Strengthening Buddhist Ties: India's IBC Delegation Visits Myanmar

A high-level delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation visited Myanmar to enhance Buddhist connections. Led by Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, they engaged in dialogues with Myanmar officials and institutions, signing agreements to promote Pali studies and foster cooperation in education and media.

In a strategic move to bolster Buddhist ties, a high-ranking delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) wrapped up a four-day visit to Myanmar. The group, spearheaded by IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, extensively engaged with Myanmar's government, academia, religious leadership, and media to explore collaborative opportunities.

The visit gained significance following India's 2024 recognition of Pali as a classical language. This has invigorated interest in Pali, pivotal to the Buddhist heritage shared with Myanmar. Prominent in the visit was the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding between IBC and Myanmar's leading Buddhist academic institutions, spotlighting enhanced educational exchanges.

High-level discussions took place with Myanmar's Information Minister U Maung Maung Ohn and Religious Affairs and Culture Minister U Tin Oo Lwin, emphasizing media's role in disseminating Buddha Dhamma and promoting Pali studies. Strategic dialogues led to joint initiatives with bodies like Skynet Buddha Channel, aiming at Buddhist knowledge exchange and discourse.

The delegation also engaged with top Buddhist universities, exploring training collaborations, and met with His Eminence Candimabhibamsa of the State Sangha Mahanayaka Committee, underscoring crucial monastic interaction. The visit culminated with a reception highlighting the academic and cultural exchanges that fortify historical Indo-Myanmar Buddhist bonds.

This initiative by IBC is poised to enhance educational, media, and monastic collaboration, reinforcing the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Myanmar.

(With inputs from agencies.)