HaNam (VNA) – Vietnamese scholars, Buddhist dignitaries and followers highlightedthe use of Buddhist philosophy as an approach to ethics education across theglobe at a forum held in Ha Nam province on May 11.

Thepanel discussion, themed "Buddhist Approach to Global Education inEthics", forms part of activities of the UN Day of Vesak 2019 that isunderway in Tam Chuc Pagoda in Kim Bang district, the northern province of Ha Namuntil May 14.

Atthe event, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet, Head of the VietnamBuddhism Academy in Hanoi, expressed concerns over recent social crises, saying:“given the unsettled society with numerous crises nowadays, global educationsin ethics through Buddhist philosophy is the key to bring about peace for allpeople."

Delegatesshared their knowledge and ideas on applying Buddhist philosophy in ethics educationworldwide and in Vietnam. They reiterated education helps young people developtheir conscience, behave properly and preserve traditional ethics values amid theglobal integration.

Forhis part, Venerable Thich Hue Dao from the Vietnam Buddhist Research Instituteunderlined the introduction of Buddhist moral philosophy for the sustainabledevelopment of Vietnam.

“Inthe light of Buddha’s teachings, Buddhist philosophy teaches people to helpeach other and have compassion with others. This lays a foundation for asustainable society,” he said.

Meanwhile,Nguyen Thi Minh Hai from An Giang University, the Mekong Delta province of AnGiang, suggested relevant authorities, Buddhist organisations and institutions takeadvantage of the achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to spread theBuddhist goodwill to more people, thus improving morality while curbing conflictsand social evils worldwide.

Delegatesalso brought on international lessons and experience in applying Buddhist philosophyin education to change social behaviors in many countries, suggesting thepractice be applied in Vietnam.

The 16th United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 brings together 1,650delegates from 112 countries and territories worldwide.

Nearly 400 speeches in English by foreign scholars and 110others in Vietnamese will be presented at forums in the framework of theFestival. 

The forums will focus on responsible leadershipfor sustainable societies; Buddhism’s approach to harmonious families,education and responsible consumption; and Buddhism and the Fourth IndustrialRevolution. 

This is the third time Vietnam has hosted the UN Vesak celebration. Previously,it took place in Hanoi in 2008 and the northern province of Ninh Binh in 2014.

The UN Vesak 2019 celebration is an important external event,contributing to improving the role of Vietnamese Buddhism in internationalintegration and affirming Vietnam's position and responsibility for UNactivities in all fields.-VNA