11 October 2003: Buddha Dhamma Blessings in Bangkok

The Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast Archives

Buddhist Hour
Radio Broadcast on Hillside 88.0 FM
Broadcast 298 for Sunday 11 October 2003

This script is entitled: Buddha Dhamma Blessings in Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand since 1782 and the country's cultural and commercial centre, is a city of the most magnificent Buddha Dhamma Temples and Buddha images.

The What or Temple is the most important cultural feature of which there are more than 300 such Temples in Bangkok.

The Thai people call their capital Krung Thep (in English: the city of angels), which is the first part of its mellifluous 27-word official name.

The Thai people are warm, welcoming and gentle. Persons greet each other with the phrase saw-wa-de-ka for ladies and saw-wa-de-kup for gentlemen.

Bangkok delights all senses with the wide variety of foods and handicrafts readily available.

It is a bustling city with few traffic lights where pedestrians must practice mindfulness to cross the roads safely.

Located in the central Bangkok is the home of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the World Buddhist University. Our Member and Vice-President International Dhamma Activities Ms. Pennie White recently visited Bangkok from 22 September 2003 to 1 October 2003. Her aim was to conduct research on “The Use of Information and Communication Technology by the World Buddhist University”.

Our Temple is an Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University.

The World Buddhist University was founded by a resolution of the World Fellowship of Buddhists at the General Conference held 29 October to 2 November B.E. 2541 (1998) in New South Wales, Australia.

This establishment was in honour of two auspicious occasions:

Celebration of the 84th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness Somdej Phra Yanasangvara the Supreme Patriarch of the Kingdom of Thailand, the High Holy patron of the World Fellowship of Buddhists; and the 50th Anniversary of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

In Thailand there is religious freedom. The majority of Thai people are Buddha Dhamma practitioners or at least the common values have originated from Buddhist values.

It is relevant to mention that the philosophy of education in Thailand is based on Buddhism as it is the host country where the Headquarters of the World Buddhist University is located. Buddhism has been the guiding influence in Thailand over the past two-thousand years. Education based on Buddhism has been integrated since the Sukhothai Dynasty around BE 1357 (1900 BE). It has been well established that Buddhism in Thailand has had a large influence on its education and culture and is supported by the Royal Thai Government.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej or King Rama IX is respected and loved by the Thai people. The Queen is also adored.

About 95% of Thai people are Buddha Dhamma practitioners.

Thailand's King is Buddhist and has his own meditation room.

The tradition of constructing a Buddhist Temple in the precincts of the Royal Palace has existed in Thailand since the Sukhothai period.
When King Rama I 1782-1809 established the city of Bangkok, or Ratanakosin, as his capital in 1782, he had the Temple of the Emerald Buddha constructed in the Eastern section of the Royal Palace.

The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew is very sacred and the robes are changed by the King Rama IX himself each season.

Much mystery surrounds the Emerald Buddha that is actually carved from a type of jade. Many persons wonder why this Buddha image was given the name Emerald Buddha as it is carved from jade. Emerald is a more precious gem than jade and to give the highest respect to the Buddha this image became known as the Emerald Buddha.

The Supreme Patriach’s 90th Birth Anniversary was on 3 October 2003.

On 30 September 2003, the Supreme Patriarch His Holiness Somdet Phra Nanasamvara was visited by officials from the Thai Red Cross and World Fellowship of Buddhists at the Chulalongkorn Hospital, Bangkok. This occasion was organised to celebrate His Holiness Somdet Phra Nanasamvara’s 90th birth anniversary on 3 October 2003.

His Excellency Mr. Phan Wannamathee is the Secretary General of the Thai Red Cross and the President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

The officials from the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the World Buddhist University organised for our Member Ms. Pennie White to accompany them on this auspicious occasion.

All persons paid respect to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha and His Holiness Somdet Phra Nanasamvara. His Holiness Somdet Phra Nanasamvara chanted blessings and offered gifts to all present.

Members of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the World Buddhist University attending this occasion included:

His Excellency Phan Wannamathee, President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists;
Vice-President, World Fellowship of Buddhists, Lt. General Chalom Whismol
Secretary General, World Fellowship of Buddhists, Mr. Thaiarry
Advisor, Piaporn Erbprasartsook.

Our Member Ms Pennie White had offered an unopened bottle of water before The Supreme Patriarch His Holiness Somdet Phra Nanasamvara made an appearance.

When The Supreme Patriarch His Holiness Somdet Phra Nanasamvara offered two Buddha Dhamma Texts and Three images he also offered back this water. On return home to Melbourn last week Ms. Pennie White offered this water blessed by The Supreme Patriarch His Holiness Somdet Phra Nanasamvara to her Teacher Master John D. Hughes. May John D. Hughes have long-life and good health.
At 2:00pm, 22 September 2003 Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab, Acting Rector welcomed Ms. Pennie White to the World Buddhist University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Ms. Pennie White offered flowers to the Buddha and took refuge in the Triple Gem.

Dr Nantasarn Seesalab expressed that the World Buddhist University staff are excited about the proposed research.

Ms White presented a gift for the World Buddhist University on behalf of her Teacher John D. Hughes, Anita Hughes and the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. to Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab. This gift was the Majjhima Nikaaya (1-25) translated from Pali by Sister M. Uppalawanna and printed by Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. President Mr. Julian Bamford from our website www.bdcu.org.au.

Sister Uppalawanna was born on 20 September 1929. Her Teacher was the Venerable Ayya Khema. Sister Uppalawanna lives in Munhena Maggone village, Sri Lanka. Sister Uppalawanna presented the translation to John D. Hughes during her visit to Australia in 1999.

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab inquired about John D. Hughes’ health. Ms White reported that John D. Hughes was recovering well and that he will be in retreat for one year.

Ms. White presented a photograph of the recent Founder’s Day Celebration on 9 September 2003. The description read: “We welcomed Members of the Sangha, Members and Friends to celebrate Founder’s Day of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. and the 73rd birth anniversary of our Founder John D. Hughes. This photograph was taken in front of the Buddha Rupa on the Golden Pavilion in the Northern Quarter of our Chan Garden.”

On behalf of her Teacher and the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. Ms. White also offered a Chan Academy Australia brochure, a copy of the Brooking Street Bugle, Abhidhamma class notes and a Cd-rom of Chan paintings by John D. Hughes.

Ms. White presented a bound copy of the research proposal, ethics application and approval.

Dr Nantasarn Seesalab said, “You are a very active centre.” He mentioned the new associate institutions especially another very active centre in France.

Dr. Nantasarn asked about the current activities of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

Ms White mentioned that:
Abhidhamma classes are held every Tuesday and are running for nine years.
The Buddhist Hour is broadcast every Sunday.
Five Day Courses are run four times per year.
Sumi-e classes are held monthly.

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab then introduced Ms. White to Mr. Ruangdej Srimuni, Director of the Rector Office. Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab mentioned that he has some UNESCO commitments later this month and that Mr. Ruangdej Srimuni would be able to assist with anything Ms. White required regarding the research.

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab gave the bound copy of the research proposal, ethics application and approval to Mr. Ruangdej Srimuni.

Mr. Ruangdej Srimuni inquired about John D. Hughes health and was pleased to hear that he is recovering. Ms White presented a photograph of Founder’s Day celebrations to Mr. Ruangdej Srimuni.

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab had organised for the World Buddhist University staff to meet with Ms. White at 3:00pm to introduce themselves and to present the research.

Ms White presented each staff Member with business cards and a colour photograph of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.’s Founder’s Day Celebration 9 September 2003.

Person attending this meeting were:

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab, Deputy Rector, Acting Rector
Mr. Ruangdej Srimuni, Director Rector Office
Mr. Boonsri Kaewkamsri, Buddhist Scholar, Institute of Training and Curriculum Development
Miss Tidarat Phahaisuk, Buddhist Scholar, Institute of Research and Development
Mr. Pinayo Prommuang, Buddhist Scholar, World Buddhist University Institute of Spiritual Practice
Mr. Yuttana Praneet, Buddhist Scholar, Institute of the Education Development Based on Buddhism
Mr. Pubes Sukjam, Buddhist Scholar, Information and Cultural Exchange Centre
Mr. Thongpon Khampan, Chief of Information Systems
Mrs. Supicha Oureun, Chief of Administration, Administration and Management
Ms. Tivaporn I-sart, Finance & Accountancy
Mr. Anan Toola, Messenger, Administration and Management
Mrs. Dok-eang Chaiyasut, General Services, Administration and Management and
Miss Anyarat Muadmanee, IT Officer for the World Buddhist University who photographed the meeting.

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab welcomed all present and invited Ms. White to speak. Ms. White said Thank you for welcoming her to the World Buddhist University. She said she was representing the World Buddhist University Associate Institute the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. and Monash University, Australia. All Members introduced themselves.

She said the research proposal on “The Use of Information and Communication Technology by the World Buddhist University” would explore how the University is developing now and from that explore the possibilities for the future. Ms. White explained that the research would involve interviewing persons or persons filling out a questionnaire. This could be done in person or by email, fax or post. The possibilities are open.

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab asked what Ms. White would like to accomplish in the next ten days.

Ms. White said that she would need a formal letter from the University before proceeding then interviews would be able to begin.

Dr. Nansarn Seesalab said the World Buddhist University are very happy about the research and that they would provide a letter.

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab presented Ms. White with a copy of the World Buddhist University Charter and Final Report on the Inauguration of the WBU and Symposium on The Main Concept and role of the World Buddhist University 8-9 December 2543 (2003) and the World Buddhist University Newletter. This Newsletter contains “The World Buddhist University Centre in Action” that displays the structure and staffing of the World Buddhist University.

Mr. Ruandej Srimuni, Director of the Rector’s Office spoke about the World Buddhist University from inception to the present day. There are now four Associated Institutions in Thailand. One very active centre in France and one very active centre in Australia.

One question was “Do you only need 30 to 50 persons to be interviewed or to answer a questionaire?”. Ms White said she was sure it would be alright if there were more. Dr. Seesalab said you can interview the whole staff, they are ready.

On 23 September 2003, Ms. White spoke informally with World Buddhist University Buddhist Scholar Information and Cultural Exchange Centre Mr. Phubes Sukjam.

Mr. Phubes Sukjam studied a Master of Arts in Philosophy Degree at the Graduate School of Philosophy and Religion, Assumption University Bangkok. The thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for this degree was “The Concept of Human Cloning in the View of Buddhism: A critical Creative Study”.
Mr. Phubes was born on 9 June 2003 1971 at Nakornsawan province, Thailand, and got Pali VII from the Ecclesiastical College of Thai Sangha in 1990. He got his Bachelor Degree in English language from Mahâchulâ Buddhist University in 1995. Since 1996, he has been studying Master Degree, majoring in Philosophy at Assumption University. In 1998, he worked at Thai Mission Newspaper as the assistant editor. In 1999, he worked at Asia Journal Magazine as the Marketing Executive.

Mr. Phubes Sukjam ordained at 11 years old as a novice Buddhist Monk at the Rajaburana Temple, Bangkok and practiced there for 15 years.

He suggested Ms. White search the Internet for information on Internet Ethics.

Mr. Phubes Sukjam told Ms. White that he is happy to assist with this research and collaborative projects in the future.

Dr. Nansasarn Seesalab presented Ms. White with a letter of permission to conduct research. The letter reads:

“Dear Ms. Pennie White,

I am pleased to inform you that the Directors and staff of the World Buddhist University Centre appreciate and approve your research project “The Use of Information and Communications Technology by the World Buddhist University”.

I hope that your research project will enhance the role and mission of the World Buddhist University among its networks in the future.

We welcome you to Bangkok, Thailand between 21 September 2003 to 2 October 2003 and look forward to working with you.

Yours in the Dhamma,

Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab
Acting Rector”

World Buddhist University Acting Rector Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab, Director of the Rector Office Mr. Ruandaj Srimuni and Director, Information and Cultural Exchange Centre Dr. Somboon Duangsamosorn invited Ms. White to join them for lunch at a local Japanese Restaurant.

In the afternoon Ms. White interviewed Director, Information and Cultural Exchange Centre Dr. Somboon Duangsamosorn who first thought about establishing the World Buddhist University in 1984.

Dr. Somboon Duangsamosorn, B.A., M.A., Ph.d. (Pol.Sc.) currently works at the Assumption University, Bangkok. Dr. Duangsamosorn studied for nine years in India. He is Director of the Office of Thai Art and Culture, Advisor the Committee on Religion, Art and Culture The House of Representatives and Founder ABAC Graduate School of Tourism Management.

During the Interview with Ms. White Dr. Duangsamosorn spoke about the history of Thailand and The World Buddhist University in great detail. Dr. Duangsamosorn is happy to be identified and acknowledged in the final report and he insisted that there is no need for his identity to be concealed as he has nothing to hide.

Dr. Nantasarn requested that this interview be transcribed for the World Buddhist University website.

Ms. White was introduced to Mr. Pinayo Prommuang, Buddhist Scholar, World Buddhist University Institute of Spiritual Practice and they arranged to meet for an interview the following day.

Over the ten days 28 interviews were recorded and one questionnaire was completed.

On 26 September 2003 some Venerable Monks and staff at two of Bangkok’s Buddhist Universities Mahamakut and Mahachula were interviewed.

On 27 September 2003 Ms White and friends from the World Buddhist University went by sky train, canal boat, tuk-tuk and taxi-meter and visited Wat Phra Kaew The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, and Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon with the 46m long and 15m high reclining Buddha and Lak Muang pavilion enshrining the city pillar or foundation stone.

On Sunday 28 September 2003 Ms White and friends from the World Buddhist University went to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

On Sunday afternoon Deputy Rector of Foreign Affairs Venerable Dr. Somcha Kusalachitto or Phrasrii Paritatmolii (Buddhist name) of Mahachula Buddhist University gave a Dhamma talk at the World Fellowship of Buddhists Headquaters. The theme of the talk was how we can promote harmony in the current global situation.

After the Dhamma talk Ms. White was privileged to interview Dr. Somcha Kusalachitto.

On the 29 October 2003 Ms White went to dinner with Piyaporn Erbprasasook in China Town during the Quan Yim and Vegetarian Festival.

Ms. White would like to express her gratitude to the World Buddhist University for their warm welcome and assistance during her stay in Bangkok.

May this research enhance the roles and mission of the World Buddhist University among its networks in the future.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

May all beings be well and happy.

This script was written and edited by Julian Bamford, Evelin Halls and Pennie White.

References

Encyclopaedia Britanica, 1987, Volume 14, pp. 589-591, University of Chicago

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