World Peace Conference Delegates Visit Thiksey Monastery to Convene Academic Session on Global Solidarity.
A grand three days World Peace Conference was organised by IAEWP and Leh, Ladakh, India under the Presidentship of Chancellor Dr Priyaranjan Trivedi and under the Convenorship of Ven Bhikkhu Sanghasena, IAEWP State Chancellor for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh on 23, 24 and 25 August 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings in August 1945.
More than 100 foreign and 150 Indian delegates participated from Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Germany, Nepal, Brazil and many African countries.
High in the arid, majestic landscape of Ladakh, where the air is thin and the mountains touch the sky, a different kind of summit was taking place. This wasn't a meeting of diplomats in a bustling capital, but a gathering of hearts and minds at the serene Thiksey Monastery, followed by a profound academic session on global solidarity convened at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).
The delegates for an international World Peace Conference journeyed to this remote Himalayan region. Their mission was not just to discuss peace in theory, but to experience it in practice, embedded within a community that lives and breathes compassion and service.
The journey began at the breathtaking Thiksey Monastery, a cascading white structure that embodies centuries of spiritual tranquillity and cultural preservation. For the delegates, the visit was more than a tour; it was an immersion. Walking through ancient halls adorned with thangkas, listening to the resonant chants of monks, and witnessing the devout mindfulness of practice, they experienced a palpable sense of inner peace. This tranquillity is not an escape from the world, but a foundation for engaging with it—a first lesson in the Ladakhi approach to harmony.
Following this spiritual immersion, the conference moved to the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh. Founded by the visionary Venerable Sanghasena, MIMC is a living testament to the idea that world peace is built on the twin pillars of inner transformation and selfless action.
As the delegates gathered, the agenda shifted from observation to discussion, convening a pivotal academic session on Global Solidarity. In a world often highlighted by conflict and division, the theme resonated deeply. The conversation flowed beyond theoretical diplomacy, touching on the very human elements required for unity.
Discussions centered on collective action, compassion, and resilience. Delegates explored how solidarity is not a passive concept but an active force—one that requires empathy, understanding, and a commitment to social justice. They spoke of human rights, equality, and the inclusion of all voices in the journey towards global peace. This wasn't just about policies; it was about fostering a genuine sense of community and togetherness that transcends borders.
The setting for these talks was itself a powerful statement. MIMC is not merely a retreat center or a place for silent meditation. It is a vibrant ecosystem of hope. As delegates learned, MIMC’s mission seamlessly blends spiritual practice with profound humanitarian aid.
They saw this vision in action all around them: in the schools MIMC runs for underprivileged children, offering empowerment through education. In the eco-friendly sustainable living practices that respect the fragile Ladakhi environment. In the care provided to the elderly and the sick, a direct expression of kindness and support. This holistic model demonstrates that well-being is multifaceted, addressing mental health, material need, and spiritual yearning simultaneously.
The connection became clear: the inner peace cultivated through meditation and mindfulness training is the fuel for outward activism and charity. The calm found in breathing exercises and the focus honed in practice enables the resilience needed for long-term volunteer work and advocacy.
For the delegates, the trip was a powerful digital detox from the noise of modern discourse. It was a getaway that provided not just rest, but clarity. The serenity of the Himalayas and the profound compassion of the MIMC community served as a living blueprint. They saw that true solidarity is built on this foundation of personal awareness and gratitude.
As the academic session concluded, the takeaways were profound. The delegates left with more than just notes; they left with an experience. They witnessed a model where peace is not a distant ideal but a daily practice. They understood that global solidarity begins with the individual choice to cultivate positivity, empathy, and a commitment to non-profit service.
The World Peace Conference delegation’s visit to Thiksey and MIMC was a beautiful fusion of ancient wisdom and modern aspiration. It was a reminder that the path to harmony is paved with both prayer and practical action, and that in the quiet mountains of Ladakh, a powerful ripple of hope for humanity is being nurtured, one compassionate act at a time.
As part of the World Peace Conference, delegates visited the renowned Thiksey Monastery where they joined the venerable monks in offering a special prayer for world peace. A Sangha Dana was respectfully offered on behalf of the organizing committee, symbolizing the spirit of harmony and generosity that underpins the conference.
Following the monastery visit, the delegates gathered for Academic Session II on the theme “Building Bridges: Dialogue, Inclusion, and Global Solidarity” at the Shesrap Skyadtsal Ling Library and Learning Centre Thiksay Conference Hall.
The session was chaired by Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, who warmly welcomed the participants and expressed deep gratitude to His Eminence Thiksey Rinpoche for graciously allowing the use of the beautifully created conference hall. Geshe Jamyang Tashi of the Sherap Skitsal Ling Library and Learning Centre also addressed the gathering, extending a heartfelt welcome and assuring that the Centre remains open for future collaborations and initiatives dedicated to peace.
The academic session was enriched by a series of inspiring presentations from eminent speakers. Dr. Markandey Rai highlighted the urgent responsibility of global citizens in preventing wars, reminding the gathering that peace is not merely the duty of governments but a shared obligation of humanity. Maj. Gen. Dr. Yash Mor emphasized the concept of a peace economy, calling for resources to be shifted from destructive military pursuits towards welfare, education, and development that uplift societies.
MAAsterG spoke about the transformative power of interfaith dialogue, stressing how genuine conversations across traditions can dissolve mistrust and heal divisions. Prof. P.R. Trivedi presented his vision for building strong global alliances that can sustain peace in the long term, noting that cooperation across nations is the only way to address challenges that transcend borders. Ambassador Deepak Vohra shared his insights on the role of diplomacy over division, underlining how dialogue, when pursued with sincerity, prevents conflicts from escalating into wars. Finally, Mr. Ram Rohan Panta explored mindfulness and meditation as practical tools for fostering inner peace, resilience, and compassion, demonstrating how these practices can contribute directly to harmony within families, communities, and nations.
A highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the World
Peace Award to Padma Shree His Eminence Nawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin Thiksey
Rinpoche, the 9th reincarnation of Jangsem Sherab Zangpo and the revered Head
of Thiksey Monastery. The award was conferred in profound recognition of His
Eminence’s lifelong dedication to world peace, compassion, and universal
brotherhood.
Contact
Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre
P.O. Box No 22
Leh Ladakh 194101, India
Tel: 91-19 82-264372
Fax: 91-19 82-264155
http://www.mahabodhi-ladakh.info/
