【Chung Tai Chan Monastery】05_Dharma Ceremonies 20231129

Chung Tai Chan Monastery Visits Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Thailand

From November 29^th to December 1^st 2023, a delegation from Chung Tai Chan Monastery visited Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) in Thailand, continuing the mutual exchange between the two institutions. The delegation was led by Venerable Master Jianyun, Chief Executive Officer of Chung Tai, and included other senior monastic leaders.

The delegation represented the Chung Tai sangha at the “Anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding Tripitaka Offering Ceremony” held at MCU. This ceremony celebrated the collaborative efforts between Chung Tai and MCU in advancing the Dharma for the betterment of all beings.

A New Chapter for Buddhism

The “Anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding Tripitaka Offering Ceremony” took place on the morning of November 29^th. Among the attendees were:

Venerable Master Jianyun, Chief Executive Officer of the Monk Division;

Venerable Master Jiantao, Vice Abbot of Human Resources;

Venerable Master Jianshao, Dean of the Buddhist Institute for Monks and President of Pu Tai Senior High School;

Venerable Master Jianchen, Director of Chung Tai World Museum el at.

The ceremony was broadcast live via video conference, symbolizing yet another milestone in the ongoing exchange between Chung Tai and MCU.

The ceremony opened with short videos introducing both Chung Tai and MCU. Following this, Venerable Master Jianyun conveyed greetings on behalf of Chung Tai’s Abbot, Venerable Master Jianying, to the university’s Rector, Vice Rector, and Venerable Elders. He said, “Today marks the first anniversary of the signing of our memorandum of understanding. It is a profound honor to visit Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. With joy and gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the esteemed Rector for the warm reception and to the Vice Rector and Venerable Elders for their support. We believe that this mutual exchange with strengthen our bonds and create the conditions necessary to spread Buddhism in modern society. May our shared endeavors bring the Dharma to more individuals, so they can benefit from right views and attain liberation from suffering.”

Phra Dhammavatjarabundit, the Rector of MCU, extended a warm welcome to the Chung Tai delegation. He expressed his aspiration for closer collaboration between the two institutions in research and propagation of the Dharma. He envisioned that through the unified efforts of the Therevada and Mahayana traditions, Buddhism can spread globally and reach all sentient beings.

The ceremony featured the chanting of prayers and blessings, along with an exchange of gifts. On behalf of MCU, Rector Phra Dhammavatjarabundit presented three sets of the Tripitaka, two in Thai and the other in English, to Chung Tai Chan Monastery. This gesture was inspired by Vice Rector Phramaha Surasak's visit to Chung Tai earlier this year, where he was deeply impressed by the monastery’s extensive collection of sutras.

Venerable Master Jianyun reciprocated MCU’s generosity by presenting a gilded Buddha statue and conveying his gratitude in the following speech: “Today, we are profoundly grateful to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University for their generous gift of three different versions of the Tripitaka to Chung Tai Chan Monastery. Our entire community joyfully accepts these sacred treasures and will cherish them in the Sutra Treasury on the upper floors of the monastery.” Rector Phra Dhammavatjarabundit, in this thank-you speech, expressed his hope that the ceremony would foster more frequent exchanges and nurture a closer relationship between Chung Tai and MCU.

At the conclusion of the “Anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding Tripitaka Offering Ceremony,” the attendees posed for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

Turning the Dharma Wheel Through Mutual Exchange

At noon, MCU hosted a luncheon for the Chung Tai delegation and the university’s monastic faculty and student monks. Together, they engaged in a traditional Theravada offering to the sangha. Afterward, the delegation embarked on a visit to Mahachulalongkorn Temple before heading to the Meditation Center of Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima. Established in 1974, this meditation center boasts a campus where seventy percent is preserved as natural forest, creating an ideal environment for MCU students to practice meditation. The center also provides meditation courses for laypeople.

On the afternoon of December 1^st, the delegation visited Wat Pho in Bangkok, central Thailand. With a history spanning over two hundred and twenty years, Wat Pho stands as one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok. During their time there, the delegation paid respects to Elder Somdej Phramaha Theerajarn, the abbot of Wat Pho, who also oversees international affairs at the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to share insights and experiences in propagating the Dharma and establishing meditation centers. They also exchanged tokens of goodwill. Following their visit to Wat Pho, the delegation headed to Wat Arun in the Thonburi district of Bangkok. Wat Arun is renowned for being home to the largest Mahayana-style stupa of its kind in Thailand.

Chung Tai Chan Monastery’s visit to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University concluded on a high-note. Not only did it strengthen the bonds between the two institutions, it also fostered a deeper understanding and collaboration between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. This partnership holds great promise for Buddhism in the 21^st century, paving the way for its continued growth and resonance in the modern world.

Chung Tai Chan Monastery Visits Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Thailand

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