The three-day International Sangha Forum commenced at the cultural center of Bodhgaya on December 20th, inaugurated by the 14th Buddhist spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This gathering convened approximately 2500 Buddhist scholars hailing from 35 countries to participate in discussions and dialogues. The forum, themed as 'Bridging Traditions, Embracing Modernity: A Dialogue on the Buddha's Teaching in Today's World,' was co-organized by the office of the Dalai Lama, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), and the SE Asia Coordinator's office.

During the initial days of the conference, monks, nuns, and Bhikkhu scholars representing diverse Buddhist traditions will delve into discussions focusing on the nuances of the Vinaya rules and the evolving role of Buddhism in the 21st century. The event will culminate with a prayer gathering at Bodhgaya's Mahabodhi Temple, featuring Buddhist Leaders and Maha Sanghas.

Central to the forum's objectives is fostering continuous dialogues and fostering collaboration between practitioners of the Pali traditions (including Southeast and South Asian countries like India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia) and those adhering to the Sanskrit tradition (from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia, and other global regions).

The three-day International Sangha Forum was inaugurated by the 14th Buddhist spritual Holiness Dalai Lama at the cultural center of Bodhgaya on December 20, Bihar, India. About 2500 Buddhist scholars from 35 countries have gathered in the three-day conference of the International Sangha Forum.
The forum 'Bridging Traditions, Embracing Modernity: A Dialogue on the Buddha's Teaching in Today's World' was organized by the office of the Dalai Lama, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the SE Asia Coordinator's office.On the first three days of the conference, monks, nuns, and Bhikkhu scholars from the different Buddhist traditions will start the discussions on the finer aspects of the Vinaya rules and the role of Buddhism in the 21st century.The conference will conclude with a prayer gathering at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya with Buddhist Leaders and Maha Sanghas on the last day.The primary focus of the conference is to develop ongoing dialogues and collaboration between practitioners of the Pali traditions of Southeast and South Asian countries of India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia) and those of the Sanskrit tradition from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia and other parts of the world.