‘Karuna’ or Compassion, Which is What the World Needs Most: President Murmu at Asian Buddhist Summit

President Droupadi Murmu, attending the first Asian Buddhist Summit in New Delhi, highlighted India’s legacy as a spiritual hub and emphasized Buddhism’s unique potential to guide humanity toward peace and unity. The summit, a collaborative effort between India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), brought together leaders from various Buddhist schools. “India is the blessed land of Dharma, where mystics, masters, and seekers have continually provided pathways to inner peace and outer harmony,” she said.

Revitalizing Pali and Prakrit Languages

President Murmu announced the government’s recent recognition of Pali and Prakrit as classical languages. This designation, she explained, would provide the languages with financial support for the preservation and revitalization of their literary treasures, fostering a greater appreciation for Buddhist teachings and texts.

President Murmu stressed that Buddhism’s principles are highly relevant in today’s world, which is facing crises of conflict and climate change. “The various schools of Buddhism show the world how to counter narrow sectarianism. If there is one word to describe the Buddha Dhamma, it is ‘karuna’ or compassion, which is what the world needs most today,” she stated.

The Role of Buddha Dharma in Asian Unity and Global Peace

Addressing the summit’s role in fostering peace, Murmu encouraged discussions on how Buddha Dharma could bring genuine peace to Asia and beyond. “Buddha Dharma’s message is about eliminating not only physical violence but also the mental forces of greed and hatred, which the Buddha identified as roots of human suffering.”

Murmu acknowledged the variety within Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions, as a natural evolution of the Buddha’s teachings. “Over time, different practitioners found distinct meanings in the Buddha’s discourses, leading to multiple sects. Despite these differences, the larger Sangha remains united, symbolizing a center that is everywhere and a circumference that is nowhere,” she said.

Reflecting on India’s spiritual heritage, Murmu described how Indian mystics and seekers have guided humanity through ages. The Buddha, she noted, holds a unique place as a pathfinder, having shared his enlightenment for the welfare of all. She highlighted the Buddha’s teaching principle of “Bahujana sukhaya, bahujana hitaya cha”—for the happiness and welfare of the many.

Expressing optimism about the summit’s impact, Murmu concluded that this event could further deepen the bonds among Asian countries, united by the shared legacy of the Buddha’s teachings.