Fostering a world community based on mutual respect, compassion
The religious traditions of the East, in particular Hinduism and Buddhism, two of the oldest major world religions, have been a source of inspiration, wisdom and guidance for philosophers, poets, seers and thinkers of both East and West for centuries. They are inclusive religious traditions that acknowledge the validity of all cultures and spiritual paths. They are based on a deep understanding of interdependence and the oneness of life, on the relationship between the individual and the whole, and on compassion for all that is. They are inward looking, with a focus on the development of consciousness and realization. This wisdom is needed now, perhaps more than ever, at the global level, at a time of increasing struggle between competing religious theologies that claim superiority and an exclusive hold on “truth.” The Buddhist and Hindu worldviews have a critical and distinct contribution to make that can help evolve the world community beyond its conflictual state to one based on mutual respect and appreciation for life’s diversity — and in the process help create greater balance between material and spiritual development. The world community is in a period of transition. Globalization is breaking down many of the old cultures and bringing a degree of consumerism and materialism that is not sustainable. The life systems on which we depend are being threatened. A new course is very much needed and for this we must tap our collective spiritual wisdom and resources. What values and principles do the Eastern traditions offer that can guide the world community forward to a more peaceful and sustainable way of life?
In bringing together major Hindu and Buddhist voices for this Summit, goal is to find ways to balance the global dynamic so that East and West can come together to address world problems. A deeper partnership between the Hindu and Buddhist communities is a vital first step in bringing this much needed balance to the world community.
A historic conference of spiritual celebrities of Hindu – Buddha Religion was organized during 12-15 Feb 2009 at Cambodia, giving global voice to eastern wisdom, in the presence of the guest of honor De Merriam USA, the head of Global Peace Initiative. Under the leadership of Cambodian Buddha Guru H.H. Sangh Raja Bour Kry and Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arsh Vidya Mandir, India and the chairperson of Hindu Acharya Sabha. Many spiritual luminaries of India and abroad participated in it.
The leader of Acharya Sabha, Gujarat Swami Parmatmanandji, Shastri Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami from chairman of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Swami Vishshveshavranandji from Sanyas ashram, Maharashtra, Swami Savidanandji, Swami Nirmalanandji from Karnatka, Swami Atmswaroopji of Ramkrishna Mission, Dr. Rande of Maharshi Ashram, Pondicherry and other spiritual leaders of Hinduism had taken part in this conference.
The spiritual leaders of Buddhism came from America, UK, Uganda, France, Vietnam, Bhutan, Brahmdesh, Sri Lanka, India, Europe, Tibet, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, etc. participated in the conference.
This conference played a vital role in establishing the integration of Hinduism and Buddhism. The spiritual torchbearers of both religions uttered in unison that Buddhism and Hinduism are the great religions of the world and followed by numerous followers. The integration of these two religions will play a significant role to establish the Global Peace. Both religions pay respect to each other. Both religions believe in peace and nonviolence. They oppose the religious conversion as well.
Swami Dayanand Sarswati was the propelling force behind it. He emphasised that if the violence and the eating of non vegetarian foodstuff is stopped at global level then the solution of many problems may come without any doubt.
Swami Parmatmanandji highlighted that how the eastern wisdom can be utilised to establish the world peace. He emphasised that a systematic pattern of value-based education should be imparted to everyone in each country. Hinduism and Buddhism should get a global recognition as well.
Shastri Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami told that the religious leaders of both religions should not forget that we are connected and born from one motherland. We drank the water of the Himalyan Rivers. We took part amicably in religious encounters with each other and carried out conversations as well. The integration of meaningful conversations is the call of time. We can notice the respect given to Lord Vishnu in Buddhism and Lord Buddha is considered an incarnation of Vishnu in Hindu religion. There are many Sanyaasies and Bikkhus in both religions. It’s the need of time to propagate the divine love of Krishna and compassion of Tathagat.
At the moment when great number of people strives to get a piece of bread, the lethargy cannot be tolerated. Keeping in mind the poverty of people, the walls of value-based educational complexes and wellness centers should be erected. A considerable campaign to make people addiction-free should be started for following the commandments of Bhagawan Shree Swaminarayan’s ‘Panchvartman’ and Lord Shree Tathagat’s ‘Panchsheel’.
One thing should be clearly accepted that the form of poverty can be changed but the destitution remains as it is. The poverty of underdeveloped and partially developed countries is different. The discrimination between rich and poor is almost same even in developed countries.
This inner opulence cannot be provided by any state-run organisation. Those religions which are fighting for status and wealth are not capable to provide prosperity. This prosperity can be achieved from authentic Tathagats, Teerthankars, divine incarnations and sages who appeared in the eastern countries.
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