Kathmandu, December 9: The Ninth South China Sea Buddhist Roundtable officially commenced, with a launch ceremony at the iconic Golden Mount Temple in Bangkok on Friday (6). A key moment in the event was the ceremonial handover of the Dharma Propagation Cup by Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple and Chief Prelate (Malwatta Chapter) of the Western Province, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji.
Representing the host nation of the Eighth Roundtable, Sri Lanka handed over leadership to Thailand and Nepal, following the hosting of last year’s full event in Colombo. The ceremony underscored Sri Lanka’s role in promoting Buddhist unity and dialogue.
The handover process was carried out through the hands of Thailand’s Deputy Monk King Phra Phummasiti and Vice President of the Chinese Buddhist Association Ven. Yin Shun. The Dharma Propagation Cup was formally passed to Mahajan Siddhartha, Secretary-General of the Nepal Bhikkhu Association, representing Nepal, the guest country for this year’s Roundtable.
Under Sri Lanka’s leadership, the Eighth Roundtable fostered unity, peace, and cultural exchange among Buddhist nations. This year’s Roundtable, themed “Dharma and milk come from the same origin, uniting the world,” continues to emphasise collaboration, shared values, and the propagation of Buddhist teachings for global harmony.
The Kathmandu Forum, scheduled for December 13, in Nepal, will further explore these principles and engage Buddhist leaders and scholars in discussions aimed at promoting peace and spiritual growth.
The launch ceremony was attended by Director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs of China Chen Ruifeng, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang, Deputy Monk King of Thailand Phra Pongmasiti, Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Mari Sayanphong.
The Buddhist communities of Thailand and Nepal expressed deep gratitude to Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera for his outstanding leadership and organisation of the Eighth Roundtable.
Source: Daily News
