Remembering Buddha, PM Oli inaugurates International Buddhist Conference in Nepal

Asserting that Nepal's Lumbini, the birthplace of Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha is the centre of world peace, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Thursday said that he feels honoured to have the opportunity to live in the land of the Buddha.

Inaugurating the International Buddhist Conference organised as a part of the celebration of the 2560th Buddha Jayanti here today, he reiterated that the Buddhist philosophy is a useful doctrine to humankind across the world.

"Lord Gautam Buddha is not only the Light of Asia, but of the whole world. Buddhism is a strong basis for establishing peace," the Himalayan Times quoted him as saying.

He said that Buddha's teaching helped in the promotion of social harmony, tolerance, forgiveness and selfless service and inspired humanity to follow the path of truth and non-violence.

Oli also expressed his government's commitment to effectively implement the Greater Lumbini Development Plan that has been brought to develop the Buddha's birthplace as a major tourism hub by promoting religious tourism.

Ananda Prasad Pokharel , Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said that government hosted the International Buddhist Conference for the first time after the promulgation of the Constitution.

Representatives of various countries shed light on different aspects, practices and religious sects of Buddhism in the conference under the theme- "Lumbini, Nepal: The Birthplace of Lord Buddha and the Fountain of Buddhism and World Peace."

Religious gurus of the three sects of Buddhism - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana were also present on the occasion.

Apart from government representatives, Buddhist religious leaders, monks and nuns and scholars on Buddhism from 28 various countries are participating in the conference.

Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari is scheduled to inaugurate the Buddha Jayanti main celebration function in Lumbini on May 21.