Buddhist values binding force for Asian nations: Summit

Asian culture, tradition and values have endured the onslaught of history, yet stood steadfast, evidence for the ingrained values of the Buddha, was the common refrain at the second day of the First Asian Buddhist Summit, as speaker after speaker endorsed that the Buddha's teachings were the binding force not only in philosophical terms but also in practice.

They have helped to sustain Asian nations and cultures in times of crisis.

The Summit, organised by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), themed 'Role of Buddha Dhamma in strengthening Asia' saw participation from 32 countries with over 160 international participants. Members of the Mahasangha, patriarchs of various monastic traditions, monks, nuns, members of the diplomatic community, professors of Buddhist studies, experts and scholars, around 700 participants, engaged enthusiastically with the topic.