Propagating Buddhism: A Journey Towards Genuine Peace : หน้า 3/30

Preface Buddhism had been expounded for over 2550 years in various regions throughout the world. Although the practices have been altered according to the climate, tradition, and culture of each area, they share a faith in the teachings of the Lord Buddha through which they know genuine peace will be brought not only to themselves, but to whoever else becomes acquainted with it. In December 2007, 350 Buddhist monks from various Buddhist sects around the world attended the 4th General Conference of the World Buddhist Sangha Youth (WBSY) under the title “We Are One – 2550 Years of Buddhism”. These were young and active Buddhist monks, all of whom have dedicated their lives to propagating Buddhism around the world. They expressed their opinions and wished to see their Buddhist works be discussed and supported by the Buddhist community at large. The conference was held in Bangkok by Wat Sanghathana and Wat Phra Dhammakaya during the 11th-18th December, 2007. There were discussions on various issues concerning the propagation of Buddhism in the rapidly globalizing world as well as rediscovering and embracing the “common denominator” between the various Buddhist sects. Everyone in the world fundamentally wants to be happy, many indulge in sensual pleasures to the extreme because they believe that it is the way to find genuine happiness, especially in our current era of globalization where anything across the globe can be obtained instantly. However, most can never find genuine happiness using that method and they search for spiritual refuge that will uplift the quality and state of their mind. Every son of the Lord Buddha knows that indulging in sensual pleasures is not the solution to discovering true happiness. The way is through spiritual development, and thus they propagate “The Way” every chance they can, often through telecommunication technology. As a result, more people around the world realize that only when the mind is settled can it truly be happy. Buddhism has been practiced in various ways according to each sect of Buddhism one studies. Fundamentally, Buddhism teaches the same thing. As a result, Buddhist monks have been waiting for the moment to reunify, just as it was in the time of the Lord Buddha, so as to discuss with each other the projects they have dedicated their life towards. However, rarely has there been such an opportunity or occasion. That is, until the 4th WBSY General Conference. This conference may not achieve great success in implementing any absolute solution to the social and economic problems in the world but it did inspire each and every participant to carry on in their work with renewed vigor and dedication. They realized that although the practices and ceremonies might be different, they share the same faith, belief and goal in finding genuine peace and in teaching that peace so others may find and cherish it as well. As a result they agreed on the issue that meditation is the only method that helps bring about true peace because meditation is universal and can be practiced by people of any race, religion, creed or belief. Another achievement of this event is that all participants realized how a gathering as great as this can be organized and conducted. Also, they now know that they are not alone in propagating the Dhamma throughout the world. This is brotherhood who shares the same Father. As the first-ever monk from Uganda to attend a WBSY conference said, “I thought I was alone in Africa but I have no fear now because I know have brothers around the world. Now I am ready to work.” The most important key to success is to know that we are not working alone and there will always be someone ready to reach out for us whenever we need. This conference reassured such feelings and now everyone is ready to work for the greater good of Buddhism. This one small step is a great leap forward in propagating Buddhism which is deemed the most peaceful religion in the world due to the fact that its practitioners have no feelings or discrimination against race, color or religion. It is the religion that teaches everyone how to find genuine peace and be able to rely on one’s own. It is not only a religion but it is also the most peaceful way of life. Now there are at least 350 Ambassadors of Peace, from the 4th WBSY General Conference, who are ready to be the shining light for the world and to look after their other brothers. Now, more steps are ready to be taken since propagation of Buddhism began 2550 years ago. But now there is the assurance that the way to find genuine peace will be available to everyone who wants it and that they will never stop, especially when there are brothers walking along beside them. This is the power of the sons of the Lord Buddha when they unite as one, just as there is only one single sun in the sky. Editorial Board