and political processes but is also steadily increasing. Buddhism retains a high degree of adaptability even today.
Throughout its long existence and development, Buddhism has ensured peaceful interaction and mutual enrichment with traditional societies, the speaker concluded.
The scientific conference "Buddhism in a Changing World" brought together doctors of science, professors, scholars, and experts from 15 participating countries and 40 regions of Russia.
These included representatives from academia, university lecturers, researchers from areas where Buddhism is widely represented as one of the main religious beliefs, historians, political scientists, specialized professionals, and students.
The II International Buddhist Forum “Traditional Buddhism and Modern Challenges” is being held in Buryatia from August 12 to 14, 2024, at the initiative of the Head of Buryatia, Alexey Tsydenov, with the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The forum aims to create a new platform for international dialogue and comprehensive discussions on the development of Buddhism, Buddhist culture, philosophy, and practice, while promoting scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation among Buddhist organizations from different countries. The forum will be attended by representatives from 15 countries: Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Bhutan, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, China, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan. The total number of participants is expected to exceed 600.
The forum is organized by the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia, the Government of the Republic of Buryatia, and the Foundation for the Promotion of Buddhist Education and Research, with support from the Roscongress Foundation.
