Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya – International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC) of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) organized a prestigious ceremony and academic activities to commemorate the 12th Anniversary of its Founding at the Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya Building, Lam Sai Subdistrict, Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The event was held to honor the origin of the college and to reaffirm its determination to serve as a global center for Buddhist education.
Solemn Flag-Hoisting Ceremony: A Symbol of Continuity and Legacy
The ceremony began with the auspicious flag-hoisting ritual of three significant flags: the National Flag of Thailand, the Dhammacakka Flag, and the MCU Flag.
The ritual was presided over by Phra Brahmawatcharatheeracharn, Prof. Dr., Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, who consecrated the flags and presented them to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surapon Suyaprom, Vice Rector for General Affairs, to be raised at the flagpoles. This act symbolized the continuation and preservation of the Buddhist academic heritage.
12 Years as a Global Center for Buddhist Studies: A Mandate of 87 Buddhist Nations
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surapon Suyaprom, IBSC was established in response to the global Buddhist community’s call following the United Nations’ recognition of Vesak Day as an International Day of the World. When Thailand hosted the International Vesak Celebration twenty years ago, Buddhist leaders from 87 countries unanimously resolved that Thailand should be the center of world Buddhism, designating Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University as the international hub for Buddhist studies.
In commemoration of the 12th anniversary and to mark the transition into its 13th year, the College organized both merit-making ceremonies and academic conferences. The academic session emphasized learning integrated with practice, guided by the compassionate leadership of Phra Brahmavajravimalamuni Vi., Assoc. Prof. Dr., a member of the Supreme Sangha Council, who supervises Vipassana meditation practice nationwide. He shared his vision and policy for the internationalization of Vipassana practice.
MCU: Continuing the Royal Legacy of King Rama V – A Global Institution for Buddhist Higher Education
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University was founded according to the royal aspiration of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to establish an institution for the study of the Tipitaka and advanced Buddhist education.
The trust placed by Buddhist leaders from 87 nations in assigning MCU to lead international Buddhist education stands as proof of its credibility and global recognition.
“Currently, there are more than 2,000 international students studying at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, which is tangible evidence of global acceptance, in its 13th year, IBSC plans to expand its collaboration network (MOUs) with the Union of Thai Dhammaduta Monks Worldwide and other international organizations to further extend Buddhist knowledge globally” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surapon.
Strengthening the Mission: MCU as a World Center for Buddhist Education
Phrathepvajarasarabundit, Assoc.Prof.Dr., Vice Rector for Planning and Development, emphasized the vital role and mission of IBSC in driving Buddhist education and propagation at the global level. He explained that the primary objective of establishing IBSC is to provide international Buddhist education, thereby reaffirming MCU’s status as the Global Center for Buddhist Studies.
The Vice Rector noted that this mission has its roots in 2005 (B.E. 2548) when Buddhist leaders worldwide, during a historic meeting at Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, acknowledged Thailand as the Center of World Buddhism and MCU as the primary academic institution responsible for promoting Buddhist higher education globally.
Since then, education in Buddhism has become the key mechanism in fulfilling this role, with MCU offering Master’s and Doctoral programs taught in international languages.
12 Years of Achievement: Students from 30 Countries Worldwide
Today, IBSC stands as a resounding success, attracting students and practitioners from nearly 30 countries around the world. This reflects the Buddhist aspiration of the Lord Buddha — that all Buddhists, regardless of nationality, should gain access to the Dhamma and spread it for the benefit of humanity. Ultimately, this leads to peace and harmony in the world.
“IBSC has become an essential mechanism for enhancing the effectiveness of international Buddhist education and bringing peace to humankind,” emphasized Phrathepvajarasarabundit.
Unifying the Fourfold Buddhist Assembly Toward the 13th Year
He further reiterated that the Lord Buddha entrusted Buddhism to the Fourfold Assembly: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. As IBSC steps into its 13th year, the most significant mission is to unite all members of the Buddhist community in learning and practice together, as this unity forms the foundation of Buddhist stability and propagation.
Buddhism: A Source of Mental Stability in a World of Conflict
In conclusion, the Vice Rector stated,
“We can firmly affirm that the stability of Buddhism is the stability of the human mind both within this nation and throughout the world.”
He added that in a world increasingly marked by competition, change, and conflict, Buddhism stands as a vital foundation for global peace, embodying the timeless truth that:
“The world can find peace and relief from suffering through the teachings of the Buddha.
