President of India inaugurates 7th International Dharma Dhamma conference in Bhopal
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th International
Dharma Dhamma Conference, organised by the India Foundation in collaboration
with the Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies, in Bhopal today (March 3,
2023).
Speaking
on the occasion, the President said that the great banyan tree of Indian
spirituality has its roots in India and its branches and vines are spread all
over the world.
The
President said that for scholars, there are different schools of philosophy.
But mystic of the world speak the same language. When realised souls decided to
become compassionate teachers or gurus, their traditions came into existence.
Many such traditions originated in India and have been flourishing across the
world.
The
President said that the concept of Dharma-Dhamma has been the basic voice of
Indian consciousness. In our tradition it is said, “Dharyate anen iti dharmah”
- That which supports is dharma. The entire humanity rests on the foundation
stone of religion. Progress of individuals and society with the spirit of
friendship, compassion and non-violence as well as free from attachment and
hatred, has been the main message of Eastern humanism. Personal conduct and
social order based on morality is the practical form of Eastern humanism. It
has been considered the duty of every person to preserve and strengthen such a
system based on morality.
The
President said that Eastern humanism looks at the universe as a moral stage and
not as a material battle-ground. In the building and sustaining of this moral
order, every individual has to be action-oriented and not rely on fate. Eastern
humanism believes that blind impulses lead to individual fights and even wars
between countries. When India proclaims on the global stage that the entire
world is but one family, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, it proclaims its commitment
to eastern humanism.
The
President said that it is a matter of pride that religion has occupied a
central place in our country's tradition, social system and political
activities since time immemorial. The deep impact of Dharma-Dhamma is clearly
visible on the democratic system, we adopted after independence. Our national
emblem is from the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. The wheel of Dharma is adorned in
our national flag. Mahatma Gandhi spread the message of non-violence and
compassion of Lord Buddha through his values and actions.
The
President said that realizing the cause of human's suffering, and showing the
way to get rid of that suffering, is the characteristic of Eastern humanism,
which has become more important in today's era. In our tradition of
Dharma-Dhamma, the prayers for welfare of all have been a part of our lives.
This is the essence of Eastern humanism.