The media must be mindful of the content it feeds and the consumers must be equally mindful about what they consume.
Message Of The Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation
Abhijit Haldar, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), made this point at the second international Buddhist media conclave.
He said that mindfulness is a very important Buddhist teaching.
The IBC Director General cautioned that this is important because the principle of demand and supply comes into play.
Middle Way Approach
He further said that in any conflict, when there are very strong standpoints, one has to bring both parties to a middle way.
Mutual understanding can be created in a mindful way.
Mindfulness helps in eliminating negative emotions like arrogance, ego and greed.
Theme Of The Conference
The theme of the conference is ‘ Mindful Communication for Conflict Avoidance and Sustainable Development.”
Nearly 200 representatives from more than 20 countries are participating in the conclave which is taking place after a gap of six years.
Ricky Kej And Bhaichung Bhutia Also Attended The Conference
The International Buddhist Confederation also invited bringing role models Ricky Kej, former Indian football player Bhaichung Bhutia and Sri Lankan actor Devnaka Orage, to the event.
Ricky Kej, a musician and an environmentalist said that all of us live on the planet and we have one common future.
“With all the problems we face on our planet, the biggest threat to us that we wait for others to make a difference.”
He said that the only way we can bring about meaningful change is by changing our behaviour.
Need For Small Changes
The three time Grammy Award winner further said, “All that we need to do is encourage ourselves to make tiny, incremental changes to our lives.”
Use Of The Language Of Art
It is important for us to use the language of arts- in my case, music and simplify it through the emotional language of arts.
Artists should constantly collaborate with the scientists.
I am a product of Samvaad which happened right here in this hall in 2015.
At that time, Prime Minister Modi quoted the Buddhist thought that the impurities in our mind are related to the impurities in our environment.
” We need to go to the roots of the problem- be a far more compassionate society and take care of our mental wellness.”
Shame People Into Action
“ I would like to appeal to my friends in the media to shame people into action like the Swedish activist, Greta Thunburg approach.”
The second is the approach of the famous British naturalist, Sir David Attenborough to protect, conserve and sustain the natural world.
Mindfulness
Ven. Odgarid Jugder from Mongolia, said, “ In Buddhism, we are taught to be mindful to others. ”
”We should keep this in mind while designing communication, said Odgarid who is the head of Gandan Tegchenling Monastery.
Message Of The Founder Of Dharma Alliance
Dr Prashant Sharma, Founder of Dharma Alliance, said that the first ever official side event on Dharma and Human Rights, will be held at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on October 4.
This will be held in collaboration with the Asian Buddhists Conference For Peace (ABCP), Mongolia.
The Alliance was founded in Geneva in Switzerland.
“There has to be balance between inward thinking and outward communication’’
Mindfulness In Journalistic Practice
Emi Hayakawa, Head of Global Operations at the Buddhist True Network (BTN) based in Seoul, said, “We broadcast daily Buddhist news twice a day.’’
She drew attention to the role of the media in creating positive content.
“Conflict often arises from misunderstanding. We do not highlight provocative elements but exclude them,’’ she said while talking of mindfulness in journalistic practice.
Message Of Vipassana Research Institute, India
Piyush Kulshrestha, faculty, Vipassana Research Institute, India, said that awareness of what is going on in our minds, is important.
“ The four pillars of Mindful Communication are- Be Truthful, Be Kind and Compassionate, Give feedback: Never backbite and Be purposeful.’’
Deputy Secretary General of the International Buddhist Conference, Satisfied With The Turnout At The Conference
Dr Damenda Porage, Chairman, Deputy Secretary General of the International Buddhist Conference, who is based in Sri Lanka, sais that the response to the conference, is very encouraging.
Former Indian football player Bhaichung Bhutia’s Message
Bhaichung Bhutia stressed the need for making optimum use of technology to preach peace and harmony.
“I have grown up with Buddhist values.”
He added, “The teachings of Buddha are all about sacrifice, peace and harmony.”
Bhaichung further said that the world is going through a lot of conflict and media can play a significant role in disseminating information on the teachings of Buddha.
” This can help in reducing conflict.”
Bhaichung Is A Supporter Of The Dalai Lama
Bhaichung says he is a big follower and supporter of the Dalai Lama who is a global leader and emissary of peace.
” It is a great honour to be here,” said Bhaichung who came for the conference all the way from Sikkim.
” When I was playing, football was was my religion. After retirement, spirituality and meditation become important.”
” A lot of young boys and girls are going back to their roots in Sikkim. This is a good sign.”
Message Of Lady Mohini Kent Noon
Lady Mohini Kent Noon, Chairperson, Lily Foundation and Global Envoy, IBC, said, “ Our actions help energetically to improve the world. ‘’
“ In order to care for the environment, we have to love it.’’
British Parliament Has A Group On Mindfulness
Founder Chairperson of the charity, Lily Against Human Trafficking, Lady Noon mentioned that British Parliament has a group on mindfulness.
British schools are also teaching mindfulness.’’
CTA Spokesperson Highlights The Importance Of the Conference
Tenzin Lekshay, Spokesperson of Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala, highlighted the importance of the conference which is about mindful communication.
