June 27th, 2019

(From chinareports.org.cn, Correspondent Geng Ling) On June 16, 2019, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) and the World Peace Association (WPA) solemnly held the “We Pray for Peace” - International Buddhist Chanting Ceremony & World Peace Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Nearly 10000 people across 16 countries including Buddhist elders and monks as well as many international celebrities attended and witnessed this grand event.

The Most Venerable Professor Dr. Phra Brahmapundit (Prayoon Dhammacitto), Rector of MCU, delivered a speech on behalf of the organizers. He was pleased to hold such a wonderful international Buddhist prayer event for peace, and expressed warm welcome and sincere blessing to the presence of Buddhist representatives and guests from all over the world. Thailand’s Minister of Culture Vira Rojpojchanarat presided over the International Buddhist Chanting Ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.

Mr. Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and India Foundation Director, delivers a keynote speech about world peace and development. In particular, he expounded his views that religious harmony would bring the prosperity and stability to the world.

Mr. Xiao Wunan, Executive Vice Chairman of the APECF and Vice Chairman of China Association of Social Economic & Cultural Exchange, said in his speech that religions, cultures, politics and other channels should be established for exchanges and cooperation between countries to promote peace and development worldwide. Buddhism, with its unique philosophy system and training system, builds world harmony by creating individual inner peace, which will play a constructive role in world peace.

In the following speech, Phra Sophonvachirabhorn (Sawai Choitko), Vice-Rector of MCU, congratulated the successful opening of today’s grand event and believed that it would play a positive role in promoting regional stability. On behalf of WPA, Master Jing Yao, donated 3 million Thai baht to MCU to establish a Peace Scholarship, so as to help more Buddhist scholars participate in the research of peace topics.

Subsequently, Ms. Sattva Zhang, Secretary-General of the WPA, stated in her speech: “The goal of the WPA is to reduce world-wide wars, resolve conflicts between nations, and bring peace and development to mankind.” Ms. Sattva Zhang thanked all the elders and monks from 16 countries for the success of this grand event, thanked Master Jing Yao for his support and guidance during his busy schedule, and thanked MCU for their hard work.

Accompanied by the melodious and impressive Song of Peace, “We Pray for Peace” - International Buddhist Chanting Ceremony & World Peace Conference gradually came to an end.

After the successful completion of the conference, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam met with senior leaders of the WPA under the guidance of Master Jing Yao. He thanked the WPA for hosting the “We Pray for Peace” - International Buddhist Chanting Ceremony & World Peace Conference in Thailand, and hoped that the WPA could strengthen cooperation with Thailand in the future and jointly promote the development of the cause of peace. Ms. Sattva Zhang, Secretary-General of the WPA, warmly invited the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand to serve as the Special Advisor of the WPA, Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam gladly accepted and said that he would exert his utmost effort to contribute to world peace and prosperity.

Executive Editor: Li Chuanjun