The 18th United Nations Day ofVesak Celebration took place on June 1, 2023, in the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok.
Buddhist delegations and government leaders from 55 countries, including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Singapore, France, Germany, the United States, and Hungary, totaling more than 3,500 people, attended the grand celebration.
Master Zhang Bu Sheng, who is also Vice President of the Frankfurt Buddhist Academy, was invited to participate in this high-profile international conference organized by UNESCO (?), a subsidiary organization of the United Nations.
During the conference, Master Zhang engaged in friendly interaction with numerous eminent monks, and presented the “Crossing Vajra Hearts” as gifts to several revered masters.
During the conference, Master Zhang had cordial conversation with the Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for Day of Vesak (ICDV) and a senior monk from Thailand. This was Master Zhang’s second intimate encounter with the senior monk, thus deepening their mutual understanding and friendship.
He also had several warm discussions with Ven. Dr. T. Dhammaratana (Shi Fabao), the Ambassador to the United Nations for the International Council for the Day of Vesak, the Vice President of the International Council of the United Nations Day of Vesak Council, and the President of the Frankfurt Buddhist Academy in Germany. Master Zhang greatly expressed admiration and respect to the efforts made by Master Shi Fabao in organizing the Day of Vesak Celebration throughout the years.
Furthermore, Master Zhang and Master Shi Fabao had in-depth discussions on topics such as promoting the compassion, wisdom, harmony, and inclusiveness of Buddhism, fostering interreligious and intercultural exchanges, advancing dialogue and cooperation among different religions, and contributing the positive religious force to address global crises. They agreed to jointly initiate the “Global Faith and Culture International Forum,” which will be held for seven days in Singapore in October this year.
On the morning of June 2, Master Zhang Bu Sheng and his delegation attended the Vesak Celebration and conference held at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiralaochaoyuhua graciously appointed H.E. General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council to preside over the Opening Ceremony. His Excellency Prof. Wisanu Krua-Ngam, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, delivered a speech.
In the afternoon of June 2, during the gift exchange session, Master Shi Fabao and Master Zhang Bu Sheng, on behalf of the Frankfurt Buddhist Academy in Germany, presented a handcrafted Vajrasattva Buddha statue made by Shakya artisans and a Vajra Heart designed by Master Zhang himself, which symbolizes the esoteric meaning of Vajrasattva practice, as gifts to the Thai royal family. The gifts expressed profound reverence to the Thai king for his selfless dedication to the promotion of Buddhism and conveyed blessings to all sectors and people of Thailand.
During the conference, Master Zhang Bu Sheng had in-depth communication and exchanges with sangha organizations, scholars, and religious leaders from around the world, cementing friendships. Among them, he established connections with the Chinese Buddhist delegation, Ven. Yanjue, the President of the Chinese Buddhist Association and the Dean of the Chinese Buddhist Academy. He also formed positive affinities with and presented gift to the Holy Eminence Tsula Lopen Rinpoche Khenchen Karma Rangdol of the Kagyu lineage in Bhutan.
To our pleasant surprise, we also established a connection with Gagan Malik, the actor portraying the Buddha, at the United Nations Conference Center. We introduced to him the upcoming documentary program “Shakyamuni Has to Say” and the international forums organized by Master Zhang. Gagan Malik expressed great pleasure in getting to know Master Zhang and expressed his wish for deeper collaboration.
In the evening, all conference participants gathered at Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom Province, where a solemn and grand chanting and prayer ceremony took place. Simultaneously, a candlelight procession around the Buddha was conducted, offering the most devout homage to our revered master, Shakyamuni Buddha.
Within the majestic Buddhamonthon, incense smoke wafted and the melodious sounds of chanting filled the air. All attendees were immersed in the atmosphere of prayer, offering their wishes for world peace, human well-being, and prosperity.
The current United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration concluded successfully with prayers and blessings.