PM Modi Highlights Role of Buddha's Teachings in Shaping the Asian Century

Prime Minister Modi emphasized at the SAMVAD conference in Thailand that the Asian century should embrace both economic and social values. Through Bhagwan Buddha's teachings, he underscored the potential for a peaceful, human-centric future by promoting conflict avoidance and embracing diverse perspectives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message to the SAMVAD conference in Thailand, asserted that the defining feature of the emerging Asian century extends beyond mere economic developments to include crucial social values. SAMVAD, the Global Hindu Buddhist Initiative, aims to underscore how Bhagwan Buddha's teachings can usher in a peaceful and progressive era.

Speaking at the conference, Modi highlighted the significance of conflict avoidance, a core theme of the SAMVAD initiative. He pointed out that many conflicts stem from the belief that one's viewpoint is the only correct perspective. Drawing from Bhagwan Buddha, he argued for the recognition of multiple perspectives, quoting the Rig Veda: "Ekam Sat Vipraha Bahudha Vadanti," to emphasize that truth can be viewed through different lenses.

The Prime Minister further elaborated that perceiving others as fundamentally different can lead to discord. Quoting the Dhammapada, he reminded attendees that recognizing others as similar to ourselves would prevent harm and violence. The conference in Bangkok, titled 'Samvad IV: Global Hindu Buddhist Initiative for Conflict Avoidance and Environmental Consciousness - The Century of Dharma - Dhamma,' reinforces these ideals.

(With inputs from agencies.)