A delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), led by Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, participated in the 19th United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) held from May 19th to 20th, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. IBC delegation consisted of Spiritual leaders and Academicians.

This annual event, organised by the International Council for Vesak Day (ICDV) and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) under the patronage of the Royal Thai Government, brought together Buddhist leaders, scholars, and organizations from around the world. The main theme of this year's UNDV was "The Buddhist Way of Building Trust and Solidarity," focusing on the teachings of Buddha as a means to foster global harmony and understanding.

Indian Delegation

Event

The two-day event was divided between two venues. The first day took place at the Conference Hall of MCU, and the second day at the United Nations Convention Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok. The event featured a diverse range of activities including chanting ceremonies, discussions, and presentations by various Buddhist traditions and academic institutions.

Key components of the event included

1. An academic conference on three different themes.

1. Application of Buddhist Mindfulness for Health and Wellbeing
2. Buddhist Path to Trust and Global Partnership
3. ?Relevance of Buddhist Education for Harmonious Society

2. A workshop on the English version of the Tripitaka translation.

3. Peace messages by the UN Secretary General and Buddhist leaders from around the world.

Peace Messages and Global Solidarity

A significant highlight of the event was the peace messages delivered by the UN Secretary General His Excellency Antonio Guterres and various Buddhist leaders from around the world.

In his Peace message IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General, IBC stated that ?the Buddha way of building Trust and Solidarity is crucial, as with building prosperity, happiness, compassion and harmony?. He reiterated that ?tussle between the forces of war and peace, of violent conflict and peaceful mutual co-existence?.

Goodwill Message delivered by Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General, IBC, international Buddhist Confederation At the 19th United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) at the opening ceremony

Participation and Contributions of the IBC Delegation

The IBC delegation, comprising six members and led by the Secretary General, was actively involved in various engagements throughout the event.

Blessings of His Majesty the King of Thailand by Different Buddhist traditions at the Buddhamanthon, Nakhon Pathom Province

On the second day, the Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden led the Vajrayana Chanting at the Buddhamanthon. This ceremonial chanting was a significant highlight, demonstrating the rich cultural and spiritual heritage all Buddhist tradition and its role in promoting spiritual solidarity and blessings of His Majesty the King of Thailand by Different Buddhist traditions.

Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General, IBC, IBC, International Buddhist Confederation leads the Vajrayana Chanting at the Buddhamanthon, Nakhon Pathom Province

Interaction

Through out the event, the Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General, IBC met with numerous high-level Buddhist monks, academicians, heads of Buddhist organizations, and other dignitaries. These meetings were crucial for exchanging ideas, gifts, and fostering international Buddhist relations. The interactions aimed at strengthening the bonds between various Buddhist communities and promoting collaborative efforts towards global peace and understanding.

Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden SG, IBC met with the Chairman of the UNDV organising committee Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, of the International Council for Day of Vesak (ICDV) and the International Association of Buddhist Universities

Academic and Collaborative Engagements

The IBC delegation's involvement extended beyond formal presentations and ceremonies. Members of the delegation participated in meetings with other attendees, promoting dialogue and collaboration among the diverse array of participants. Their active engagement in the academic conference sessions highlighted the scholarly contributions of the IBC in various thematic discussions, enriching the overall intellectual and spiritual discourse of the event.

Workshop on Tripitaka Translation

The IBC delegation also took part in the workshop focused on the English translation of the Tripitaka. This workshop was a critical component of the event, aiming to make the sacred Buddhist texts more accessible to a global audience. The IBC's participation underscored their commitment to the dissemination of Buddhist teachings and the promotion of educational initiatives that bridge cultural and linguistic divides.

The participation of the International Buddhist Confederation delegation in the 19th United Nations Day of Vesak was marked by significant contributions to the event's theme of building trust and solidarity. Through their involvement in delivering peace messages, leading chanting ceremonies, participating in academic discussions, and engaging in high-level meetings, the IBC delegation demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting the teachings of Buddha as a means to foster global peace and understanding. Their active engagement and collaborative efforts contributed to the success of the event, highlighting the enduring relevance of Buddhist principles in addressing contemporary global challenges.