Bhikkhu Sanghasena Delivers Valedictory address at the Second Global Buddhist Summit, New Delhi
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President and Spiritual Director of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh, Ladakh, participated in the Second Global Buddhist Summit held on 24–25 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The summit was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation.
The summit was attended by Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Hon’ble Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, along with senior policymakers and dignitaries. Both the Hon’ble Ministers delivered inspiring addresses, highlighting the relevance of the Buddha Dhamma in fostering peace, harmony, and mutual understanding in today’s complex global context.
Nearly 200 international delegates from across the world, including leading Buddhist union leaders, eminent monks, scholars, and practitioners, participated in the two-day conference. The summit was held under the theme “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence” and brought together state leaders, members of Buddhist associations, followers of the Dhamma, and Buddhist scholars on a common platform. Meaningful dialogue was conducted from a Buddhist perspective on present and future challenges facing humanity.
Moving beyond historical reflection, the summit focused on contemporary global issues such as conflict, environmental crises, social fragmentation, and inner unrest, examined through the timeless wisdom of the Buddha Dhamma.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena delivered the Valedictory Address, offering a reflective and forward-looking message rooted in compassion, non-violence, and ethical responsibility. He expressed gratitude to the organisers and participants and acknowledged the growing role of the International Buddhist Confederation as a global umbrella bringing together diverse Buddhist traditions.
In his address, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena highlighted India’s unique responsibility as the birthplace of Buddhism and its renewed role as a living torchbearer of the Buddha’s legacy. He emphasised that the Buddha Dhamma is not a relic of the past but a living guide for addressing the moral and spiritual challenges of the present age. Stressing the relevance of dialogue, non-hatred, and the Middle Way, he observed that the world today increasingly looks to the teachings of the Buddha for peace, balance, and moral clarity.
Reflecting on the summit’s central theme, he noted that collective wisdom emerges through humility and attentive listening, a united voice through harmony rather than uniformity, and mutual coexistence through active compassion and interdependence. He also underlined the responsibility of the global Sangha to remain united, grounded in the Dhamma, and committed to serving humanity.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena concluded by stating that the true success of the summit would be measured not by discussions alone, but by how its insights are carried into daily life, institutions, and societies. Addressing the youth, he encouraged them to ground their strength in wisdom, their ambition in service, and their success in uplifting others. He called upon all participants to embody the Dhamma with integrity and courage and to work collectively for peace, harmony, and coexistence in the world.
