Visakha Bucha Day reverently observed

Compiled by Tipitaka Network Newsdesk, May 14, 2006

Visakha Puja is a celebration in honor of the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, on which the Lord Buddha was born, achieved full enlightenment and passed away. It is an important day for Buddhists, which is related to the Four Noble Truth, awareness and mindfulness, and gratitude. The teaching of the Lord Buddha emphasized kindness, peace and tolerance among mankind. This day is recognized as one of the most internationally important and celebrated days.

In Visakha Puja Day 2006, the Government of Thailand has arranged for Buddhist activities in all government agencies and all Buddhist organizations in the whole country to carry out religious activities. The objective is to emphasize the principle of Buddhism, the understanding of the teaching of the Lord Buddha or Dhamma in daily life, cultivating awareness of impermanence and selflessness. It is also to help people cultivate good deeds, good action, loving-kindness for one another to develop happiness and a peaceful life.

Buddhists nationwide celebrated Visakha Bucha Day on May 12, participating in a variety of religious activities at temples and in the Royal Field.

In Bangkok, more than a thousand people flocked to Sanam Luang to make merit and offer alms to the monks early yesterday morning. The devout kept arriving throughout the day to attend the last day of the seven-day Visakha Bucha festival. In the evening, they joined the candlelit circumambulation ceremony at the grounds.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Buddhists from Chiang Mai and other northern provinces gathered at the famous Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep for celebrations. Many had traveled on foot for 12 kilometers from the Larn Kruba Srivijaya courtyard to participate in the traditional religious ceremony at the hilltop temple. Participants this year commemorated not only one of the holiest religious days in Buddhism but also the 635th anniversary of the famous temple, where 635 monks gave sermons yesterday.

Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep was built in 1383 A.D., and is the home of a large golden pagoda which contains the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Considered to be a sacred spot, devout Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world congregate annually to pay homage to the holy relics.

In Phuket, Governor Udomsak Aswarangkul led the ceremony by giving alms to Buddhist monks and making merit at Wat Mongkol Nimit.

In Phang Nga, another southern province, Governor Opas Sawekmanee led religious activities at Wat Prachum Yothee.

In addition to making merit and listening to the monks’ sermons, people participated in activities to promote a better understanding of the religion, including Buddhist chanting and altar arrangement contests.

Thousands celebrated Visakha Bucha Day at Nakhon Pathom’s Phutthamonthon. Privy Councilor Amphon Senanarong represented His Majesty the King at the candlelit procession there in the late afternoon.

World Visakha Puja Conference

Over 1,500 Buddhist leaders, monks, nuns, academics and experts from around the world gathered at the Buddhamonthon Conference Hall in Thailand's central province of Nakhon Pathom to witness the launch of the 4-day Third World Visakha Puja Conference held in conjunction with Visakha Puja Day. The event was officially opened by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Related meetings were held at the United Nations Conference Centre, in Bangkok, on May 8th and 9th.

Thailand holds different activities to celebrate Vesak each year. One of the activities is the International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak. This year’s event is special in that it is also organized to complement the celebrations on the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the Throne.

According to the main organizer of the meeting – Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidalaya University, the International Buddhist Conference has as its theme "Buddhist Contribution to the World Peace and Sustainable Development".

The main theme has been divided into six sub-themes:
1. World Peace;
2. Buddhist Education;
3. Spreading Buddhism;
4. The Preservation of Buddhist Culture;
5. Sustainable Development;
6. Cooperation among Buddhists.

This year, the conference is chaired by Somdej Phra Puthajarn, a senior Thai monk, on behalf of the country's Supreme Patriarch. There were also exhibitions and cultural exchanges held concurrently at Buddhamonthon.

The International Buddhist Conference on the UN Days of Vesak from May 7 to 10 was joined by several world dignitaries including the Secretaries General of the United Nations, UNESCO, and UNESCAP. The Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive-Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Mr. Kim Hak-Su, delivered a welcoming address at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. He also delivered a speech on behalf of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Mr. Kim Hak-Su said the conference will be discussing how Buddhism could assist humanity in achieving world peace and sustainable development. He mentioned that the UN General Assembly has decided to internationally recognize the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar. This consensus emphasizes that the ideals of Buddhism transcend the differences among members of the United Nations.

According UN Secretary-General Annan’s address, the ideals of Buddhism are close to those of the UN, which are understanding among peoples, the pursuit of harmony, and the promotion of peace. He would like participants to work together towards the common good, and for the harmonious and peaceful coexistence of all the world’s people.

A leading Korean Buddhist member, Miss Aung Kin Jeon proposed that Buddhist principles be taught in the elementary schools and that the world Buddhist Centre of Buddhamonthon be the site to train Buddhist missionaries who will be sent out to propagate the teachings. She stressed that only Buddhist monks with thorough understanding of the Buddha's words will be successful in their mission.

Mr. Charles Shures, a Buddhist chanter from England who attended the 3rd International Buddhist Conference on the Day of Vesak, said that the peace would be achieved if all countries apply the teachings of Buddhism.

Mr. Shures said this is a good occasion for Buddhists from all corners of the world to discuss and exchange their ideas, and thus enabling them to share one religious direction. Furthermore, he believes that the conference will lead to positive results and world peace once people start to follow by the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Most Ven.Tibatuwawe Sri Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thero, a Sri Lankan Buddhist leader, told the conference on Sunday that the world today needs the Buddha's teachings to promote peace and solve such international problems as terrorism, rising population, environmental issues, drug and human trafficking and gender discrimination.

Most Ven. Ajarn Brahmavamso, an Australian Buddhist leader representing western Sangha, said that Buddhism is a religion of peace applicable to the modern world. However, many people in the western hemisphere do not recognize Buddhism, and they do not know that Buddhism brings about goodness.

He urged the world Buddhists to conserve the traditional Pali language and to publicize the Buddha's teachings worldwide through the Internet.

Somdej Phra Puthajarn said that the world Buddhist leaders would join a mass prayer, also attended by more than 20,000 Thai Buddhists, at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha here on May 9 to pay tribute to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of the beloved monarch's 60 years on the throne this year--also as the world's longest reigning monarch.

Voices of the Delegates

Most Ven. Tibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thero, Syamopali Mahanikaya, Malwatte Chapter, Sri Lanka

This conference is the center for Buddhists to get together and discuss the teaching of Buddhism. Humans in the present are creating problems to themselves and the world. They have caused discordant and problems such as overpopulation, environmental issues, and terrorism. Therefore, people must apply the ideals of Buddhism to solve these problems.

Buddhism is a religion of peace, and it can solve many world issues.

Most Ven. Ajaha Brahmavamso, Abbot, Bodhiyana Monatrery, Perth

Many people in the western hemisphere do not recognize Buddhism, and they do not know that Buddhism brings about goodness. Buddhists have to seriously publicize the religion in a systematic manner through various means such as the internet and other religious institutions. For instance, Australia has resources, scholars, and locations for people to learn the wisdoms of Buddhism.

It is not the matter of where one comes from, but the religious philosophy will be publicized harmoniously. Buddhist monks are working hard in publicizing the religious teaching.

Most Ven. Xue Chen, Buddhist Association of China Vice President, China

Buddhists everywhere have to work together in solving and alleviating various important problems in the world. The poverty crisis at the moment is caused by the disunity of people. People continue to destroy nature and they do not get in touch with nature closely. As a result, the equilibrium between human and nature is imbalanced. China is developing a social harmony among Buddhists in the country. And on May 13th to 17th this year, a forum on Buddhism will be held for the first time in Hangchou and Chouzhan.

Rev. Kodo Matsunami, Vice President of the World Fellowship of Buddhist and Director of Japan Buddhist Association

The reverend has expressed his optimism that the conference will bring about unity among Buddhist monks. He would like everyone to come together for world peace.

Preah Sukhontheatebotie Bour Kry, Sangharaja, Dhammayuttika Buddhist Order, Cambodia

Buddhists have to find new ways and methods to develop faith among the human race. The temple is used to be the center for Mahayana and Theravada to learn the Tipitaka, but it is now a place where Buddhist monks can gather and discuss the ideals of Buddhism. With this congregation, they would have a better understanding on the religion.

Ven. Hiu Xiung, (Hui Siong) Indonesia

The Third International Buddhist Conference in Thailand allows Buddhists leaders and academics to exchange their ideas and viewpoints on the religious ideals and teaching. The conference helps publicize Buddhism to other agencies. However, the conference has to be carried out at an optimum level so people around the world would be benefited.

Samameri Agganyani (Christa Bentencierder), Council Member German Buddhist Union, Germany

Buddhism has spread into Germany about a century ago, however the German Buddhist Union has been founded only ten years ago. Right now, the country is hoping to open up a school that will teach Buddhism philosophy.

Dr. Patricia Gaden, Former President Buddhist Union, France

Humanity is currently suffering from pain and other vices, but the teaching of the Lord Buddha will be able to brush away the suffering. Dr. Gaden hopes the conference will be a successful one and be able to bring peace to the world.

Most Ven. Thich Tri Quang, Vice President of All Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council

The conference this year has shown that Buddhist ideals are being applied in all corners of the globe. Knowledge and ideas on dharma are being exchanged and carried out. This is a special occasion where Buddhists can come together and offer optimal benefits to the world with the principles of Buddhism.

Most Ven. Ching Hsin, Rector of Ching Chueh Buddhist Sangha University, China Taipei

The world today is full of violence and conflicts, and the outcome is catastrophic as there will be losses of many lives. It is clear that war is abominable and cruel. This conference will enable Buddhism to be the starting point for bringing peace back to the world.

Most Ven. Bhikshu Jnanapurnik, Vice President of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association, Nepal

This is an auspicious occasion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.

Everyone can follow and carry out the teaching of Buddhism, and they can unite and bring peace.

Most Ven. Zhing Liang, President of the Buddhist Association of China, China Taipei

The goal of Buddhism is to create peace and unity. The religion encourages compassion and sympathy. The world will be peaceful if people are compassionate, caring and merciful.

Most Ven. Khamba Lama Dambajav Ch, Khamba Lama, Dashichoilling Monastery, Ulaan Baatar

The teaching of Buddhism aims at bringing peace to the world. Currently, the world has many problems, and people must work together and be sympathetic to solve these problems, with the Buddhist principles in mind.

Phra Rajmedhaporn, Acting Rector Mahamakut Buddhist University Bangkok, Thailand

The Day of Vesak is an important day for Buddhism, as it is the day the Lord Buddha was born, enlightened and passed away. The Lord Buddha was not selective in preaching to any group of people. The Buddhist society is a peaceful society, and therefore, the UN has declared that Visakha Puja Day is an international day of peace.

Joint Communique of the 3rd International Buddhist Conference

Having explored the issues concerning Buddhism and the World, the Conference has agreed upon the following:

(1) to further increase and enhance cooperation between all schools of Buddhism to promote unity and solidarity among Buddhists,

(2) to promote socially engaged actions to create dharmic societies through the emphasis of the central role of inner peace development, and by addressing the motivations that drive feelings/thought, speech and action that creates discord,

(3) to set up more Buddhist meditation centers throughout the world and for that purpose to nurture more meditation teachers,

(4) to promote the creation of consistent and easily usable educational materials for children, adolescents and adults through the establishment of an e-library as the central repository of Buddhist content in electronic medium, initially as a partnership between Buddha Dharma Education and BuddhaNet and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University,

(5) to compile and publish an informed work on Buddhism to be freely distributed to hotels worldwide as part of the effort to disseminate Buddhism and, in order to facilitate that, to form a sub-committee of the Joint International Organizing Committee to carry on the work,

(6) to create an international body to deal with public relations for Buddhism,

(7) to urge all parties, the United Nations, UNESCO and concerned governments and agencies to preserve both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Buddhists,

(8) to promote practices that transform the inner being, manifesting themselves in qualities of self-discipline, volunteerism, simplicity and skilful consumption as well as proactive efforts contributing to social activism and partnering in the development of new economic paradigms,

(9) to encourage a holistic approach to sustainable development, based on the Buddhist central teaching of the Middle Way, which is exemplified in the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy put forward by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand,

(10) to acknowledge the urgency of improving gender status in order to bring to an end the detriment to individuals, communities and ecology of inequitable and unbalanced development, and to redirect our efforts towards sustainable development based on the inter-dependent integration of economic and ecological concerns and towards peace and security,

(11) to record the success of the First World Buddhist Forum held in April in Zhou Shan, China, the convening of which was supported in the 2005 International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak in Bangkok, Thailand, and to affirm that Falungong is not in accordance with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism,

(12) to encourage other countries and districts to hold International Buddhist Conferences, and to hold the Fourth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations in Thailand in 2007 (B.E 2550) in honor of the 80th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and

(13) to continue to entrust Mahachulalongkornvrajavidyalaya University with responsibility for coordinating the International Secretariat of the Joint International Organizing Committee in order to facilitate necessary follow-up actions and for the Fourth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak. 

Buddhism library opened at Buddhamonthon

In a bid to become the world's Buddhism hub, Thailand's Office of National Buddhism has opened a Buddhism library at Nakhon Pathom's Buddhamonthon, to mark World Visakha Puja Day and His Majesty the King's 60th year on the throne.

Caretaker deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop, who recently presided over the library's opening, said the Bt300-million facility was Thailand's most complete of its kind, boasting more than 20,000 books.

He said it would be useful for Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidayala and Mahamakut Buddhist university students, as well as interested members of the public. The library also plans to develop online content in English, to reach foreign scholars in a bid to make Thailand the world hub for Buddhist studies, he said.

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