International Buddhist Seminar Successfully Concludes with 6-Point Declaration

International Buddhist Seminar Successfully Concludes with 6-Point Declaration

Blogs
April 27, 2025

With great pride and purpose, the international seminar “One Belt One Road: Nepal–China Buddhist Culture and Art” successfully concluded in Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. The event focused on honoring and promoting the legacy of historical Buddhist figures who have contributed immensely to the spread of Buddhist philosophy and education.

At the closing ceremony, a joint six-point declaration was issued, pledging deep academic collaboration in Buddhist arts and culture. Special emphasis was placed on promoting and researching historical figures such as Buddhabhadra, Arniko, Bhrikuti, Faxian, Xuanzang, and Manjushri.

On behalf of Lumbini Buddhist University, I, along with Mr. Chen Hongqiang, Vice President of the Chinese Society for Cultural Promotion, jointly announced the declaration. The document also reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the friendly ties between Nepal and China, following the spirit of agreements made during the official visit of the Honorable Prime Minister and Chancellor of LBU, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, to China in 2024.

One of the significant achievements of the seminar is the announcement of the establishment of the “Faxian–Xuanzang Scholarship Fund” at Lumbini Buddhist University. To support this fund, the Chinese side has already contributed NPR 3.8 million. This initiative aims to promote scholarly research in Buddhist studies, archaeology, and cultural preservation.

Recognizing the global significance of Lumbini, the declaration emphasizes the need to promote Buddhist diplomacy and tourism development. The seminar also concluded that preserving ancient Buddhist heritage and revitalizing traditional Buddhist medical systems should be prioritized.

Furthermore, based on the “One Belt One Road” framework, the declaration outlines a commitment to deeper educational and cultural exchanges in Buddhist art and heritage between Nepal and China.

This successful seminar was organized by Lumbini Buddhist University in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Lumbini Development Trust, Sariputra Foundation, World Alliance for Buddhist Cultural Exchange Ltd. (China), and Wecho Peace Calligraphy and Painting Academy.

Over two days, the seminar featured the presentation of 40 academic papers, focusing on Buddhist culture, Chinese culture, art, traditional Buddhist medicine, and Buddhist education.