Bangkok, Buddhist university and Italian theologians in dialogue on religions and peace

As part of its Summer school, the Triveneto Theological Faculty held a seminar together with the International Buddhist Studies College. Central was the idea of a unity capable of respecting differences. An initiative linked to the presence of fidei donum missionaries from this Italian region in the diocese of Chiang Mai.

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - A group of Italian theology students and graduates in conversation with a Buddhist university in Thailand on the theme of dialogue between religions and peace. This is the experience of the summer school sponsored this week in Bangkok by the Theological Faculty of Triveneto. We publish below the testimony of a participant in this initiative.

The first Summer school in Thailand organized by the Theological Faculty of Triveneto is underway (July 10-24, 2023). Accompanied by Dean Fr. Andrea Toniolo, Prof. Fr. Giulio Osto and Fr. Bruno Soppelsa (fidei donum missionary as part of the Triveneto Churches' collaboration project with the diocese of Chiang Mai), seventeen students and former students are experiencing the great opportunity to deepen the themes of interreligious dialogue and faith inculturation. 

In the course of this experience, we were welcomed at the PIME community located in Nonthaburi (Bangkok). PIME's Southeast Asia Regional Superior, Fr. Daniele Mazza, shared with us his personal experience of studying and encountering the reality of Theravāda Buddhism. It was thanks to him that we had the opportunity to participate in the Seminar on Interreligious Peace in Multicultural Society, held at the IBSC (International Buddhist Studies College) of Bangkok Buddhist University.

The seminar proceedings were started by moderator Ven. Phra Sirichai Chayanboon and a warm welcome by Ven. Phramaha Somphong Khunakaro (IBSC deputy director). To the two speeches by representatives of the Italian delegation (Francesco Castiglioni and Filippo Visentin), who addressed the topics "Christian Faith and Peace: the Way of Dialogue" and "Fratelli tutti. Encyclical letter on fraternity and social friendship," were followed by that of Ven. Phramaha Duangthip Pariyattidhari Pali IX (Ph.D. director of IBSC's Peace Study Program) on global citizenship for peace, bikkhuni Maechee Narumon Jiwattanasuk who expounded a critical view of multiculturalism as a way to peace, and Prof. Frank J. Hoffman on interfaith dialogue. 

It was a special time of encounter and discussion, during which Christian and Buddhist participants found themselves reflecting together on dialogue as a tool for peace, as a commitment for all, as a task given every day.

It has repeatedly emerged how building a peaceful world that respects differences is the responsibility of each individual person. Religions, then, recognizing in peace and dialogue a common goal, feel the need to join forces, to go beyond the categorical divisions that condition our cultures, to focus on the unity of the human family. 

How can we render the meaning of these words? Ven. Phramaha Duangthip Pariyattidhari Pali IX, speaking on global citizenship, emphasized the value of education, the need to cultivate compassion and empathy, and the importance of intercultural experiences.

During this seminar, we confronted and educated each other, shared the recognition of religious diversity as a gift and a richness. We all recognized each other as "artisans of peace" who, in dialogue and listening to each other, were able to share the qualities that characterize individual faiths and religious experiences, giving "rise to a space of sharing and mutual acceptance by strengthening the culture of encounter," without relativizing "the differences that exist among us, but affirming the importance of having a plurality of experiences and visions that can be shared, so that together we can continually care for each other."

Our journey now continues to Chae Hom and Chiang Mai, where we will further experience inculturation and dialogue with a greater awareness and responsibility, building on what we have received so far.