'The Buddhist Hour' Radio Broadcast

The Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast for Sunday 17 February 2002
Broadcast Script 212

Glossary

curricular: of or pertaining to driving or carriages; of or pertaining to a curriculum

council: assembly, meeting

cordial: of or belonging to the heart; heartfelt, earnest, warm; warm and friendly without showing intimacy

duly: in due manner, order form or season; correctly, properly, fitly; punctually; sufficiently

inauguration: formal or ceremonial admission to an office; the formal or definite beginning of or introduction to a course of action, a significant period of time; the formal or ceremonious introduction of something into public use

privilege: give a special freedom or immunity to; authorize contrary to the usual rule or practice; justify, excuse

resolution: determination; firmness or steadfastness of purpose; the action or an act of resolving or making up one's mind; a positive intention; the removal of doubt from a person's mind; confidence, certainty; the answering of a question; the solving of doubt or a problem

The topic of today's broadcast is:

A global network for Buddha Dhamma scholars and practitioners

Our Buddha Dhamma Teacher Master John Hughes and his wife Anita attended the meeting of the World Buddhist University Council and the International Conference on "Buddhist and World Peace" in February 2002 held at the Maxx Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. Today on the Buddhist Hour we would like to read the briefing for the Proceedings of the Third Meeting of the World Buddhist University and the International Conference on "Buddhism and World Peace" for you.

Our Centre has been certified as a duly admitted Associated Institution of The World Buddhist University and entitled to all the rights and privileges of such associated institutions. The Certification was signed and duly authorised by the Chairman Dr Ananda W.P. Guruge and the Rector Noranit Setabutr on 9 February B.E. 2545 (2002).

Master John D. Hughes and his wife Anita from the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd attended the Third Meeting of The World Buddhist University Council on 9 February 2002 and the International Conference on “Buddhism and World Peace” on 10 February 2002 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Master John and Anita thank Members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd for their financial support in payment of airfares and other expenses arising from the Meeting and Conference.

The World Buddhist University (WBU) has its office headquarters at the building complex owned by the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) at 616 Benjasiri Park, Soi Medhinivet of Soi Sukhumvit 24, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110.

The World Buddhist University is a global network of Buddhist Scholars. Persons can seek global information on Buddha Dhamma from the WBU. The WBU does not issue university qualifications.

Many positive resolutions and action plans came from the Third Meeting of The World Buddhist University Council on 9 February 2002.

Those attending the Council Meeting were:

Dr Ananda W.P. Guruge, First Vice-Chairman, The World Buddhist University

Associate Professor Noranit Setabutr, Rector, The World Buddhist University

Mr Anurut Vongvanij, Vice Rector, The World Buddhist University

Most Venerable C. Dambajav

His Eminence Phan Wannamethee, President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists

Professor D. R. Bhalerao, Vice President for Central Asian Affairs, IAEWP

Professor Dr Rawi Bhavilai

Dr Somboon Duangsamosorn, Vice Chairman, The World Buddhist University Council

Mr John D. Hughes, Council Member, The World Buddhist University

Dr Peter D. Masefield

Professor Kodo Matsunami

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Subhadr Panyadeep, Editor-in-Chief, WBU’s Journal of World Buddhism

Assistant Professor Dr Tavivat Puntarigvivat, Director of the Institute of Research and Development, The World Buddhist University

Mr Thakur Man Sakya, Second Vice-Chairman, The World Buddhist University

Mr Ruangdej Srimuni, Director World Buddhist University Centre

Mr Nantasarn Seeselab, General Secretary, World Fellowship of Buddhists

Dr Chris Stanford, International Affairs Coordinator, The World Buddhist University

In an informal meeting prior to the Council Meeting on 9 February 2002, Master John D. Hughes, a Councillor of the World Buddhist University, addressed the participants on family terms. He said, we as family need to have strong heart and strong views and speak with one another as a family. We need to use stronger viriya and bala to achieve what we wish to do.

Master Hughes emphasised the need to globalise. He said "the World Buddhist University is a global data warehouse for Buddha Dhamma Scholars and Practitioners around the World".

Master Hughes said to the Meetings participants, physical stamina has to rise today. He encouraged the participants to bring to the present the recollection of all good things they have done to raise the mental energy needed to understand the issues they wished to discuss.

Master Hughes requested more discussion time to be available for the Council Meeting.

During discussions, Master Hughes recommended that the term ‘Buddha Dhamma’ be used rather than ‘Buddhism’.

The Third Meeting of The World Buddhist University Council was then formally opened by Dr Somboon Duangsamosorn, of the World Buddhist University Council. The Chairperson of the Council Meeting was Dr A.W.P. Guruge.

The WBU Councillors and attendants paid homage to the Triple Gem.

The most Venerable Dambajav gave a Puja Blessing.

Dr Ananda Guruge, Chairman of the World Buddhist University, greeted everyone and welcomed them to the Meeting. Dr Guruge spoke about Associate Professor Noranit Setabutr, the Rector of the World Buddhist University and explained that his name means “white sun”. Dr Guruge said that he was very happy to see his good friend from Australia, Dr John D. Hughes from the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd and that the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd is one of the oldest Buddhist groups in Australia and has been active in education and learning.

Dr Guruge spoke about Samma Ditthi. He answered the question “What is the World Buddhist University?” by saying that the WBU does not issue degrees and has no actual training or teaching. It is a coordinator of data and is an information warehouse. All forms of Buddha Dhamma are accepted at the WBU. Dr Guruge said The World Buddhist University is a storehouse of all Buddhist Curricular for other institutions and let it be a vast database of every kind of Buddhism.

The Agenda for the Meeting included 12 Agenda items.

The following directions were discussed in full to facilitate globalisation of the University Administration.

1. Increase the number of Associated Institutions

The University has no enrolments and issues no degrees, like the United Nations University.

The WBU must be represented by its Associated Institutions. At least 25 Associated Institutions are needed before the WBU can go to the rest of the Buddhist world and request them to apply to join as an Associated Institution.

Associated Institutions could assist in unified editing of WBU publications.

The students at our Centre would be pleased to help to edit WBU publications.

It would be desirable to have 10 Associated Institutions in Thailand, 5 in Sri Lanka, and 10 in the United States of America.

2. Set up a world campaign to advertise the WBU

Our Centre intends to publicise WBU activities on our websites.

The WBU must go on a world campaign to advertise what it is and what it does. The WBU is a database of world Buddhist studies representing every Continent and every Buddhist training Centre; a database of research and PhD studies on Buddha Dhamma.

The WBU is a coordinating, information gathering, storing and retrieval centre of Buddha Dhamma. It unites the world Buddhist community.

The WBU creates a stored, living history of Buddha Dhamma on every Continent of this world.

3. His Eminence Professor Phan Wannamethee, Honorary President of the WBU

His Eminence, Professor Phan Wannamethee, Honorary President of the WBU stated the importance of the following points.

Learning by doing.

Not to be timid or shy in our activities.

The WBU is a nerve centre, a brain and a Centre of inspiration.

Criteria for qualifying as an Associated Institution must be devised.

Associated Institutions must help with the drafting and editing of documents.

A monetary contribution, such as an annual fee, is to be payable by each Associated Institution of the WBU. The fee adopted is between US$100 to US$1000 per Associated Institution per year.

The Council Meeting adopted a mandate to:

1. Develop a Digital Records Centre and Library

2. Develop a Web Page for the World Buddhist University

3. Collect and store research work completed by Buddha Dhamma Scholars and others around the world.

4. Network to coordinated current Buddha Dhamma research.

The outcome of the Council Meeting was clearer role definitions and a sense of solidarity between Council Members of the need to spread by globalisation the inputs to the WBU. Very favourable and cordial relationships have been formed between Members.

The next Meeting of The World Buddhist University Council will be held in Malaysia during the 22nd General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in December 2002.

Our Centre wishes to thank the Organising Committee of the WBU and their helpers for coordinating the Council Meeting and providing excellent study materials for each of the 12 Agenda Items.

The International Conference on “Buddhism and World Peace” was held on 10 February 2002.

The Conference opened with the assembly paying respect to the Triple Gem, the Venerable acting for the Sangharaja of Thailand and a Blessing for His Majesty the King of Thailand. The Venerable acting for the Sangharaja of Thailand met with the Executive Officers of the WBU.

Master John D. Hughes gave offerings from the Centre to the Sangharaja of Thailand. The offerings were a video of 9 September Blessings and a CD on the Chan Academy.

Introductory Remarks by Associate Professor Noranit Setabutr, Rector, The World Buddhist University, opened the International Conference on “Buddhism and World Peace”. The following is a transcript of his speech.

“Your Holiness Venerable Phra Yanasangvara, Sangharaja
Your Excellency Suwit Khunkitti
Venerable Monastics
Distinguished Council Members and Directors of The World Buddhist University and its Institutes
Distinguished delegates to the International Conference on Buddhism and World Peace
Honoured Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

On 31 October 2541 (1998 C.E.), the World Fellowship of Buddhists, at its 20th Conference held in New South Wales, Australia, approved the establishment of the World Buddhist University. Some two years later, on 9th December 2543 (2000 C.E.), the World Buddhist University was inaugurated at the World Fellowship of Buddhists headquarters here in Bangkok. On that same date, I was selected by The World Buddhist University Council, and was appointed Rector of the World Buddhist University by the President of The World Fellowship of Buddhists. I, in turn, appointed Khun Anurut Vongvanij as Deputy Rector, and appointed Directors to the four World Buddhist University Institutes.

In the 14 months since the inauguration of our University, we have been very busy and have made great progress with University development, as exemplified through the following highlights.

On 28 November 2000 (2543), Thailand Government (Cabinet) approval was granted recognising the establishment of the World Buddhist University.

During the year 2000 (2543), the University raised over 2,700,000 Thai Baht in donations, which were presented in a “Tord Pappa” ceremony held on 9 December 2000 (2543).

On 4 August 2001 (2544), the University held a Symposium on WBU Curriculum Development, where agreement was attained on basic curricula structure for the University.

On 9 December 2001 (2544), the University celebrated the first anniversary of its inauguration in a ceremony attended by over 100 guests, including Monks, Nuns, Scholastics, Diplomats and lay persons.

Also, on 9 December 2001 (2544), in a second “Tord Pappa Samakky Nanachat” ceremony, over 2,500,000 Thai Baht in donations were received by the World Buddhist University.

Development of infrastructure for the smooth running of the University is ongoing through the World Buddhist University headquarters offices located on the third floor of the World Fellowship of Buddhists Headquarters building.

New Associate Members have been approved by the University Council for affiliation with the World Buddhist University and further new applications are being received for consideration.

The new Associate Members include Linh Son Institute of Buddhist Higher Studies in France and Karma Ling Institute in France.

Currently, plans are ongoing in preparation for the World Congress of Buddhists for Peace and Co-Existence, which the World Buddhist University and the World Fellowship of Buddhists will be hosting at Buddha Monthon, Thailand, from the 26th of May through the 28th of May 2002 (2545).

As you can see, development activities at our very youthful University are occurring at a rapid pace. Our University community is growing both nationally and internationally. Infrastructure and curricular development are taking place and we are gaining an ever increasing presence and enhanced reputation within the World Buddhist community. We fully expect this trend to continue.”

The Keynote Address “Buddhism and World Peace” was delivered by Dr. Amrung Changtavanich.

Reverend Norio Sakai, Rissho Kosei-kai Foundation, Japan, presented a paper titled “Buddhism and World Peace, Some Thoughts on the Idea and the Practice of Rissho Kosei-kai”.

Dr Tavivat Puntarigvivat, Director, Institute of Research and Development, WBU, presented a paper titled “Buddhism and Economic Ethics: Towards Sustainable World Peace”.

Master John D. Hughes, gave a commentary on his paper titled “How our Buddha Dhamma Studies will be Modified by Recent Changes in Global Politics”.

Dr Guruge spoke on world peace initiatives that may be taken by the WBU.

In the afternoon of the International Conference on “Buddhism and World Peace”, Master Hughes was a Member of a panel discussion team, with Mr Thakur Man Sakya of Nepal as Moderator. Master Hughes answered various questions from the Venerables and learned participants with help from Dr Guruge.

Following are some of the questions that were discussed during the afternoon. Space here does not permit the full answers.

The questions asked included: How can we construct peace in the minds of men? How can world peace exist through this activity? Can this goal of peace be achieved through education?

Dr Guruge answered this question by highlighting the works of UNESCO. UNESCO is a peace keeping operation brought into a country when war has finished. UNESCO enables a consultative process where people sit down and talk to resolve their differences. Dr Guruge said that the trouble is that people are not given medals for preventing conflicts. Dr Guruge suggested three ways to help construct peace in the minds of men. Education has a sobering impact, and he called for decommercialisation of the Olympic Games, where athletes are rewarded as they were when the Olympic Games commenced. It is important to practice renunciation and no ego. Dr Guruge said that too much wealth and too little wealth cause problems and we need to find a way to share the wealth around.

Master John D. Hughes replied to questions of the dangers of completing things with the story of the two sad Devas who lived near an incomplete Stupa. They were brother and sister when human and became attached to the notion of building a Stupa. Suddenly, they both died and there was no one to complete their work. The Buddha explained that the grabbing of the materials of the construction was the cause of the trouble. They both let go their incorrect thoughts and took birth in higher heaven worlds.

Cloud on the Citta in 4th rupa jhana is the cause of trouble. It is needed to let go of unwholesome (akusula) thoughts. Removing nascent thoughts is important before they arise. John D. Hughes explained the power of action produced by speech with canonical references. On a question regarding the state of Buddha Dhamma in Thailand, John D. Hughes stated it must be very sound because Thailand can produce strong Sangharaja and other Western countries cannot match this quality of a very superior person at present.

John D. Hughes stressed the WBU globalisation is more likely to benefit Buddha Dhamma propagation than any other method.

The WBU’s Journal of World Buddhism Vol. 1, No. 1 was launched by Associated Professor Dr Subhadr Panyadeep, Editor-in-Chief. This Journal edition includes an article by John D. Hughes. Master Hughes has agreed his Members can help the Editor-in-Chief and his staff to produce the WBU’s Journal.

His Eminence Phan Wannamethee presented certificates to the approved Associated Institutions of The World Buddhist University. Dr Guruge accepted certificates for his own University, Hsi Lai University, and two other Institutes, Linh Son Institute and Karma Ling Institute. Master Hughes and Anita accepted a certificate for the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd as an Associated Institution of The World Buddhist University.

We are grateful to receive such a distinguished certification.

The Closing Speech for the International Conference of “Buddhism and World Peace” was given by His Eminence Phan Wannamethee, President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

Our Centre wishes to thank the Organising Committee for their sound work and generosity on the two days and the management of the Maxx Hotel for their excellent cuisine and room service.

We look forward to the next Council Meeting of the WBU that will be held in Malaysia at the time of the WFB Conference.

May all our WBU international friends and their families be well and happy and continue the quality work and fellowship displayed over these two days.

Our Centre has dedicated Members keen on helping the WBU globalisation in the future.

One of our websites will report on WBU activities.

We wish the Rector and his staff much success in their globalisation exercises in the year of the Horse.

Thank you very much.

You can read today's radio script online at www.bdcublessings.net.au.

May you benefit from the global Buddha Dhamma network.
May you be well and happy.
May all beings be well and happy.

Today’s radio script was written and edited by John D. Hughes, T.T.T.C. G.D.A.I.E., Sharon Carlton, Leanne Eames, Evelin Halls and Anita Svensson R.N. Div 1.

Research Assistants: Leanne Eames B.A., M.A., Rilla Oellien and Pennie White B.A. Dip. Ed.

References:

The text of papers presented will be loaded to our website www.bddronline.net.au in February 2002.

The Australian newspaper, Wednesday 13 February 2002, page 12. “As the head of the Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum, Jeroen ver der Veer once said: “Remember the stone age didn’t end because they ran out of stones - but as a result of newer more efficient competition.”"

Brown, L. (ed.). "The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary", Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1993.

Disclaimer:

As we, the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd, do not control the actions of our service providers from time to time, make no warranty as to the continuous operation of our website(s). Also, we make no assertion as to the veracity of any of the information included in any of the links with our websites, or an other source accessed through our website(s).

Accordingly, we accept no liability to any user or subsequent third party, either expressed or implied, whether or not caused by error or omission on either our part, or a member, employee or other person associated with the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd

Document Statistics

Words: 1,891
Characters: 10,028
Paragraphs: 78
Sentences: 102

Averages:
Sentences per paragraph: 1.3
Words per Sentence: 18.5
Characters per word: 5.1

Readability:
Passive Sentences: 23 %
Flesch Reading Ease: 44.9
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 11.2
Coleman-Liau Grade Level: 14.9
Bormuth Grade Level: 10.9

For more information, contact the Centre or better still, come and visit us.

May You Be Well And Happy

This Radio Script is for Free Distribution. It contains Buddha Dhamma material and is provided for the purpose of research and study.

Permission is given to make printouts of this publication for FREE DISTRIBUTION ONLY.

Please keep it in a clean place.

"The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts".

© Copyright. The Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

Back to Top