Press Conference “26 Centuries of World Visakha Bucha”

(09-05-2013)

On May 7, 2013 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, participated in a press conference for “26 Centuries of World Visakha Bucha,” an event that invites people to live virtuous lives. Attending the event were Phrathep Wisuthithamkawee, a monk from Wat Yannawa who was the president of the Sangha, Mr. Sirithat Rojanapruk from The Center of Buddhism Promotion in Thailand. The activity was arranged by Buddhist Nun Sansani Sathiansutra from Sathien Dhamma Sathan Retreat Center and Mr. Thakorn Thannasit, the Secretary General of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBT)..

The Minister said that, for the special occasion of “26 Centuries World Visakha Bucha” and the Buddhism promotion event at Sanam Luang (the Royal Field) during May 18-24, 2013, the government was asking for cooperation from all related public offices and had approved a budget of 56 million baht for the following activities: 1) A World Buddhist Leader Seminar, hosted by Chulalongkorn University 2) A seminar for Thai Bhikkus Living Abroad and the World Buddhist Leader Conference, to encourage participation in and promotion of the  World Buddhism Center, hosted by the National Office of Buddhism 3) A Mantra Ceremony by Thai and Foreign Bhikkusto make merit for King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikhit, and the Royal Family, taking place at Government House 4) Activities for celebrating26 Centuries of World Visakha Buchaat Sanam Luang, including activities for the spreading of Buddhism conducted by public and private offices    For the celebration of“26 Centuries of World Visakha Bucha”, His Majesty King Bhumibol has given his Royal Permission for people to visit and worship his personal Buddha relic. Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn is going to preside over the opening ceremony on May 18, 2013 from 3.00 – 5.00 PM, and Princess Soamsawali is going to come to listen to the sermon on May 19, 2013, at 7.00 PM. There will be students coming to participate in different activities such as a Self-Announcement Ceremony, which is going to take place every day at 7.00 PM, a Walking Meditation and a Poetry and Prose Competition for Scholarship Award. The Minister of Education said that all Buddhists in Thailand should come and join this significant celebration of Buddhism from May 18-24 at Sanam Luang.      Examples of interesting activities that will take place in the event can be summarized as followed: - A Buddha Relics Processional Ceremony: His Majesty the King has granting his permission for a procession to take the relics of the Buddha from the Royal Grand Palace to Sanam Luang for people to worship. - The Opening Ceremony by Princess Sirindhorn:May 18, 2013 from 3.00 – 5.00 PMat Sanam Luang - A Buddha Jayanti Cerebration: Blessing the lotuses and making merit by purchasing golden leaves to construct a Buddha Jayanti image - An Exhibition of Tripitaka Pali - The Ordination of199 Bhikkus: to honor His Majesty the King in 10 temples simultaneously - The Giving of Buddhist Sermons by Famous Preachers: participants will be led through a meditation by Bhikkus who are experts in Vipassana Meditation from many temples throughout the country - Praying on Buddha Jayanti Day: Nine million rounds of Lackkhi Chant and regular Visakha Bucha Chant on May 24, 2013 from11.30 PM – 12.00 AM, the event will be broadcast live in 170 countries throughout the world by NBT and TGN