Abbot President Invited to Share Insights and Practice of Spiritual Environmental Protection at the 12th Global Conference on Buddhism

On December 16^th and 17^th, DDM Abbot President Ven. Guo Huei was invited to attend the 12^th Global Conference on Buddhism in Singapore, where he delivered a speech on "Spiritual Environmental Protection," and engaged in a dialogue with Ajahn Brahmavamso, the Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Australia.

The conference, held at Singapore Expo in Suntec City, highlighted issues such as global population aging, pandemics, and end-of-life care under the theme "Life, Death, and Rebirth." The eminent speakers included Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche; Ven. Thubten Chodron, the Abbess of Sravasti Abbey in the US; Bhante Buddharakkhita, the Abbot of Uganda Buddhist Centre; Ayya Santini, the Abbess of Wisma Kusalayani in Indonesia; Prof. Bernard Carr, the renowned astronomer of the UK; and Dr. Ng Wai Chong, a member of Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The conference brought together Venerables from different Buddhist traditions, scholars, and social workers, and the participants also seized the rare opportunity to exchange thoughts and learn. 

The two-day agenda explored the following six subtopics: "Seeking the Truth," "Mindful Living," "Illness & Dying," "Near-Death Experience & Intermediate State," "Rebirth," and "Realms of Existence."

During the "Seeking the Truth" session on the morning of the 16^th, the Abbot President began with the Three Dharma Seals and Four Noble Truths to elucidate the core essence of Buddhadharma. He then shared how DDM applied Spiritual Environmental Protection as a core principle to practice Social, Living, and Natural Environmental Protection. Under the guidance of Buddhist perspectives and methods, not only can we practically realize the beauty of life, but we can also positively face the issues concerning life and death. In the afternoon, along with Ayya Santini, and Dr. Ng Wai Chong, the Abbot President engaged in the "Illness & Dying" session, addressing audience questions on issues of life and death. 

During the Q&A time of each session, attendees were eager to propose questions, such as "Rationally, we know that aging, illness, and death are inevitable in life, but we still find it hard to accept when impermanence reveals itself. Why so?" and "How can we be aware of the fact that 'Our wants are many, and our needs are few' and put it into practice in a society that promotes consumption?" The Abbot President cited the agreement reached at COP28, and humorously suggested replacing shopping time with meditation alongside Ajahn Brahmavamso. He believed that cultivating the intrinsic joy can lead to a transformation in personal lifestyles. 

During the Final Rapid-fire Q&A session on December 17^th, all speakers reconvened to answer questions. Their sincere and selfless responses garnered enthusiastic reactions from the audience. To close the session, representatives from each Buddhist tradition offered their blessings to the world, while the Abbot President concluded by presenting DDM's annual theme for 2024: "A World of Blessings - With a calm body and mind, we have peace in every moment. In harmony with ourselves and others, we have blessings everywhere."



Text: Dharma Drum Mountain Cultural Center Magazine Department
Photos: Abbot President Office
Translation: Siang-ling Li
Editing: Keith Brown, YKL