Symposium on Buddhist response to global issues

15/05/2008 -- 9:39 PM

Hanoi (VNA) – A symposium on Buddhist responses to global issues was held on the second day of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebration on May 15. Domestic and international Buddhist dignitaries, followers and delegates heard discussions on Buddhist contributions to social justice, war and conflict prevention, environment protection and education. At a discussion themed “War, Conflict and Healing: A Buddhist perspective,” the Vietnam Buddhist Institute’s Venerable Thich Tam Duc said Vietnamese Buddhists would work to fortify solidarity with all nations in the world and facilitate cooperation and a peaceful coexistence. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Executive Council’s Most Venerable Thich Giac Toan said the Buddha’s fundamental teachings of love, compassion and wisdom should be upheld and disseminated to build a peaceful and happy life for humans as the world faces serious disasters, war, violence, hatred, poverty, racial and religious discrimination. Regarding Buddhist contributions to social justice, Associate Professor Jinabbodhi Bhikkhu from Bangladesh’s Chittagong University said Buddhist social justice theory corresponds to demands of the contemporary world, helping Buddhists practice and work toward achieving enlightenment for themselves. With digital technologies becoming part of daily modern life in many countries across the world, the topic “Buddhism in the Digital Age” also attracted strong attention from delegates. Venerable Thich Chan Quang said a Buddhist who ignores the digital world is losing an effective means for learning and disseminating the Buddha’s theory. Regarding Buddhist practice and development, VBS Dharma Dissemination Council Vice Chairman Venerable Thich Bao Nghiem said the VBS has been expanding its international exchange with Buddhist and other religious organisations in many countries. The move has helped other countries understand Vietnam’s foreign policies and laws on religions, rejecting false and distorting information raised by hostile forces, he said. Other reports at the symposium also discussed Buddhism’s response to family problems and environmental pollution.-Enditem
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