(29/05/2007)  The idea of establishing the World Buddhist University Association has received a positive response from Buddhist leaders and scholars attending the Fourth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak in Thailand.

In his press briefing on May 28, the Most Venerable Professor Dr. Phra Dharmakosajarn, Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and Chairman of the International Organizing Committee of the Conference, said that the project on the World Buddhist University Association would be implemented for many years to come. Thailand, which is recognized as the Buddhist Center of the World, would be proposed as the location for this new association.

Buddhist leaders and scholars discussed the charter of the association on May 28, and the agreement on the issue will be announced on May 29 at the end of the conference.

Phra Dharmakosajarn expects that the International Buddhist Conference will set up a new platform of Buddhist unity in the academic world. He believes that the best way to create a Buddhist network should start with bringing Buddhist academics closer together. If this new network proves successful, Buddhist leaders will consider expanding their cooperation to cover other activities as well.

He also mentioned dialogues between leaders of different faiths in order to exchange views to ease or prevent conflicts between countries. Such a dialogue to handle conflicts through peaceful means is cited as “religious diplomacy.” He said that in the eyes of the participants in the conference, violence has occurred in all parts of the world. But the question was how to deal with it effectively. Violence is not the Buddhist way to solve problems.

news research  by ven.phramasrithont Director Information Technology
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