第五届世界佛教论坛 ／ 大会发言

　　Formal Message
of the Venerable Sayadaw Bhaddanta Candima Bivamsa(Aggamahapanddita),
the Secretary of State Samgha Mahanayaka Committee,
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
to the Fifth World Buddhist Forum
held in Putian, Fujian Province,
the Peoples’ Republic of China
    It is a great pleasure and honor for me to attend the Fifth World Buddhist Forum held in Putian City, Fujian Province, the Peoples’ Republic of China.
    May I wish all the Buddhist leaders from different countries, H.E Ministers of Religious Affairs and High ranks officials, for their happiness and good health.
    I would like to explain the Religious Affairs and the different levels of Samgha Organization in Myanmar to the Leaders, the Ministers of Religious Affairs and the senior officers who are attending to this grand occasion.
    The Population of Republic of the Union of Myanmar is about 52 millions and there are nearly 88% (47 Millions)of Buddhist who worship Theravada Buddhism. The Theravada Buddhism has been thriving over 1000 years with the Teachings of Buddha-Suttanta, Vinaya and Abhidhamma without being modified or amended or deducted along through the ages. In Myanmar, there are many Pagodas and Stupas so our country is called “ Golden Land”.
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    In the different levels of Samgha Organizations, there are Ward/ Village Samgha Nayaka Organization, Township Samgha Nayaka Organization and Region/State Samgha Nayaka Organization. 1424 Representative members of Samghas have been elected by voting of over 5 lakhs of Samgha. The 300 members of Samghas out of the 1424 members have been elected for State Central Working Committee of Samghas. And the 47 members of Samghas out of the 300 members have been also elected for the State Samgha Mahanayaka Committee, with the leadership of Chairman and Secretary.
    Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Peoples’ Republic of China have been in the close relationship for many countries because the two countries have the same religion, culture, custom and tradition since many years ago.
    The Buddhism is based on the Four Sublime States: Brahmavihara-Mitta(loving-kindness), Karuna(Compassion), Mudita(Sympathetic Joy), Upekkha(Equanimity). All human beings in the world may rely on them for peace and happiness abiding by the teaching of the Buddha.
    The Buddha showed the Middle Way(Mijjimapatipadha)and to avoid the two extremes- being engaged in sensual pleasures, self-indulgence , and self-affliction. There are eight type of the Middle Path: Right understanding, Right thought, Right speech, Right action, Right concentration, Right effort, Right livelihood, and Right mindfulness.
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    The human beings in the whole world will become peaceful and the free from fire of greed, hatred, and delusion by practicing them and treading on their ways.
    In conclusion I would like to urge you all who are earnestly participating in this meritorious programme to undertake the Buddhist missionary works with earnestness, to use the valuable times in accordance with the favorable conditions, and to work harder than ever with hands in hands with the solutions sought by the unanimous efforts for the promotion and propagation of Buddha Sasana.
            May all be happy and peaceful !
    The Secretary Sayadaw
    Bhaddanta Candimar Bivamsa
    The State Samgha Mahanayaka Committee, Yangon