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Sunday, 12 December 2004 ON LINE EDITION Headlines
Senior General Than Shwe receives Sri Lankan Prime Minister and party World Buddhist Summit come to success only because all participants discussed with patience, forbearance, politeness, loving-kindness, compassion and optimism In Myanmar, Buddhism prevails in its true form for more than a thousand years World Buddhist Summit winds up successfully Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win welcomes Sri Lankan Prime Minister and wife 5,070 more prisoners to be released International Relation
Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win receives Sri Lankan counterpart Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win hosts dinner in honour of Sri Lankan Prime Minister and party PM Lt-Gen Soe Win receives Nepalese Minister Religion
Teaching of the universal love, i.e., love for all beings can be, will be taught to the world Round table discussions of World Buddhist Summit held Participants to the summit agree the following objectives Summit has brought unity among Theravada Buddhist countries paving way for mutual cooperation among Theravada countries Dinner hosted to honour success of World Buddhist Summit Historical Poem Commemorating the World Buddhist Summit Region
CNG stations under construction in Yangon Ceremony to mark International Mountain Day held Early Childhood Training of Trainers concludes Mass sports activities launched in Yangon Division
Headlines
Senior General Than Shwe receives Sri Lankan Prime Minister and party
YANGON, 11 Dec — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe received Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr Mahinda Rajapakse and members at the Credentials Hall of Pyithu Hluttaw Building at 10.30 am today.
Also present at the call were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka U Than Tun, Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein of the State Peace and Development Council Office and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.
The visiting Prime Minister and party were accompanied by Sri Lankan Ambassador Mr DMM Ranaraja.
YANGON, 11 Dec—The following is the Vote of Thanks delivered at the World Buddhist Summit by Lt-Gen Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar today:
I would like to say that this historic World Buddhist Summit is a great success. More than two thousand participants—Sangha delegates and six hundred observers from thirty-eight countries, more than six hundred Myanmar Theras, Mahatheras and nuns, and laypersons—attended the Summit daily.
I would like to thank the State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, venerable monks and delegates. Especially, I would like to say that I deeply appreciate the fact that the Venerable Sangharajas of Sri Lanka and Lao PDR attended the Summit from the beginning to the end despite their advance years.
This World Buddhist Summit was held with the following five objectives:
(1) To promote friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation among the Buddhist countries
(2) To maintain Buddhist teachings and practice among the Buddhist countries
(3) To promote Buddhist education based on the studies of Buddhist scriptures in nations of the world
(4) To help and to create a peaceful world by the Buddhists
(5) To propagate the original teachings of the Buddha in the world.
In this Summit, Buddhist leaders delivered speeches and presented papers. The participants also took part in the four group discussions to discuss " Buddhism and Its Relevance to the Present World", "Buddhist Education", "Promotion and Propagation of Buddhism", and "Buddhist Meditation and World Peace".
In other words, the participants discussed the ways and means for the perpetuation, promotion and propagation of the Buddha Sasana in its pristine purity, and adopted a joint statement.
In the Joint Statement the participants have agreed to preserve, promote and propagate the Teachings of the Buddha; to protect and preserve historic Buddhist monuments; to promote Buddhist education; to promote Buddhist unity; and to strive to propagate the Teachings of the Buddha to contribute to bring about peace and prosperity in the world.
The Summit has come to a success only because all the participants discussed with patience and forbearance, politeness, loving-kindness, compassion and optimism in accordance with the Teachings of Lord Buddha.
I strongly believe that this gathering of Buddhists from various countries will foster friendship among Buddhists and will promote unity and mutual understanding. This in turn will lead to a closer cooperation among the Buddhists in the future.
It is my sincere hope that all the Mahatheras and Buddhist leaders, with loving-kindness, patience and forbearance, will strive for the prevalence of peace and stability and the four modes of sublime living and loving-kindness, patience and forbearance in their respective countries and all over the world.
The sublime message of the Buddha can heal the burning hearts of mankind and put an end to extremism, intimidation and armed conflicts.
The World Buddhist Summit will come to a glorious end very soon. It is highly delightful and something to be proud of the Government and the people of the Union of Myanmar because of the fact that Myanmar is the sole sponsor of this Summit. I would also like to say that the success of the Summit is due to the support, cooperation, patience and forbearance of all of you.
My special thanks go to the heads of states, ministers and ambassadors— especially H.E. Mr Bounnhang Vorachit, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, H.E. Dr. Thaksin Shinwatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and H.E. Mr. Lu Lay Sreng, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. Mahinda Rajapakse, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka who arrived in time to this Summit.
Buddhist leaders and statesmen who could not participate in this Summit supported us by sending goodwill messages. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of them for their invaluable support.
The Mahatheras and the staff from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with the support and assistance of the ministries concerned, worked hard for the success of this Summit. I would like to congratulate all of you for your hard work and dedications. My special thanks also go to Ven. Dr. Nyanissara for his invaluable help throughout the preparation of the Summit.
In conclusion I offer my sincere wishes:
* May all the Buddhist leaders attending the Summit be blessed with physical wellbeing and spiritual tranquillity.
* May the Dhamma of the Omniscient Buddha be like unto the luminescence of the sun and moon and be long lasting.
* May all of you be able to contribute to bring about peace, stability, justice and prosperity in the world.
In Myanmar, Buddhism prevails in its true form for more than a thousand years
YANGON, 11 Dec— The following is the full text of Joint Statement issued today at the World Buddhist Summit:
JOINT STATEMENT
The Buddha Himself expounded in the Aparihaniya Sutta that frequent meetings of the Sangha will contribute to the well-being of the Sasana and the Sangha. The earliest Buddhist conferences date back to the sixth century BC. Two Sangha conferences were held in India, during the lifetime of the Buddha, where He urged the members of the Sangha to propound His Teachings and appointed leaders for the administration of the Sangha.
Following the Parinibbana of the Buddha, Buddhist Councils were held mainly to preserve the Buddha’s Dhamma in its pristine purity. Many Buddhist councils were held in many countries. The first three Buddhist Councils were held in India, the birthplace of Buddhism, and it was due to the last of these councils, i.e, the Third Buddhist Council, that Buddhism spread abroad. The Fourth Buddhist Council held in Sri Lanka may have been the first Buddhist conference outside India.
The Fifth Buddhist Council was held in 1871 in Mandalay, Myanmar. The Sixth Buddhist Council held here in this cave in 1956 was the first Buddhist conference in which Buddhist leaders from all the Theravada countries took a vital role in editing and restoring the Tipitaka to its original version. Venerable monks from countries of Mahayana tradition such as China and Japan also participated in the great conclave. A World Buddhst Summit was held at Lumbini, Nepal, in 1998. In 2000 and 2002, the Second and Third World Buddhist Propagation Conferences were held in Thailand and Cambodia respectively.
In the Union of Myanmar, where Buddhism has prevailed in its true from for more than a thousand years, this World Buddhist Summit was held at the great historic place of the Mahapasana Cave in Yangon from 9 to 11 December 2004. Prominent Buddhist Mahatheras and Heads of State attended the important Summit.
The objectives of this World Buddhist Summit are: to promote friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation among Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists from different parts of the world: to maintain Buddhist teachings and practice; to promote Buddhist education based on the studies of Buddhist scriptures, to help bring about a peaceful world, and to propagate the original teachings of the Buddha in the world.
To this end, we the participants in this historic World Buddhist Summit hereby solemnly agree upon the following Objectives:
* We are determined to preserve the Buddha Dhamma in its pristine purity
* We will endeavour to promote and propagate the Teachings of the Buddha
* We will strive for the protection, preservation and restoration of historic Buddhist monuments
* We will contribute to bring about peace and prosperity in the world by spreading the Buddha’s sublime message of loving-kindness, compassion and equanimity
* We will endeavour to promote Buddhist unity and strive for friendship and mutual understanding among Buddhists all over the world
* We will endeavour to promote Buddhist education employing modern methods and technology
* We will endeavour to hold the Buddhist Conferences frequently to exchange ideas and promote understanding
* We will endeavour to share the knowledge of Buddhist meditation with the people of the world for the sake of individual as well as world peace
* We believe that more Buddhist centres should be established around the world to disseminate the original Teachings of the Buddha more effectively.
The Gerat Mahapasana Cave, Kaba Aye,
Yangon, Union of Myanmar
Dated: 2548 of the Buddhist Era, 11 December 2004
World Buddhist Summit winds up successfully
YANGON, 11 Dec — Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Soe Win made a supplication at the concluding ceremony of the World Buddhist Summit, in which Buddhist eminent Sayadaws from various countries, Chief Sayadaws of Buddhist Ganas and senior world Buddhism researchers and scholars attended at Maha Pasana Cave on Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township this afternoon.
The Summit was organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Union of Myanmar with the purposes of the World Buddhist Summit: to promote friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation among the Buddhist countries; to maintain Buddha’s teachings and practice among the Buddhist countries; to promote Buddhistic education based on the studies of Buddhist scriptures in nations of the world; to create the peaceful world by the Buddhists for all humanbeing; and to propagate the original teaching of the Buddha in the world.
Also present on the occasion were members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, State Central Working Committee of the Sangha member Sayadaws from States and Divisions, presiding Nayaka Sayadaws of Pariyatti monasteries, Theravada Buddhist missionary Ovadaçariya Sayadaws, the Rectors of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University and State Pariyatti Sasana Universities (Yangon and Mandalay), the Chancellor and the Rector of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, members of the Sangha from State Pariyatti Sasana Universities (Yangon and Mandalay), International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Sitagu International Buddhist Academy and Maha Santi Sukha Missionary Monastery, Mahayana monks in Myanmar, nuns at home and abroad, Sangharaja Sayadaws from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, members of the Sangha from the People’s Republic of China, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, Germany, Canada, the US, the UK, Czech Republic, Romania, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, Sweden, Jamaica, Singapore and the Republic of Korea.
The ceremony was also attended by Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Soe Win, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mr Mahinda Rajapakse and wife Madame Shiranthi Rajapakse, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Mr Lu Lay Sreng, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife, ministers and their wives, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, Nepalese Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr Deep Kumar Upadhayaya, Cambodian Minister for Religious Affairs Mr Khun Haing, Sri Lankan Minister for Southern Provincial Council Mr Hemal Gunasekera and members, deputy ministers of Myanmar, the vice-mayor, diplomats from foreign missions, members of the Leading Committee, the Work Committee and sub-committee for Organizing the Summit, departmental heads, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, Yangon City Development Committee, religious title recipient persons, Mahayana lay persons, journalists, members of the pagoda boards of trustees in Yangon, instructors of SPSU (Yangon), delegates of Yangon East and West Districts, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, world senior Buddhist researchers and scholars from Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, Cambodia, Czech, Laos, Britain, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, the Netherlands, China, Singapore, Romania, Russia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the US, Iran, Israel and Venezuela, delegates and observers.
Before the concluding ceremony, officials of the Religious Affairs Department ushered 18 members of the Sangha from Australia, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, Republic of Korea, Romania, India, Britain, the US, Germany and Czech Republic led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Aungmyebonsan Monastery Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaj Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Paññindabhivamsa, Secretary Vice-Chancellor of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara, Joint Secretary Sayadaw Chairman of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities Administration Board Nyaungdon Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa, Rector of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Dr Ashin Silanandabhivamsa into the Maha Pasana Cave along Mingala Natlan passage through the southern entrance. At that time, the congregation paid homage to them and the State Orchestra played music.
At 1 pm, Staff Officer U Wint Aung of Myanma Radio and Television of the Ministry of Information and Assistant Director U Ye Htut of International Organizations and Economic Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acted as masters of ceremonies. Members of the Sangha and those present recited Namo Tassa three times.
Members of the Sangha of the Union of Myanmar and from abroad on the dais recited Three Verses of Saranagunagatha.
Ma Ei Ei Chun of MRTV sang the classical song titled "Htoo Machana" to the accompaniment of nine harpists of Fine Arts Department. Afterwards, 108 bells around the cave sounded for nine times simultaneously. The significant bell on the leftside of southern Mingala Passage to the cave was also sounded to mark the World Buddhist Summit. Next, 25 members of the Sangah from the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka recited Metta Sutta and those present said Sadhu. Ven Sayadaw Sangasena of Kashmir State, India, supplicated on Buddhism in Ladakh with the use of audio-visual aids.
Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr Mahinda Rajapakse extended greetings. (reported separately.)
Rector of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Dr Ashin Silanandabhivamsa read out the joint statement. (reported separately.)
Twenty one Sayadaws from the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of India, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mexico, Czech Republic, Australia, Thailand, the US, Romania, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Japan, Singapore, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Indonesia, Nepal and Cambodia led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Aungmyebonsan Kyaung Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Ratthaguru Abhdhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Panñindabhivamsa approved the joint statement.
Next, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win supplicated on the Vote of Thanks.(reported separately.)
Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung supplicated on historical poem in commemoration of the World Buddhist Summit. (reported separately.)
Ven Uttama of Czech Republic thanked the Union of Myanmar for hosting the World Buddhist Summit. Seventeen members of the Sangha from Vietnam recited the eight victories. Next, Rector of ITBMU Sayadaw Dr Silanandabhivamsa delivered an Ovadacatha (reported separately.)
Members of the Sangha led by Sayadaw Dr Ashin Ñyanissara recited religious verses. The summit successfully came to a close at 3.35 pm.
Next, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win, wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Sri Lankan Prime Minister and wife, the commander and the ministers and their wives and officials paid respects to members of the Sangha from various Ganas and countries.
Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win welcomes Sri Lankan Prime Minister and wife
YANGON, 11 Dec — The Sri Lankan goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr Mahinda Rajapakse and wife arrived here by air this morning to pay a goodwill visit to Myanmar at the invitation of Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Soe Win.
The Sri Lankan Prime Minister and party were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and wife,
Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-GenThura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt and wife, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar Mr DMM Ranaraja and embassy staff, Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka U Than Tun and wife, Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
When the aircraft of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and wife and party landed at 9 am, students of the University of Culture presented a banquet to them. Next, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife and party cordially welcomed the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and wife and party. Afterwards, the two Prime Ministers went to the dais in the hall of the airport and took the salute of the Guard of Honour. At that time, the State Band played national anthems of the two countries alternately. Next, the two Prime Ministers inspected the Guard of Honour.
Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win cordially greeted members of the goodwill delegation of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister also greeted Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife and party and staff families of the Sri Lankan Embassy.
When the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and wife and party left for the hotel in a motorcade, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party saw them off.
5,070 more prisoners to be released
YANGON, 11 Dec—The State Peace and Development Council has dissolved the National Intelligence Bureau since 22 October this year.
It was observed that the NIB might have committed irregularities. After due review of the case, prison terms of 5,070 convicts have been suspended with effect from today, 11 December 2004, and they will be released from the respective prisons. It was the third time the convicts are released and the number has grown to 14,318 from 9,248.
International Relation
Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win receives Sri Lankan counterpart
YANGON, 11 Dec—Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Soe Win received Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mr Mahinda Rajapakse, who had attended the World Buddhist Summit, at the Mingalar Hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw at 7 pm today.
Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka U Than Tun,
Director-General at the Prime Minister’s Office U Soe Tint and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.
The guest was accompanied by Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar Mr D.M.M Ranaraja.
Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win hosts dinner in honour of Sri Lankan Prime Minister and party
YANGON, 11 Dec—Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mr Mahinda Rajapakse and wife Madame Shiranthi Rajapakse and party, who attended the World Buddhist Summit, at the reception hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw at 7.15 pm today.
Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, ministers, the Deputy Minister for Education, the Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar and their wives, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department.
Before and during dinner, artistes presented entertainment to the accompaniment of Myanma Athan Modern Music Troupe. After the dinner, artistes of the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture presented Myanma traditional dances.
After the entertainment programmes, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and wife presented a bouquet to the artistes and had a documentary photo taken together with them.
PM Lt-Gen Soe Win receives Nepalese Minister
YANGON, 11 Dec — Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win received Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal Mr Deep Kumar Upadhayaya at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha this morning.
Present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Director-General at the Prime Minister’s Office U Soe Tint, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Charge d’ Affaires ai of the Nepalese Embassy to Myanmar Mr Dilip Kumar Paudel.
Religion
Teaching of the universal love, i.e., love for all beings can be, will be taught to the world
YANGON, 11 Dec— The following is the closing speech delivered by Dr Ashin Sila Nandabhivamsa, Rector Sayadaw, International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Dhammapala Hill, Mayangon, Yangon, at the closing ceremony of the World Buddhist Summit today:
The Buddhist Summit will be brought to a glorious end a few moments from now. As you know the Government of Myanmar and its people have spared no effort both physically and financially to make it a success and I hope that has been accomplished quite well. But however much they have endeavoured, if there were no participants it would come to nothing. Now that you have participated in this historic event quite enthusiastically as speakers, panellists, discussionists and so on, this Summit has come to a resounding success. Therefore the success is due to both the Government and people of Myanrnar on the one hand and the participants like you on the other.
This Summit is convened on the principle of unity among Buddhists regardless of their being Theravada or Mahayana or Vajrayana, etc. We have invited delegates from thirty-four countries and as a record, I would like to read the names of those countries here. The names of the countries will be in alphabetical order. They are:
Atustralia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Peoples Republic of China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, Romania, Russian Federation,Singapore, Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USA,Vietnam, and Union of Myanmar.
If you look at the list you will notice that the Buddhist Summit has invited quite a lot and all attended the Summit with a good will. It is a great achievement of the Myanmar Government and people if we take into account that the other co-sponsor has pulled out of this Summit.
To tell you the truth, it is not at all possible for all Buddhists to become one again without the labels Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, etc., but we have some Teachings of the Buddha in common, for which every Buddhist is likely to admit that they are authentic teachings of the Buddha. On these we will concentrate and spread to the world both in our countries and in foreign countries. For example, the teaching of the Four Noble Truths: Every Buddhist Sect believes that it is the authentic teaching of the Buddha and so we can cooperate in teaching it to the world. The Noble Eightfold Path which is one of the Four Noble Truths is an important one and we must practise first ourselves and then teach them to the world. The impermanence of all things conditioned, suffering nature of all things conditioned and non-soul nature of all things both conditioned and unconditioned which are also accepted by all Buddhists are another subject which we all agree and so we can teach them too. The teaching of the universal love, i.e., love for all beings can be and will be taught to the world, first practising ourselves and later teaching to the world. There are other teachings as well that are accepted by all sects of Buddhism and we can make effort to teach them. With the principles of Buddhism which are after all universal principles, the world can be made into a place where peace and harmony prevail, and people can live their lives without worry and anxiety.
As to educating the peoples of the world we must say that the First Fellowship of Buddhists held in 1950 in Colombo unanimously decided the term Hinayana should be dropped when referring to Buddhism existing in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, etc. I would like to add that the term Hinayana should be dropped from usage altogether since it implies that the person who used that term thinks that those termed Hinayana are inferior to the Mahayana and Vajrayana. In these days it is not a good manner to refer to others rather than one’s own as inferior. And also for the sake of unity we would avoid it altogether in our speeches, books and so on.
The other thing is commercial companies using the Buddha image and other Buddhist Symbols in commercial objects to promote their sales. We must tell them without being rude or violent to leave Buddhists alone and not to desecrate our sacred objects in commercializing their commodities.
We are grateful to the Government of Myanmar for permitting us to use the Internet, the expediency of which made work smooth. Without that the Summit would not run so smoothly. In the future also I hope that the Government will allow us to use the Internet in propagating Buddhist Teachings to the world. As of today I am talking by phone the Patimokkha to the students in Taiwan, Mexico and America. I talk through the phone because the place where I live,Half Moon Bay in California, has no adequate phone connection by computers yet, but my students listen to my talk through their computers, and they said that my voice was very clear. Thus talking through the Internet can reach many listeners, without myself ever leaving my place.
Last but not least, I understand that it is arranged for you to go on a pilgrimage to Bagan and Mandalay with the compliments of Myanmar Government and people. You will find many interesting things, especially the archaeological things of religious interest. It is good to know even a little of their culture when you learn something about their religion. I hope you will find many things there. When you visit Bagan, I would like to ask you to make it a must to see two inscriptions in Bagan. One is called Rajakumara or Myazedi inscription. It has a parallel in Egyptian Archaeology.
You know the Rosetta stone. It was written in three languages and it was through this inscription that Egyptologists could decipher the hieroglyphs of Egyptian language. Quite similarly, Rajakumara or Myazedi inscription was written in Pali, Pyu, Mon and Myanmar languages on its four sides. It was from this inscription that Myanmar people were able to decipher to some extent the Pyu language.
‘The subject written was just the dedication when King Kyansittha was ill and his son wanted it to dedicate the Buddha image before the King dies.
The other inscription was the Shwegugyi inscription, in Shwegugyi Pagoda in Bagan. In the pagoda were inlaid two slabs of inscription on each side of the wall in the inner pagoda. It was put there by King Alaungsithu, the donor of the pagoda. The inscription contains one hundred elegant Pali verses expressing his compassion for all beings who were suffering in the round of rebirths and inspiring for Buddhahood.
It is indeed a rare experience that one sees the inspiration for Buddhahood on an inscription. It clearly shows that Buddhahood was not unknown to Theravada Buddhists and here the King himself was inspiring for Buddhahood. In the end the inscription ends with two additional verses in Sanskrit.
These are the highlights you will see on your pilgrimage.
In conclusion we would like to thank all of you for participating in this Historical Summit, and to all the staff and others from top to bottom who made every effort for the participants to be comfortable, and also we must not forget to thank Sitagu Sayadaw and his staff who from the very beginning to the end worked hard to make the Summit what it is, leaving no stones unturned in doing so.
May you all be well, happy and peaceful!
May the Dhamma prevail in the world!
May the Original Teachings of the Buddha continue to exist in its pristine purity!
Round table discussions of World Buddhist Summit held
YANGON, 11 Dec—Leading Buddhist monks of various Ganas at home and abroad today held round table discussions on promotion and propagation of the Buddhist Sasana, at the third-day morning session of the World Buddhist Summit, organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, that continued for the third day at Maha Pasana Cave on Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill here.
Present on the occasion were rector Sayadaws of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, the State Pariyatti Sangha Universities (Yangon) and (Mandalay), the Chancellor Sayadaw and members of the Sangha of the Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, local and foreign leading Buddhist monks and representatives, Buddhist professors of Nalanda University in India, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and Oxford University in Britain, senior Buddhist researchers and observers from various countries.
The members of the Sangha from Lao PDR recited Metta parittas.
Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Dr Ashin Sila Nandabhivamsa presided over the round table discussions, while Ven Dr Dhammasami of Britain acted as MC.
President Sayadaw of the Bhavana Society in West Virginia, the US, Dr Gunaratana presented the paper "Buddhist Meditation and World Peace", Ven Nyannapunnika of Nepal, the paper "Existence of the Buddha Sasana", and Ven Sitala of Siberia, Russia Federation, the paper "the Buddha Sasana of Russia Federation".
Ven Nyannapunnika of Nepal, Dr Ashin Nanda Malabhivamsa of the Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Sila Nandabhivamsa and President of the Bhavana Society in Virginia, Ven Dr Gunaratana, read out reviews of group-wise discussions held the previous day.
The venerable monks and representatives from 38 nations made suggestions and held talks on the draft of joint-declaration of the Summit.
Next, Dr R Panth of Nalanda University, Vihai State of India presented a brief account of the university with the use of audiovisual aids, and the morning session went into recess.
Participants to the summit agree the following objectives
* We are determined to preserve the Buddha Dhamma in its pristine purity
* We will endeavour to promote and propagate the Teachings of the Buddha
* We will strive for the protection, preservation and restoration of historic Buddhist monuments
* We will contribute to bring about peace and prosperity in the world by spreading the Buddha’s sublime message of loving-kindness, compassion and equanimity
* We will endeavour to promote Buddhist unity and strive for friendship and mutual understanding among Buddhists all over the world
* We will endeavour to promote Buddhist education employing modern methods and technology
* We will endeavour to hold the Buddhist Conferences frequently to exchange ideas and promote understanding
* We will endeavour to share the knowledge of Buddhist meditation with the people of the world for the sake of individual as well as world peace
* We believe that more Buddhist centres should be established around the world to disseminate the original Teachings of the Buddha more effectively.
YANGON, 11 Dec — The following is the full text of the address delivered by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mr Mahinda Rajapakse at the World Buddhist Summit today:
Most Ven Maha Sangha
Excellency the Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar
Hon Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies & Gentlemen
It is my distinct honour to be here to attend the World Buddhist Summit today. May I thank the Government of the Union of Myanmar for organizing this most auspicious and timely event and I wish to thank you for inviting me for the Summit.
To quote from the Maha Mangala Sutra,
"Kalena Dhamma Savanam
Etam Mangala Muttamam"
Lord Buddha has preached the benefits and the importance of listening to Dhamma discourses at the suitable time. Thus, I consider the Summit as a well-timed event, to reflect on Lord Buddha’s message of love and compassion as the fundamental maxims for the creation of a peaceful mind among human beings thus creating a peaceful world.
I firmly believe that such a Forum will be helpful to alert the sensible Buddhist to organize themselves to avert erosion of Buddhism and to address the glaring problems facing the contemporary Buddhist. It will also help to re-invigorate the Maha Sangha so that there will prevail a progressive and a learned leadership, to propagate the Dhamma.
Regarding the relations between the two countries, Myanmar and Sri Lanka are steeped in history based on Theravada Buddhism. Our relations date back to the 4th century, when the Myanmar monks had frequently visited the Maha Vihara of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka to learn orthodox traditions and to continue in their own country.
In the 11th century, during the regime of King Anawrahta of Myanmar, the sacred scripture ‘Tripitaka’ was sent to Myanmar by King Vijayababu of Sri Lanka. It may be recalled with gratitude, that owing to the untiring efforts and the perseverance of the Bhikkus of Sri Lanka, that is was made possible to produce the written Tripitaka, which was earlier preserved only through oral tradition. Since this time, there has been no turning back, and the two countries were intertwined with the golden thread of Theravada Buddhism.
Therefore, it is our fervent hope and the wish of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka to cherish and to further consolidate the cultural bonds that had prevailed between the two countries over the centuries.
Further, I am pleased to observe the manner in which the Summit has brought unity among Theravada Buddhist countries paving the way for mutual cooperation among the Theravada countries.
Let this Summit be a reminder to the world that Buddhism is not only a religion but a whole civilization with a rich cultural heritage, and a code of ethics having the ability to mould human beings to face the daunting tasks of the modern day.
Let this Summit be remembered as a forum, which projected Buddhism as a dynamic force, which has influenced the receptive mind for the last two thousand five hundred years, and projecting its relevance in the present day’s context.
As we are getting ready to conclude the Summit, I firmly believe that all of us will be bound by the strong ethics of Buddhism.
May I wish the World Buddhist Summit every success. May the Noble Triple Gem Bless you!
Dinner hosted to honour success of World Buddhist Summit
YANGON, 11 Dec — The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Union of Myanmar hosted a dinner in honour of the success of the World Buddhist Summit at the Myanma Convention Centre on Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township here this evening.
The dinner was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, the member ministers of the Leading Committee for organizing the Summit, the Yangon mayor and members of the work committee and sub-committees, ambassadors of foreign embassies, Japanese wellwishers who donated the cars to be used for the Summit, Myanmar business groups of Japan and observers, lay persons of Sayagyi U Goenka from various nations, representatives of social organizations, delegates from foreign countries to the Summit, Sasana Nuggaha title recipients, interpreters of ministries, academics of uni-versities and invited guests.
During the dinner, Chairman of the Leading Committee Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung expressed thanks to those present for their participation in the World Buddhist Summit. After the dinner, artistes of the Fine Arts Department entertained the audience with variety of dances.
Historical Poem Commemorating the World Buddhist Summit
YANGON, 11 Dec— The following is the Historical Poem commemorating the World Buddhist Summit.
Myanmar is a country full of mountains and rivers with scenic beauty. Endowed with abundant natural resources, Myanmar produces a variety of agricultural products, different kinds of precious stones such as rubies and sapphires. Myanmar exists as a dignified country in the family of nations with flourishing Buddha Sasana. Many stupas testify thriving of Buddhism and the extent of piety and loving-kindness of Myanmar people. Because of Buddhist teaching Myanmar people are so disciplined and cultured in their thought, speech and action. As a result of a cultural heritage left by our ancestors, present-day Myanmar is full of old and new religious buildings with flowering of scriptural studies. The World Buddhist Summit takes place in peaceful and stable Myanmar. At the Summit many delegates from different nations attempt to find ways and means to reach the common goal of peace. The opening of the conference falls on the 13th Waning of Tazaungmon (Thursday) 1366 Myanmar Era. This is the time of bountiful harvest. For Myanmar people holding of the World Buddhist Summit is unforgettable. The World Buddhist Summit is held on a grand scale that it will be a historical record for Myanmar, which will last until the end of the world.
Region
CNG stations under construction in YangonYANGON, 11 Dec—Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi this afternoon inspected building of Compressed Natural Gas filling stations being undertaken by the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in Ahlon and Kyaikkalo.
Officials concerned reported on progress of building stations and arrival of imported items. The Minister instructed them to systematically supervise the tasks for timely completion of the buildings and ensuring technical security, and inspected construction tasks.So far, two CNG filling stations have been constructed in Insein and Thamaing. The MOGE is building another five CNG filling stations in Ahlon, Bayintnaung, Kyaikkalo, Dagon Myothit (North) and Thakayta. Plans are under way to construct more three stations in Yangon City.
Ceremony to mark International Mountain Day held
YANGON, 11 Dec — A ceremony to mark International Mountain Day co-organized by the Ministry of Forestry and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization was held at Tawwin Hall of the ministry this morning, attended by Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung.
Also present on the occasion were Ambassdors from International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICMOD) member nations, Resident Representative of UNFAO Mr Tang Zhengping, officials from the Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ministry for Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, National Commission for Environment Conservation, Myanmar Forestry Resources Environment Development and Conservation Association and Association of birds preservation.
Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung delivered an opening speech at the ceremony. Afterwards, Resident Representative of UNFAO Mr Tang Zhengping clarified matters related to International Day. Next, the minister and those present viewed around documentary photos of activities on hill regions displayed at the hall.
Early Childhood Training of Trainers concludes
YANGON, 11 Dec — A concluding ceremony of Early Childhood Training of Trainers organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Singapore International Foundation was held at Pre-Primary School No 1 in Bahan Township this morning.
Professor Dr Khoo Khin Choo of Singapore International Foundation made a speech at he ceremony.
Afterwards, Director-General U Sit Myaing of Department of Social Welfare and Dr Khoo Kim Choo of Singapore International Foundation presented the completion certificates of the training to the trainees. On behalf of the trainees, Daw L Nang Doi expressed gratitude. After the ceremony, the director-general, the trainees and guests viewed the practical teaching works with the children.
Altogether 31 trainees from the Social Welfare Department, Education Planning and Training Department, No 3 Basic Education Department, Save the Children (UK), Save the Children (US), Childhood Foundation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) and YMCA attended the six-week course.
Mass sports activities launched in Yangon Division
YANGON, 11 Dec — The walking race as part of mass sports activities in the second week of December were held at Aung San Stadium this morning.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Director-General U Thaung Htaik of the Sports and Physical Education Department, authorities and departmental officials participated in the walking race.
They started the race at the entrance in front of the grand stand and finished it at Aung San Stadium through the eastern gate along Gyobyu road, Kaba Aye Pagoda road, U Htaung Bo roundabout, the circular road of Kandawgyi gardens and upper Pansodan road. Next, athletes of Myanmar Sports Federations demonstrated their sports skills.
The women’s and men’s tug-of-war contests continued and Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Member of the Panel of Leading Patrons of Myanmar Women’s Sports Federation and officials presented awards to the winners.
Over 50,000 people including health staff, students, members of MWAF, MWCA, USDA, Red Cross and Auxilliary Fire Brigade took part in today’s mass walking races.
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