Talk with Religious Leader: Thai Buddhist monk shares relevance of Buddhism in modern times and how it benefits different cultures
Updated 13:30, 17-May-2019
[]
04:11
Many believe the countries and communities of Asia have a lot to learn from each other. In Thailand, Buddhist monk Phra Veerapol Veerayano is a member of the Sangha Supreme Council, the senior body of Buddhism in the country. He spoke to CGTN's Martin Lowe about what Buddhism means and what it can offer others.
PHRA VEERAPOL VEERAYANO MEMBER OF SANGHA SUPREME COUNCIL "The reason Buddhism is still relevant today is because it's about lending a hand, helping other people. It is like living in a caring way, not gossiping about people and not causing harm. Significant places such as the home, school, temple and community always help and support each other. The Theravada sect preaches supporting others. It is like a quote from the past 'Good temple because of good home, beautiful home because of beautiful discipline, home and temple can succeed together when helping each other but will collapse when they harm each other'."
MARTIN LOWE CGTN CORRESPONDENT "In this modern day and age, why do you think an ancient religion like Buddhism still has an appeal for believers?"
PHRA VEERAPOL VEERAYANO MEMBER OF SANGHA SUPREME COUNCIL "Buddhism is the Supremacy of Righteousness for those who believe, have faith and study in Buddhism. Even merchants, workers, government officers and those in offices can access Dhamma. Rich or poor can learn Dhamma. Anyone can do Dhamma. After that, they feel relief and peacefulness by doing Dhamma themselves. Buddha said 'Dhamma will cure all who follow Dhamma'.
For me, I say Dhamma can make life better. A monk is like a doctor. We can show Buddhists the way out of sorrow. Dhamma can be seen to work by action."
MARTIN LOWE CGTN CORRESPONDENT "Buddhism still plays a big part in Thai life, but how much relevance does it have for non-Buddhist countries? Well, Asia is home to a lot of races and religions and many think the exchange of ideas and cultures can benefit all and contribute to a shared future."
PHRA VEERAPOL VEERAYANO MEMBER OF SANGHA SUPREME COUNCIL "Buddhism can co-exist with others because we have nation as body, religion as heart and king as brain. So, nation, religion and king make up Thainess. Thai kings always support every religion in Thailand even though the king is a Buddhist. Any religion can live and work happily in Thailand."
MARTIN LOWE CGTN CORRESPONDENT "How does Buddhism help promote communication and understanding between different countries and different communities?"
PHRA VEERAPOL VEERAYANO MEMBER OF SANGHA SUPREME COUNCIL "To help our relationship with other countries, we have a special office, it is like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Monks. We have Dhammaduta monks who will propagate Buddhism in other countries. There are two monastic universities that have opportunities to welcome international monks to study in Thailand.
Thai monks also can go studying abroad to the USA, Europe, New Zealand and ASEAN especially on Visakha Bucha Day. Every year, there will always be a large summit held in Bangkok. Monks around the world will come to talk about Buddhism that day. The theme this year is 'volunteering'.
Thailand is strong and Buddhism is the majority, so we have established The World Fellowship of Buddhists here in Thailand."