Most Ven. Thích Thanh Nhiễu, Vice President of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS); Senior Ven. Thích Đức Thiện, Secretary General cum Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha,; Ambassador of Thailand to Vietnam, His Excellency (H.E.) Tanee Sangrat, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Hanoi, Dr. G.B Harisha; Chief Representative Office of Ranfer Investments Ltd, Thusil Tissera, were presented at the event.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam treasure a long-standing ties, especially in Buddhism. The sermon is one of the activities contributing to upholding this precious relation in the present time.

Speaking at the opening remark of the sermon, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, H.E. Sampath Prasanna Walpita Gamage said:

“I think, this is the time in which we need to rethink about the values and the lessons from Lord Buddha’s sermons, when we look at the crises in the world. His message of peace and loving kindness are important than ever to make this world a better place."

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, H.E. Sampath Prasanna Walpita Gamage makes the opening remark. Photo: Phatsuonline

On the occasion, the Ambassador also extended thanks to Senior Ven. Thích Đức Thiện for the assistance given in translating the sermon and to VBS for providing the venue, hoping that VBS will continue to support events that strengthen the ties in Buddhism between Vietnam and Sri Lanka in the time to come.

Dr. Most Ven. Mirisse Dhammika Thero (left) and Senior Ven. Thích Đức Thiện. Photo: Phatsuonline

During the over one-hour sermon, Dr. Most Ven. Mirisse Dhammika Thero briefed the participants on Lord Buddha's teachings, with a focus on compassion, emphasizing that the goal the United Nations has been striving toward, which is bringing happiness to all and respecting every human being, was embodied in Lord Buddha’s teaching since over 2,000 years ago. The key to achieve this goal are mutual respect and unconditional love for others, regardless of the differences of their background, skin colors, languages, genders, religions, etc.

“We are in the same human family”, Dr. Most Ven. Mirisse Dhammika Thero noted and reminded people to practice compassion in their everyday life". He emphasized the value of Lord Buddha's teachings in current context, when wars, conflicts and disputes have been escalating in many places in the world.

At the end of the sermon, Dr. Most Ven. Mirisse Dhammika Thero also took his time to answer Buddhist’s questions on several concepts in Buddhism, including ‘mindfulness’, and the application of Buddha’s teachings in balancing emotions like managing anger and finding inner peace.

Dr. Most Ven. Mirisse Dhammika Thero receives gift from Senior Ven. Thích Đức Thiện. Photo: Phatsuonline.

Dr. Most Ven. Mirisse Dhammika Thero obtained his PhD in Education from the University of Simon Fraser in Vancouver, Canada. The Venerable is one of the leading Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka, promoting Lord Buddha’s teachings and meditation for modern life, not only in Sri Lanka but also in other countries around the world. He is the Head of the Foundation of Buddhism for the Youth in Sri Lanka.

Source: vietnamtimes.org.vn