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Dalai Lama to Attend Dhamma Diksha Conference in Mumbai

Dhamma Diksha Conference
The ‘Dhamma Diksha‘ is a Buddhism conference happening on December 16th, 2023 in Mumbai. It will take place at the Mahalaxmi Race Course grounds. The event aims to unite Buddhist leaders and followers from many places. It wants to help them share ideas and work together.
Invited attendees are the Dalai Lama, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand, Princess Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk of Bhutan, and Buddhist leaders from Vietnam, Cambodia and more. The Indian minister Ramdas Athawale, visited the Dalai Lama to invite him.
The goal is for different Buddhist groups to discuss their experiences and teachings. They can learn from each other and build cooperation. Coming together will help them spread Buddhist values around the world.
The Dalai Lama’s attendance
The Dalai Lama’s spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism
The Dalai Lama is the leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Followers think he is a reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion. He is the 14th Dalai Lama, whose current name is Tenzin Gyatso.
Tibetan Buddhists revere the Dalai Lama as an enlightened being who is reborn to teach Buddhism. He is very respected for promoting peace, non-violence and Tibetan culture.
His attendance at the conference
The Dalai Lama will attend the Mumbai conference on December 16th. Other key attendees are the Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka and Thailand, Princess Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk of Bhutan, and Buddhist leaders from Vietnam, Cambodia and more.
Having the Dalai Lama join is very meaningful. His presence will provide guidance and blessings for the event.
Other notable attendees
- Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka and Thailand
- Princess Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk of Bhutan
- Buddhist leaders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries
Purpose of the conference
The goal of Dhamma Diksha is to unite Buddhist leaders and followers from many countries. It wants to:
- Bring together leaders and followers of Buddhism from around the world.
- Foster unity, understanding, and cooperation between different Buddhist groups like Tibetan, Thai, Cambodian etc.
- Help them share teachings and practices to learn from each other.
- Encourage sharing ideas to help Buddhism spread important values in more places.
The meeting fulfills the dream of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to organize this event in Mumbai, which he planned in 1956 after becoming Buddhist.
Having the Dalai Lama, Prime Ministers of Thailand and Sri Lanka, a Bhutan Princess and many senior monks attend will let them exchange ideas and help Buddhism globally.
Historical significance
The 2023 Mumbai event has special meaning in history. It achieves the goal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to organize a Dhamma Diksha conference in Mumbai.
In 1956, Dr. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism and planned this conference. But he passed away on December 6th that year before making it happen.
By finally organizing the Dhamma Diksha in Mumbai with top global Buddhist leaders, his dream is now being fulfilled.
Conclusion
The 2023 Dhamma Diksha conference is expected to significantly impact Buddhists worldwide.
It will help unite different traditions, let them exchange ideas, and promote cooperation.
Fulfilling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s dream also makes it a special historic event for Buddhism globally.
With the Dalai Lama blessing the meeting and leaders from many nations attending, the conference aims to bring positive change in the Buddhist community for years to come.
FAQ
what is the meaning of ‘dhamma diksha’
The name ‘Dhamma Diksha‘ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Diksha’. Diksha means “initiation” or “preparation” for a religious ceremony.
In Buddhism, Dhamma Diksha is the ritual to welcome someone into the Buddhist teachings and practices. It initiates them as part of the religion.
The 2023 Dhamma Diksha conference in Mumbai wants to unite Buddhist leaders and followers from many places. It aims to help them:
Foster unity and understanding between their different traditions
Cooperate on shared goals
Exchange ideas to spread Buddhist values more widely
what is the history of the dhamma diksha conference
The 2023 Dhamma Diksha conference goes back to the plan of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1956. After converting to Buddhism, he wanted to organize this event in Mumbai. However, he passed away on December 6th that year, before he could make it happen.
Now, the conference is finally being organized to achieve Ambedkar’s dream. It will be held in Mumbai on December 15th and 16th.
Attendees include the Dalai Lama, Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka and Thailand, Princess Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk of Bhutan, plus Buddhist leaders from Vietnam, Cambodia and beyond.
The purpose is to unite Buddhist followers and leaders globally. It will help them foster unity, improve understanding between different Buddhist groups, cooperate more, and share ideas to spread Buddhist values.