The 2nd International Buddhist Forum opened on August 13, focusing on comprehensive discussions on the development of Buddhism, Buddhist culture, philosophy and practice, aiming to promote the development of scientific, educational and cultural cooperation among Buddhist organizations of different countries.

The forum is organized by the Russian Traditional Buddhist Church, the Government of the Republic of Buryatia, the Foundation for the Promotion of Buddhist Education and Research with the support of the Roscongress Foundation.

President Vladimir Putin sent a message to the forum. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

The Forum was attended by representatives from 15 countries: Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Bhutan, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, China, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan and representatives from many regions of the Russian Federation. The Vietnamese delegation included Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Vu Chien Thang; Director of the Institute of Religious Studies of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences Chu Van Tuan; Counselor-Minister of the Embassy of Vietnam in the Russian Federation Le Quang Anh.

In his message to the forum participants, Russian President Vladimir Putin appreciated the contribution of Buddhist organizations to maintaining peace, harmony and mutual understanding in society, as well as the development of inter-religious and inter-national dialogue.

The Russian President expressed his belief that this forum will be organized creatively and constructively, contributing to strengthening international humanitarian cooperation and implementing joint projects.

The 2nd International Buddhist Forum was held in the Republic of Buryatia (Russian Federation), one of the world's Buddhist cultural centers. (Photo: buddha-forum.ru)

Speaking at the opening session of the Forum, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang said: Buddhism was introduced to Vietnam more than 2,000 years ago, becoming one of the largest religions in Vietnam. During the process of introduction and development, Buddhism has become a peaceful religion, integrating with the traditional beliefs of the Vietnamese people. Vietnamese Buddhism has always been a worldly religion, connecting religion and life, accompanying the nation and making many contributions to the cause of national construction and development.

“The Vietnamese delegation attended this Forum with a message to praise the traditional values ​​and good ethics of Buddhism. Buddhism in general and Vietnamese Buddhism in particular have always been closely associated with and accompanied the nation. Buddhism has made important contributions to the process of building, defending and developing the country. Buddhist education forms are a resource for us to mobilize the strength of the entire nation in the current work of building and protecting the country,” Deputy Minister Vu Chien Thang emphasized.

Within the framework of the 2nd International Buddhist Forum, many meaningful activities took place, including: scientific seminars focusing on the most relevant topics for Buddhism, such as the relationship between Buddhism and the state, the position of Buddhism in the system of international relations and opportunities for Buddhist education; roundtable discussion "Russia-India: Cooperation in Buddhist Education"; traditional conference "Pandito Hambo Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov Phenomenon"; exhibition "Masterpieces of Art from Buddhist Heritage", Oriental Martial Arts festival.

The 2nd International Buddhist Forum takes place from August 12 to 14, 2024.