Interim report on the the World Buddhist University International Conference on “Buddhism and World Peace” held on 10 February 2002, Maxx Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.
The Conference opened with the assembly paying respect to the Triple Gem, the Venerable acting for the Sangharaja of Thailand and a Blessing for His Majesty the King of Thailand. The Venerable acting for the Sangharaja of Thailand met with the Executive Officers of the WBU.
Introductory Remarks by Associate Professor Noranit Setabutr, Rector, The World Buddhist University, opened the International Conference on “Buddhism and World Peace”.
The following is a transcript of his speech.
“Your Holiness Venerable Phra Yanasangvara, Sangharaja
Your Excellency Suwit Khunkitti
Venerable Monastics
Distinguished Council Members and Directors of The World Buddhist University and its Institutes
Distinguished delegates to the International Conference on Buddhism and World Peace
Honoured Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
On 31 October 2541 (1998 C.E.), the World Fellowship of Buddhists, at its 20th Conference held in New South Wales, Australia, approved the establishment of the World Buddhist University. Some two years later, on 9th December 2543 (2000 C.E.), the World Buddhist University was inaugurated at the World Fellowship of Buddhists headquarters here in Bangkok. On that same date, I was selected by The World Buddhist University Council, and was appointed Rector of the World Buddhist University by the President of The World Fellowship of Buddhists. I, in turn, appointed Khun Anurut Vongvanij as Deputy Rector, and appointed Directors to the four World Buddhist University Institutes.
In the 14 months since the inauguration of our University, we have been very busy and have made great progress with University development, as exemplified through the following highlights.
On 28 November 2000 (2543), Thailand Government (Cabinet) approval was granted recognising the establishment of the World Buddhist University.
During the year 2000 (2543), the University raised over 2,700,000 Thai Baht in donations, which were presented in a “Tord Pappa” ceremony held on 9 December 2000 (2543).
On 4 August 2001 (2544), the University held a Symposium on WBU Curriculum Development, where agreement was attained on basic curricula structure for the University.
On 9 December 2001 (2544), the University celebrated the first anniversary of its inauguration in a ceremony attended by over 100 guests, including Monks, Nuns, Scholastics, Diplomats and lay-people.
Also, on 9 December 2001 (2544), in a second “Tord Pappa Samakky Nanachat” ceremony, over 2,500,000 Thai Baht in donations were received by the World Buddhist University.
Development of infrastructure for the smooth running of the University is ongoing through the World Buddhist University headquarters offices located on the third floor of the world Fellowship of Buddhists Headquarters building.
New Associate Members have been approved by the University Council for affiliation with the World Buddhist University and further new applications are being received for consideration.
The new Associate Members include Linh Son Institute of Buddhist Higher Studies in France and Karma Ling Institute in France.
Currently, plans are ongoing in preparation for the World Congress of Buddhists for Peace and Co-Existence, which the World Buddhist University and the World Fellowship of Buddhists will be hosting at Buddha Monthon, Thailand, from the 26th of May through the 28th of May 2002 (2545).
As you can see, development activities at our very youthful University are occurring at a rapid pace. Our University community is growing both nationally and internationally. Infrastructure and curricular development are taking place and we are gaining an ever increasing presence and enhanced reputation within the World Buddhist community. We fully expect this trend to continue.”
The Keynote Address “Buddhism and World Peace” was delivered by Dr. Amrung Changtavanich.
Reverend Norio Sakai, Rissho Kosei-kai Foundation, Japan, presented a paper titled “Buddhism and World Peace, Some Thoughts on the Idea and the Practice of Rissho Kosei-kai”.
Dr Tavivat Puntarigvivat, Director, Institute of Research and Development, WBU, presented a paper titled “Buddhism and Economic Ethics: Towards Sustainable World Peace”.
Master John D. Hughes, gave a commentary on his paper titled “How our Buddha Dhamma Studies will be Modified by Recent Changes in Global Politics”.
Dr Guruge spoke on world peace initiatives that may be taken by the WBU.
In the afternoon of the International Conference on “Buddhism and World Peace”, Master Hughes was a Member of a panel discussion team, with Mr Thakur Man Sakya of Nepal as Moderator. Master Hughes answered various questions from the Venerables and learned participants with help from Dr Guruge.
Following are some of the questions that were discussed during the afternoon. Space here does not permit the full answers.
The questions asked included: How can we construct peace in the minds of men? How can world peace exist through this activity? Can this goal of peace be achieved through education?
Dr Guruge answered this question by highlighting the works of UNESCO. UNESCO is a peace keeping operation brought into a country when war has finished. UNESCO enables a consultative process where people to sit down and talk to resolve their differences. Dr Guruge said that the trouble is that people are not given medals for preventing conflicts. Dr Guruge suggested three ways to help construct peace in the minds of men. Education has a sobering impact. Decommercialisation of the Olympic Games where athletes are rewarded as they where when the Olympic Games commenced. It is important to practice renunciation and no ego. Dr Guruge said that too much wealth and too little wealth cause problems and we need to find a way to share the wealth around.
Dr Guruge related how the Buddha Dhamma suttas have clear examples on how to generate peace: meet in harmony.....
He talked about the great Buddhist King Asoka......
and said the advice that Asoka gave to his grandchildren to generate peace was to 1. to forgive and 2. make your punishment minimum.
Master John D. Hughes replied to questions of the dangers of completing things with the story of the two sad Devas who lived near an incomplete Stupa. They were brother and sister when human and became attached to the notion of building a Stupa. Suddenly, they both died and there was no one to complete their work. The Buddha explained that the grabbing of the materials of the construction was the cause of the trouble. They both let go their incorrect thoughts and took birth in higher heaven world.
Cloud on the Citta in 4th rupa jhana is the cause of trouble. It is needed to let go of unwholesome (akusula) thoughts. Removing nascent thoughts is important before they arise. John D. Hughes explained the power of action produced by speech with canonical references. On a question regarding the state of Buddha Dhamma in Thailand, John D. Hughes stated it must be very sound because Thailand can produce strong Sangharaja and other Western countries cannot match this quality of a very superior person at present.
John D. Hughes stressed the WBU globalisation is more likely to benefit Buddha Dhamma propagation than any other method.
The WBU’s Journal of World Buddhism Vol. 1, No. 1 was launched by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Subhadr Panyadeep, Editor-in-Chief. This Journal edition includes an article by John D. Hughes. Master Hughes has agreed his Members can help the Editor-in-Chief and his staff to produce the WBU’s Journal.
H.E. Phan Wannamethee presented certificates to the approved Associated Institutions of The World Buddhist University. Dr Guruge accepted certificates for his own University, Hsi Lai University, and two other Institutes, Linh Son Institute and Karma Ling Institute. Master Hughes and Anita accepted a certificate for the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd as an Associated Institution of The World Buddhist University.
We are grateful to receive such a distinguished certification.
The Closing Speech for the International Conference of “Buddhism and World Peace” was given by H.E. Phan Wannamethee, President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, who stated three main points : He said to go forth with moderation, tolerance, persistance.
Our Centre wishes to thank the Organising Committee for their sound work and generosity on the two days and the management of the Maxx Hotel for their excellent cuisine and room service.
We look forward to the next Council Meeting of the WBU that will be held in Malaysia at the time of the WFB Conference.
May all our WBU international friends and their families be well and happy and continue the quality work and fellowship displayed over these two days.
Our Centre has dedicated Members keen on helping the WBU globalisation in the future.
One of our websites will report on WBU activities.
We wish the Rector and his staff much success in their globalisation exercises in the year of the Horse.
Thank you very much.
References:
The text of papers presented will be loaded to our website www.bddronline.net.au in February 2002.
The Australian newspaper, Wednesday 13 February 2002, page 12. “As the head of the Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum, Jeroen ver der Veer once said: “Remember the stone age didn’t end because they ran out of stones - but as a result of newer more efficient competition.”