'Nation, religion and king make Thainess,' senior Buddhist says

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"A monk is like a doctor. We can show Buddhists the way out of sorrow," said Phra Veerapol Veerayano, a member of the Sangha Supreme Council, the senior body of Buddhism in Thailand.

"Buddhism is the Supremacy of Righteousness for those who believe, have faith and study Buddhism. Even shopkeepers, workers, government officers and those in offices can access Dhamma," Veerayano noted.

"Rich or poor can learn Dhamma. Anyone can do Dhamma. After that, they feel relief and peacefulness by doing Dhamma themselves. Buddha said 'Dhamma will cure all who follow Dhamma.'"

Phra Veerapol Veerayano, a member of Thailand's Supreme Sangha Council of Buddhism. /CGTN Photo

He believes Buddhism, one of the world's oldest religions, remains important in the 21st Century because it's about lending a hand and helping others. It always provides help, caring rather than gossiping, and doesn't cause harm to people.

"The Theravada sect (the oldest tradition of Buddhism) preaches about supporting others. It is like a quote from the past, 'Good temple because of good home, beautiful home because of beautiful discipline. Home and temple can succeed together when helping each other but will collapse when they harm each other,'" said Veerayano.

He said significant places in Thailand such as the home, school, temple, and community always help and support each other.

Buddhism can co-exist with others

Buddhism is claimed to be the "Supremacy of Righteousness" for believers. /CGTN Photo

Buddhism plays a big part in Thai life but how much relevance does it have for non-Buddhist countries?

Asia is the world's biggest and most populated continent, home to a lot of different races and religions, and many think the exchange of ideas and cultures can benefit all and contribute to a shared future.

Veerayano said, "Buddhism can co-exist with others because we have the nation as body, the religion as heart and the king as brain. So, nation, religion and king make Thainess."

The old and the new: Buddhism still plays a vital role in the 21st Century. /CGTN Photo

He appreciated the support of the King of Thailand to every religion in Thailand even though the king is a Buddhist. He believes Buddhism can help promote communication and understanding between countries and communities.

"To help our relationship with other countries, we have a special office. It is like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Monks. We have Dhammaduta monks who will propagate Buddhism in other countries. There are two monastic universities that have opportunities to welcome international monks to study in Thailand," Veerayano said.

He introduced that Thai monks have a lot of opportunities to learn from each other. For instance, monks can study abroad in the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, and ASEAN countries. And every year, monks around the world will come to talk about Buddhism on Visakha Bucha Day. The theme of this year in Thailand is volunteering.

Buddhism can show people how to live a caring life, say believers. /CGTN Photo

"Thailand is strong and Buddhism is the majority, so we have established The World Fellowship of Buddhists here in Thailand."

Phra Veerapol Veerayano was speaking in the context of the Asian Civilization Dialogue in Beijing, a conference discussing the benefits of cultural exchange and mutual learning among Asian countries.