A comprehensive program unified by the World Buddhist Community is currently active in extinguishing the flames of World War 111 spreading across the world and creating a peaceful world. This program is being implemented under a new organisation called the “World Buddhist Community.”
The organisation’s first conference was held at the foot of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Bodh Gaya, India, on October 17th. Starting this at the sacred site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment was significant. This program is set to be implemented with the broad aspiration of utilising Buddhist philosophy for world peace.
The Role of Buddhism in Mitigating the Threat of World War III
The Chairman of the World Buddhist Community, Buddhika Prasanna Heerimullage, stated that this organised program was initiated after deeply analysing the current global situation. He mentioned that special attention was given to the economic, political, and social conflicts that are visible at present. He also noted that the Buddhist community can make a special contribution to eliminating these increasingly negative conditions.
A global environment has been created where a third world war could break out at any moment. Buddhika Prasanna says that preventing such destruction is the expectation of their program. One of the objectives of this program is to educate world leaders about possible courses of action based on Buddhist philosophy to prevent such a situation.
Buddhika Prasanna further explained that developing the four divine states (Brahma Viharas) taught by the Buddha—loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity—has the potential to prevent conflicts and develop peace. Their organisation aims to create a strong global opinion regarding this.
“World War III: The Buddhist Community’s Comprehensive Action Plan for Global Peace
The World Buddhist Community has presented several main components in its action plan. The program’s first step is establishing branches for the World Buddhist Community in Asian countries like Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, and European countries like England, France, Germany, and the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This program has already begun.
Under this, plans have been made to conduct educational programs on Buddhist philosophy, university student seminars, adult education programs, and online education courses while meeting targets. It also includes practical activities, group meditation programs, social service projects, environmental conservation programs, and religious harmony programs.
Why Buddhist Philosophy is Essential for a World Free from War
Sri Lanka is considered a centre of Theravada Buddhism, so such a program should begin there. Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist heritage and wisdom tradition strengthen this global movement. The advisor to the World Buddhist Community, Venerable Owitigamuwe Sanghasheela Thero, points out that Buddhist philosophy is the only program that can bring peace to the world.
It is also special that this is not a political movement. It is noteworthy in this era that this activity was initiated solely to contribute to building a peaceful and harmonious society through the basic teachings of Buddhism. The Chairman of the World Buddhist Community, Buddhika Prasanna Heerimullage, points out that every project launched with political objectives has failed. Therefore, he says that everyone who joins such movements has built trust
Discover the Future: What to Expect at the World Buddhist Summit 2025
The World Buddhist Community has planned to hold a World Buddhist Summit in 2025. The Asian Buddhist Youth Conference is prominent among these, and a World Peace Conference is the second plan. A comprehensive program has also been planned to provide an understanding of the essence of Buddhist philosophy among the world’s people through a global loving-kindness meditation program.
Modern psychological research has also shown that meditation and spiritual training can develop peaceful and empathetic qualities in the human mind. Therefore, scientific research has a place in the World Buddhist Community program. It is also a mission to distribute new knowledge discovered through research worldwide.
The aspirations of the World Buddhist Community organisation include developing individual mental well-being, improving family life harmony, strengthening community coexistence, developing international Buddhist relations, and contributing to environmental conservation. This is a long-term process. If this effort succeeds, a better future can be created for all beings in the world. Steps have been taken to launch the official website and social media network at the beginning of the program. It expects to bring the Buddhist community around the world together on one platform.
