National Conference on Gandhara Civilization: Unveiling Pakistan’s Intercultural Heritage
Pakistan is home to several prominent ancient civilizations, including Mehergarh in Baluchistan, the Indus Valley Civilization, and the Gandhara civilization. Gandhara, located in modern-day northern Pakistan (Peshawar Valley, Potohar Plateau) and parts of Afghanistan (Jalalabad), was a major center of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent from the 3rd century BCE to around 1200 CE. This region is known for its ancient and sacred Buddhist stupas in Peshawar Valley, Mardan, Swat, Taxila, and Islamabad.
Situated along the Silk Road, the Gandhara Civilization flourished at the crossroads of Persian, Greek, Central Asian, and Indian subcontinent cultures. Its strategic location made it a melting pot of cultures and a hub of religious syncretism and cross-cultural exchange.
Pakistan is the birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism and renowned Buddhist figures such as Asanga, Vasubandhu, Guru Rinpoche, and Monk Marananta. Mahayana Buddhism, one of the two main branches of Buddhism, is widely practiced in the Buddhist world. The Gandhara region, significant for its contributions to Mahayana Buddhism, became a cradle of Gandhara culture, art, and learning.
As a sacred land for Buddhism, Pakistan houses numerous Buddhist heritage sites, art, and iconography, making it an important destination for Buddhist devotees, scholars, and travelers. From Gandhara, Buddhism spread along the Silk Road to China, Korea, Japan, and beyond, creating a shared cultural and religious heritage between Pakistan and the Buddhist world.
Monk Marananta, originating from Swabi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, traveled via the Silk Route to spread Buddhism in China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of the world. This historical, cultural, and religious connection is centuries old and highlights Pakistan’s significance as a holy land for millions of Buddhist devotees. Strengthening these connections can enhance mutual relations, cooperation, and development between Pakistan and the Buddhist world.
Religious and cultural heritage serves as a powerful tool for bilateral relations, economic development, social integration, and sustainable tourism. Tourism, particularly Buddhist tourism, has a market potential of over 100 million dollars, with 97% of Buddhists residing in East and Southeast Asia. By leveraging the historical Silk Route as a symbol of cultural exchange, Pakistan can attract millions of Buddhist tourists, opening new opportunities for all stakeholders.
The vision of this conference is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and research, exploring new opportunities by promoting cross-cultural understanding for peace, progress, and development. The objective is to highlight the centuries-old cultural and religious linkages between Pakistan and the Buddhist world.
The Department of Korean Language & Culture is committed to providing a forum for all stakeholders to share their insights on how Pakistan and the Buddhist world can come closer. We are confident that this event will foster interfaith harmony, social cohesion, and explore new avenues for sustainable economic development and cooperation between Pakistan and the Buddhist world.
Conference Theme:
Gandhara Civilization: Unveiling Pakistan’s Intercultural Heritage
Subthemes:
- Interfaith/intercultural dialogue and Global Peace and harmony.
- Gandhara civilization and cultural enrichment.
- Sustainable Tourism Development/eco-tourism and language.
- Comparison of Buddhist and Islamic values, norms and culture.
- Influence of Buddhist philosophical thoughts on Pakistani culture.
- Impact of Buddhist philosophies on peace and environment.
Time/Date
2024-09-18 00:00:00