A shining example
Caretaker Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang on Friday urged young Buddhists to emulate the late venerable monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, who was recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) as one of the world's "Great Personalities".
To follow the life and teachings of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu will lead to a better understanding of all religions and guard against the material world, Chaturon said while presiding over the opening of an exhibition commemorating the monk's 100th birthday at Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom. The highlight was alms-giving in the ancient style, with the laity approaching the monks seated behind their bowls instead of the monks carrying their bowls around. This is believed to have been the practice in the Buddha's time and was observed by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu at his forest temple Suan Mokkh. The simple event was part of a big three-day religious fair to honour the late monk. The fair was visited yesterday by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Born on May 27, 1906 as Nguam Panich in Surat Thani, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu is respected for promoting understanding between people of different faiths and his determination to live modestly and to rid everyday life of materialism. He entered the monkhood at the age of 20 and established Suan Mokkh in Surat Thani's Chaiya district in 1943. He died 13 years ago after a series of heart attacks and a stroke.
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