Buddhism:- Culture as a Weapon of Diplomacy © Rohit Singh Negi

🔗 Quest for Buddha's Legacy 

👉 The Soft Power Battle :- 

Buddhism in the Diplomatic Strategies of India & China...

#Buddhism has long been a profound cultural & spiritual force in Asia, with its origins rooted in Ancient #India. It has transcended National boundaries and has been a significant element in diplomatic relations across the continent. 

Historically, Emperor Ashoka of India was a Master in using Buddhism as a tool for Diplomacy and Empire Consolidation. Through the propagation of Buddhist Values and the establishment of Stupas and Monasteries, #Ashoka not only unified his Empire but also extended India's influence far beyond its borders.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the scenario has significantly changed. While India has made efforts to revive its Buddhist Heritage, #China has aggressively pursued the use of #Buddhism as a #diplomatic_tool, potentially overshadowing India's Initiatives. This has raised questions about whether India's current strategies are sufficient to maintain its historical and cultural influence over the Buddhist World.

China’s Strategic Buddhist Diplomacy

China’s strategic use of Buddhism is a sophisticated blend of cultural diplomacy, infrastructure development, and international relations. The establishment of The #Nanhai #Nalanda #University in Hainan is a prime example. Named after the Ancient Indian University renowned for its Buddhist Scholarship, this modern institution aims to position China as a new hub for Buddhist learning and cultural exchange. The University attracts students from across Asia, creating a network of young, educated individuals who are likely to view China as the new custodian of Buddhist Excellence.

Moreover, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) includes several Buddhist Countries, and through massive investments in infrastructure, China is weaving itself into the economic and cultural fabric of these nations. This strategy extends beyond mere economic ties; it fosters cultural and religious connections that strengthen China’s influence.

India’s Efforts: A Slow March?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indeed recognized the #soft_power potential of Buddhism. His government has initiated several projects aimed at reviving and promoting India’s Buddhist heritage. The development of the Buddhist Circuit, which includes key pilgrimage sites such as #BodhGaya, #Sarnath, and #Kushinagar, is intended to attract global Buddhist Tourism and scholarship. India has also hosted international Buddhist Conferences to highlight its role as the Birthplace of Buddhism.

However, these efforts seem to pale in comparison to China's more comprehensive and swift actions. India’s Bureaucratic hurdles, slower infrastructure development, and lesser financial investment in cultural diplomacy have resulted in a less cohesive and impactful strategy.

The Dalai Lama Factor

The #DalaiLama, the Spiritual Leader of #TibetanBuddhism, has historically been a significant figure in the Sino-Indian dynamics of Buddhism. While he once advocated for Tibetan Independence, his current stance for "Autonomy" within China has nuanced the geopolitical landscape. The Dalai Lama’s relatively conciliatory approach towards China and his lack of Mobilisation for a "Free Tibet" can be seen as a cultural shift that favors #China ...even though China spouts "public anger" when USA Lawmakers visit him at Dharamshala.

The Future of Buddhist Diplomacy

For Buddhism to thrive under a Nation’s aegis, it requires more than just religious symbolism. It demands discipline, infrastructure, integrity, and commitment—attributes that China is currently exhibiting in its strategic endeavors. If India aims to reclaim its historical role as the global center of Buddhism, it must accelerate its efforts, streamline its bureaucratic processes, and significantly increase its investment in Buddhist diplomacy.

India can leverage its rich historical and cultural ties to Buddhism by creating more International Cultural Partnerships, improving infrastructure at key Buddhist Sites, and engaging more dynamically with the Global Buddhist Community. Enhancing digital outreach to spread Buddhist teachings and philosophy can also help in building a larger cultural footprint.

In conclusion, while China's rapid consolidation of Buddhism as a Diplomatic Tool is impressive, it does not preclude India from reclaiming its historical mantle. However, it requires a clear, strategic, and well-funded approach that can compete on the same global stage. The competition to create a "Buddhist Nations Bloc" is not just about cultural heritage but about who can offer a more compelling vision of Buddhist leadership in the 21st century.

The Leadership of India must wake up to the emerging power of “Culture” and not club it with “Tourism” …

Tip:-

Tourism is about earning Money & Revenue Generation… whereas Culture is about “Preservation & Raksha” of an Ancient way of life...

There is a difference between a #Teerth & a Tourism #Destination…

Teerth is about the sanctity & preservation of a Pilgrimage & Religious Site… one must not try to impose their ego on The Teerth Site with illogical "Development"…..it is a priceless and ancient Heritage which must "continue" without some “Johnny come lately” who is destroying its ancient ethos... Stop Kand Mafia's from over running Teerth Towns 

The Indian Leadership must bring in "talented people" who have the vision, to advise it on Culture ...this #NalandaUniversity Initiative needs to be not just another “announcement” but to be a centre of “International Buddhist Excellence” …. India must try to retain its cultural relevance to Buddhism…. & retain its Cultural Leadership amongst the Buddhist Countries as a dynamic & progressive Patron.

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Also I wonder why are Hindus controlling Bodh Gaya? It's a high order Buddhist Site….is it why  India's leadership never got the right advice to “hurry up” on the Buddhist Initiatives and to rapidly scale up the scope of Culture as a Diplomacy Technique…

© Rohit Singh Negi / Reshmi Nair