28 May 2024 06:02 am Views - 56
More than 1,000 Buddhist representatives, guests, scholars, and devotees from 73 countries and regions gathered in Bangkok to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the Buddha. They conducted in-depth discussions and extensive exchanges around the theme of the event, “The Buddhist Way to Build Trust and Unity”.
The cooperation between Buddhist cultures promoted the spread and development of Buddhism on a global scale. The religious event transcended national borders and gathered the wisdom of all people, which was of great significance for promotion of Buddhist culture. The opening remarks were made by the Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for Day of Vesak (ICDV) and the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU). The chair was held by His Holiness, the Deputy Sangharaja of Thailand. The keynote speech, “The Buddhist Way of Building Trust and Solidarity”, was delivered by Mr Phichit Chuenban, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office in Thailand.
The main conference had three panel discussions. The first panel, “Application of Buddhist Mindfulness for Health and Well-being”, was moderated by Ven. Dr Khammai Dhammasami, who represented the UK. The second panel, “Buddhist Path to Trust and Global Partnership”, was moderated by Ven. Dr T. Dhammaratana, who represented France. The third panel, “Relevance of Buddhist Education for Harmonious Society”, was moderated by Ven Dr. Chao Chu, of the Los Angeles Buddhist Union, who represented the USA.
Monks who represented Sri Lanka included: the Most Ven.Warakagoda Gnanarathana, Mahanayake of the Asgiri sect; Ven. Akuratiye Nanda; Ven. Banagala Upatissa, the Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan; and Ven. Matara Wimalabuddhi. Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu represented the Vietnamese National Buddhist Assembly. Representing the laity were Dr. Kirivandeniya, Ms. Momoe Saito of Japan, and Revd. Dr. Sean Thompson from the Los Angeles Buddhist Union (USA).
On the second day, the conference was held at the United Nations Convention Center in Bangkok. General H.E. Surayud Chulanont, the Private Councillor to the King of Thailand, opened the session and delivered his opening remarks and extended his best wishes to Buddhists all over the world. Goodwill messages also came from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Director-General of UNESCO, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).