Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
July 14, 2023

The "Gandhara Symposium 2023" was held on July 11th in Islamabad, Pakistan, and lasted for three days. The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Venerable Jue Cheng, the Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, was invited to be one of the keynote speakers for the first forum of the symposium.

Buddhist leaders, experts, scholars, archaeologists, and artists were invited to attend "Gandhara Symposium 2023." photo／The Life News Agency

The theme of this symposium is "Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Culture and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan." It is jointly organized by the Gandhara Tourism Special Task Force of the Prime Minister's Office, the Islamabad Policy Research Institute, and the Department of Archaeology and Museums in Pakistan. Hundreds of Buddhist leaders, experts, scholars, archaeologists, and artists from Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Mainland China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan have been invited to attend. Together, they will explore how to rebuild Gandhara culture in Pakistan, which is an Islamic country, and discuss topics such as tourism development for economic growth and the celebration of Buddhist cultural festivals.

The theme of Gandhara Symposium 2023 is "Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Culture and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan." photo／The Life News Agency

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi discussed the importance of meditation and shared his personal experience with it. He stated, "Everyone should be grateful to Buddhism because it emphasizes peace and harmony. Only in a peaceful and harmonious country can people find happiness."

Pakistan president Dr. Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi presided over the opening ceremony. photo／The Life News Agency

Dr. Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi stated that the preservation of Gandhara culture reflects that Pakistani government. highly value the precious cultural heritage. He emphasized that hatred, conflicts, and polarized thinking are intensifying worldwide, making peace and harmony the greatest challenges of our time. The world is in urgent need of religion to bring peace, end violence, and foster dialogue among civilizations through cultural diplomacy, creating an environment of tolerance and harmony.

Venerable Jue Cheng believes that protecting and promoting Gandhara culture, as well as developing the tourism industry, will bring substantial economic benefits to Pakistan. Venerable Jue Cheng proposed four suggestions. Firstly, organizing a Pakistan Cultural Festival to allow international tourists to understand and experience the cultural heritage. Secondly, hosting a Gandhara Cultural Festival, showcasing the charm of Gandhara culture through dance, music, exhibitions, and other forms, to reach a wider audience. Thirdly, encouraging modern artists to create antique sculptures and paintings, allowing these artworks to circulate worldwide and introduce more people to Gandhara culture. Fourthly, organizing large-scale international events to showcase Pakistan's Gandhara cultural heritage, thereby increasing global awareness and understanding of Pakistan.

Venerable Jue Cheng proposed four suggestions in the forum. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Jue Cheng stated that the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism has established a Research Center at Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan. The center aims to promote the exchange of Buddhism and assist in translating original scriptures or dissertations into the local modern language. This effort aims to make these resources available for adoption by teachers in schools as educational materials.

At the end of the Symposium, Dr. Shamat, Chairman of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, presented his conclusion. He expressed the importance of preserving Buddhist heritage sites, reacquainting people with Buddhism, and organizing Buddhist cultural activities to attract religious tourists from around the world to visit the region. Additionally, he hoped that Gandhara culture could be exhibited worldwide.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar, the Minister of Tourism, expressed his hope for Pakistan to further open up its local tourism and pledged to enhance the safety and accommodation of visa visitors.

After the three-day symposium, the organizers invited participants to visit the Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites and museums.

The "Gandhara Symposium 2023" was held on July 11th in Islamabad, Pakistan, and lasted for three days. photo／The Life News Agency