Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Opens the International Buddhist Conference in Honor of the Supreme Patriarch

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed his appreciation to Buddhist scholars from Thailand and abroad who are participating in the International Buddhist Conference in Honor of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of the Kingdom of Thailand. He delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the three-day conference on 1 October 2009 at Sava Building, Wat Bovoranives Vihara, in Bangkok.

This unique conference on “Buddhism in the New Century” is being held to commemorate the auspicious 96th Birthday Anniversary Celebration of the Supreme Patriarch.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister said, “His Holiness is one of the most prominent Buddhist scholars in Thailand and this conference is a truly befitting tribute to His Holiness. The conference’s theme, ‘Buddhism in the New Century’, is most appropriate, as Buddhists adapt religious teachings to their daily lives amidst global challenges and changes. In Buddhism, the three main Buddhist celebrations – Maka Bucha, Asalha Bucha, and Visakha Bucha – are observed by Buddhists the world over. Our task, as Government, is to strengthen the spiritual attachment of Buddhists to their religion, through devoted observance of these holy days.

“As a Buddhist myself, I fully understand that Buddhism aims for compassion, the elimination of suffering, inner peace and happiness, which would in turn lead to peace and happiness in the world. This is evident from the words of the Lord Buddha himself when he sent out his monks to disseminate Buddhism for the first time: ‘Go forth, O monks, for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the benefit, for the good, for the happiness of the divine and men.’

“This august gathering of great Buddhist scholars will not only facilitate the exchange of Dhammic views among scholars themselves, but also serve as a medium of cooperation in disseminating Buddhism to the global audience. This is indeed in keeping with the Buddhist tradition of working hand in hand for world peace and happiness. Most importantly, I have learnt that this Conference is unique because this is indeed the first Buddhist Conference ever held in Thailand that will use the Pali language as the medium of discussion. I appreciate your noble efforts and I do hope that this will be the beginning of the development of studies and the use of the language in Thailand. In the future, it may well become the lingua franca among Theravada Buddhist nations.”

On this occasion, the Prime Minister also presented the Tipitaka Studies Reference, the first special edition in Thailand, to this international conference through Phra Prommuni, deputy abbot and chair of the organizing committee.

Reference : http://thailandasean.prd.go.th