Tipiṭaka Lecture 2001
The Tipiṭaka & Vipassanā Meditation
On the Birth Centenary of Her Royal Highness
Somdech Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, The Princess Mother
of Thailand
Graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness
Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra
The Princess Mother's Elder Daughter
The International Tipiṭaka Hall, Chulalongkorn University
28 June B.E. 2544 (2001)
Tipiṭaka Documentary 2001
First streaming online : July 9, 2007
Closing Remarks
By
George A. Sioris
The Former Greek Ambassador to India, Thailand and Japan
and
Founding Member of the M.L. Maniratana Dhamma Society Fund
Under the Patronage ofHis Holiness Somdech Phra Ñāṇasaṃvara
The Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
Your Royal Highness,
Excellencies,
Mr. President and Mr. Chancellor
Distinguished guests,
It is certainly difficult to break the spell of the magnificent talk that we were deeply privileged to listen to. But, even as an "anti-climax", a few general concluding thoughts may be in order at this point and I fell sincerely honoured to be called upon to act as an interpreter of such a distinguished audience.
I am confident that firstly, a deep feeling of inner tranquillity permeates us all after the wise and inspiring words by Buddhist meditation Master like Mr. Goenka. We are truly grateful to him for his precious insights and the wisdom he brought us from Lord Buddha's birthplace.
There is an additional feeling of spiritual contentment as we gather here on the occasion of the elaborate Dhamma Society Publication of Dr. Anatole Peltier's original work on the Five Precepts. We all marvel at such a treasure of the popular Buddhist literature of Thailand. I believe that the task in front of some of us, entrusted with the honor to translate this story in foreign languages in view of its dissemination beyond the Buddhist sphere and throughout the world, is precisely to convey its deep meaning and wisdom, modestly hidden under a simple style; a style reflecting the unique atmosphere of recitation during quiet vigils, in various temples of the land, for the benefit of rural lay believers.
It is indeed a multiple happy coincidence that we are all gathered in such a prestigious building and this International Hall of such a leading Thai University, at a function so graciously presided by Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of our most beloved "Princes mother of Thailand". May her serene smile, conspicuous even to the remotest village of Thailand, guide the steps of each one of us individually towards "Santi".
May the noble task of Chulalongkorn University and the M.L. Maniratana Bunnag Dhamma Society Fund come to fruition for the benefit of humankind, in times where inner peace and serenity become such a tragic rarity...
Akkodhena jine kodhaṃ...
Hatred is never conquered by Hatred;
(English Translation from Mahāsaṅgīti Tipiṭaka Buddhavasse 2500
Suttantapiṭaka khuddakanikāya Dhammapada Kodhavagga Vol.18 no.223)
Hatred is conquered only by Loving-Kindness. This is a Law eternal.
SĀDHU !
