Buddhist leaders from 83 countries attending the International Buddhist Conference on the UN Day of Vesak Celebration 2010, believed that Thailand would get through its domestic crisis, while UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed hope in a statement that religions could solve world crises.
The conference was held at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district for the second day yesterday.
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Rector Phra Dharmakosajarn, who chairs the conference organising committee, said Buddhist leaders had stated at the conference that the Thai crisis must be solved by instilling morality and ethics. Strong faith in Buddhism, which many Thais observe, could help create reconciliation leading to peace.
However, they also expressed concern that, since Thailand was accepted as a world centre for Buddhism, if it failed to set an example of using Buddha's Dhamma to solve internal issues via peaceful methods, other countries would also lose hope. They expressed confidence that Thailand would pass through this crisis.
Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon's message to mark the occasion, said "the theme, "Global Recovery: The Buddhist Perspective", spoke to the heart of global concerns at a time of multiple crises.
"When the financial crisis hit, the poor suffered first and worst and they would take longer to recover. At the time, I urged world leaders to act in unison for the common good. Their synchronised response and the efforts of the United Nations helped to avoid a worse crisis…
"Such displays of solidarity are increasingly essential in today's interdependent world. They are reflected in the Day of Vesak itself, and the acts of compassion for the less fortunate that are part of its annual observance.
"Only by showing regard for others can we succeed in tackling the great challenges of our era... If we follow the true spirit of Buddhism - or any of the other major religions of the world - all these noble goals can be achieved."
UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova's message for the occasion was: "The Buddha's emphasis on living together in peace and accepting diversity resonate particularly strongly in this International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, for which UNESCO has been designated lead UN agency. The principal aim of the International Year is to promote knowledge and mutual understanding, reinforce shared values and foster dialogue as the best guarantees of sustainable development and, ultimately, peace…
"I believe that no matter what our origins are, we are all naturally bound by our status as human beings and that peace is built day after day in the minds of people, through exchange and dialogue. I an equally convinced that we need to instil tolerance, the values of compassion, mutual respect and appreciation from an early age."