Monks from India want to take more active role at International Buddhist Conclave in Bodh Gaya

Buddhist monks from the country felt that they should take a more active role at the three-day International Buddhist Conclave being held at Bodhgaya in Bihar. They felt that they should be consulted in the conduct of various events.

Treasurer of All India Buddhist Association, Bhante Pradeep, said it was a good initiative but they were being alienated in their own homeland.

"Yes, we have fallen prey to negligence. We are propagating our traditions to others, but at the same time we are being alienated within our own house. In this conclave, the people of the house (Indian monks) are being ignored. How can the members of the house participate in it enthusiastically? This is the only drawback of this conclave," said Pradeep.

The conclave that wishes to propagate India's rich heritage to the new generation has not invited any speaker nor any representative of the Akhil Bharatiya Bhikshu Mahasangh.

Monk-in-charge of Bodh Gaya, Bhante Priyapal, also expressed his disappointment at being alienated from this conclave.

"Neither the native Buddhists living in different provinces of the country nor the Buddhist Monks Association, none have admitted to having been invited to this programme, at least we do not have news of any such invitation, although we live here. On the three days - September 26, 27, 28 -we neither have an iota of information about the functions planned for the Conclave, nor have we been invited," he complained.

Delegates from across 33 different nations and about 146 delegates from within our country will participate in the International Buddhist Conclave.