PM Narendra Modi proposes to create a library of Buddhist literature

The Prime Minister made the announcement while addressing the sixth Indo-Japan Samvad Conference via video conferencing.

Thanking the Japan government for its constant support to the Samvad, which began five years ago with the initiative of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe leading to series of conferences, Narendra Modi praised the forum for doing great work to ensure promote the ideas and ideals of Lord Buddha, especially among the youth.

Modi said that this body of writing is a treasure of humankind as a whole.

"Today, I would like to propose the creation of a library of all such traditional Buddhist literature and scriptures," Modi announced.

The Prime Minister further said "we will be happy to create such a facility in India and will provide appropriate resources for it".

"The library will collect digital copies of all such Buddhist literature from different countries. It will aim to translate them, and make them freely available for all monks and scholars of Buddhism. The library will not only be a depository of literature.

"It will also be a platform for research and dialogue - a true 'Samvad' between human beings, between societies, and between man and nature. Its research mandate will also include examining how Buddha's message can guide our modern world against contemporary challenges. Challenges like poverty, racism, extremism, gender discrimination, climate change and many others," said Modi.

Referring to his visit at Sarnath about three weeks ago, the Prime Minister said that the place is famous because Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment there.

He added that this 'Jyoti Punj' that emerged from Sarnath spread across the world embracing the values of compassion and nobility. He further noted that above all, it is most important to be a positive force in the lives of others.

He also said that 'Samvad' should be one that will spread this spirit of positivity, unity and compassion across our planet. "That too at a time when we need it the most," said Modi, adding this is the first Samvad of a new decade as it is happening at a critical moment of human history.

The Prime Minister also talked about the need to change the paradigm for growth, saying that "discussions on global growth cannot happen only between a few. The table must be bigger. The agenda must be broader. Growth patterns must follow a human-centric approach; and, be in harmony with our surroundings." (IANS)