MCU’s Rector discloses that monks and lay Buddhists from over sixty countries participating in the UN Day of Vesak Celebrations 2550/2007 will join the Chanting ceremony to bestow blessing upon His Majestiy the King on the Occasion of His 80^th Birthday Anniversary.

            The most Ven. Phra Dhammakosajarn, Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University as chairman of the International Organizing Committee says that last year all the participants have voted unanimously for the conference to be organized in Thailand again in order to join with the Thai people in celebrating the King’s 80^th Birthday Anniversary.

            He further says that international activities include discussions on topics like “Buddhism and Governance and Development” by Thich Naht Han, the Vietnamese Zen Master from France. The reason for the choice of this topic is the world’s recognition of His Majesty’s leadership. He has ruled in accordance with the ten kingly qualities (rajadhamma) and has succeeded in developing the country to the recognition of the U.N. and various countries, setting a model of sustainable development.

            “Through the organization of the International Buddhist Conference, we have come to realize compromise and unanimity. In coming together, we have exchanged information which helps generate a current related to Buddhism. We have exchanged views, building network for joint celebration of the Vesak, gathering all into one heart. In the past, different traditions never came together, never joined each other. On this occasion, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana have come together and joined in blessing the King. This is a good omen, said the Ven monk.