ABSTRACT
In 2004, an ‘International Conclave on Buddhism and Spiritual Tourism’ was held in New Delhi on February 17–18. The Buddhist summit was organised by the tourism and civil aviation ministries, and brought together several international Buddhist dignitaries, tourism ministers from over 12 countries and prominent guest speakers, including the then-president of India Dr. Abdul Kalam and the Tibetan spiritual leader, the fourteenth Dalai Lama. As part of the keynote address by the president, he described the importance of transforming religion into spirituality and finding strength in peace. “The religions are like exquisite gardens, places full of surpassing beauty and tranquillity, like sacred groves filled with beautiful birds and their melodious songs”, he said. “I truly think that religions are beautiful gardens. They are enchanting islands, a veritable oasis for the soul and the spirit. But they are islands nevertheless. How can we connect them so that the fragrance engulfs the whole universe?” he asked the audience. 1
