Regional meeting on Theravada Buddhism and conflict resolution
Saturday, 29 November 2014 00:01
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A group of Buddhist monks and lay persons from Theravada Buddhist countries in Asia met for two days in the Thai capital Bangkok to discuss the challenges of promoting peace and maintaining communal harmony in their respective countries. The meeting was facilitated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and supported by the network of religious and traditional peacemakers.
The group of 40 participants included senior monks and lay persons from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
The Sri Lankan team was headed by Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara thero, Mahanayake Prelate of Kotte. Other members represented included Sri Kalyani Samagridharma Maha Sanga Sabhawa, Ven. Professor (Dr.) Ven. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero, Ven. Matale Dhammakusala thero, Prof. Ven. Kotapitiye Rahula thero, Ven Medagampitiye Vijitha Dhamma thero,Senior Lecturer at University of Sri Jayawardanpura, Ven. Ilukewala Dhammarathna thero, Lecturer at Buddist and pali University of Sri Lanka, R.A.D. Sirisena Former Minister of Samurdhi and Director at the office of Senior Advisor the President and Sudantha Amarathunga Director of Sanasilli Foundation.
The Theravada Buddhism and Conflict Resolution, discussions focused on analysing the reasons for friction with other religious communities in some of the countries represented, and the search for effective means for preventing and resolving conflicts. In a joint statement issued after the two day meeting on 26 November, the participants, who included monks from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and conflict-plagued Southern Thailand, said they “met in the spirit of friendly regional cooperation with a desire to strengthen our role in maintaining peace and stability.”
Among the principles and actions the group affirmed were that religion should never be used to incite or justify violence, and a desire to promote a better understanding between different faiths and traditions.
The group worked on an action plan to build and strengthen a regional platform for Buddhists to promote peace. Among other things, the plan envisages the strengthening this regional network with the aim of sharing experiences to develop and strengthen the tools for dialogue and mediation for peace, with reference to Buddhism.
It will also facilitate the sharing of information will help Buddhists better understand the challenges to peace and harmony in our societies. “By these means,” the statement read, “we commit to use our combined efforts to strengthen the dissemination of the principles of Dhamma and the true meaning of The Buddha’s teachings.”
