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44 EASTERN HORIZON | FEATURES

IBC International

cuisine Day

By Students of International Buddhist College, Thailand

Food has a thousand connotations. How do we view food?
Something to fill the stomach? Does food help identify a
cultural ethos? Or is food a tool to bridge or divide us in
our interactions with others? We all come from different
backgrounds and have many differences in how we view
the world and how we live our lives. We may come from
different cultures but we are all united by our biological
need to eat.

The International Buddhist College (IBC) is a place where
people from different countries come together to pursue
their education in Buddhism. This diversity in culture
not only influence but challenges food preparation by the
kitchen staff. As sharing food is a profound experience,
students and faculty staff are given the opportunity to
prepare food that is unique to their country and culture
during weekends or on special occasions.

One such occasion was the first day of 2019. This is a day
when people around the world welcomed the New Year
with fireworks and various types of celebrations. At IBC,
the New Year was celebrated with everyone in campus
being treated to a community feast prepared specially by
the male students and staff. This was because the female
students and staff had earlier prepared a sumptuous lunch
on December 23, 2018 for everyone in campus.

The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone - both the
cooks as well as the students in campus. Those preparing
the food had a good time as they enjoyed the opportunity to
spend time together and acquire new skills in cooking. It is
no surprise that the whole campus became more alive with a
giggle here and a chuckle there.

Everything went smoothly and there were happiness and
joy. Praises and compliments came flowing from all and it
was amazing to see that friendships are strengthened, and
individualism is diminished.