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Message from
Mr. Phan Wannamethee
President of The World Fellowship of Buddhists
Prayer for World Peace

at Closing Ceremmony of The 29 General Conference
th
of The World Fellowship of Buddhists
9 November B.E. 2561 (2018)
Sojiji Temple in Yokohama, Japan

On behalf of The World Fellowship of Buddhists, it is my great honor and privilege to be
invited to the Prayer for World Peace held at Sojiji Temple, Yokohama, Japan. In the world of
globalization that most everything seems easily reachable, we need to retain among us anything
that is conducive to peace. Global harmony can become a reality if all our actions are directed
towards the welfare of the human race.
The world situation today calls for a proper training of the mind and reminds us of a passage
in the Dhammapada, a part of Buddhist Scriptures:
Those who quarrel, do not realize
that they will perish.
But those who realize this truth,
have their quarrels calmed thereby.

Thus, we should develop a good understanding and brotherhood among friends, abstain
from all evils and be willing to do good deeds. Hence, one needs to be mindful and regularly
examine one’s mind. In the light of Buddhism, the well-trained mind can guide us to the life
which is sufficient to meet all necessities. In other words, the best life is the one which has
neither more nor less than we really need. If we are contended with obtaining only the things
we really need, then we can attain sustainable peaceful happiness.

According to the teachings of the Buddha, loving kindness and compassion are the best
means of peace. In others words, they can effectively form a Bridge of Peace for the entire world.
Loving kindness and compassion prevent us from harming ourselves and others and, at the same
time, encourage us to live for the best of the world.
On this special occasion, I wish every success in your participation at this gathering of
Prayer for World Peace.
May you enjoy the blessings of the Triple Gem.

Phan Wannamethee
President of The World Fellowship of Buddhists

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RECORD OF PROCEEDING | THE 29 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE WFB
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