Buddhist-Christian Symposium (1-5 February)

Chiang Mai, in the Northern Thailand--In the Sacred Hall of Wat Pathat Sri Chomthong Temple in the presence of over 200 participants coming from 20 Asian and European countries, the Abbot of the monastery, Phra Thammankalajarn, also known as Ajahn Thong Sirimankalo, welcomed everyone, expressing the hope that they would feel at home in his temple. “If there is any disagreement among you, let’s apologize to one another and set things right,” he explained, making it clear that, in the same way as at previous Symposiums, this time too words and life should go together. “I was enriched,” he shared, “by meeting people from the Focolare Movement, and, at the time, by my contact with Pope John Paul II.” His words are deliberate, slow and solemn with the weight of his 85 years of wisdom and humility. “I always carry in my heart and mind everything I received from Mamma Chiara,” he affirmed recalling meetings and conversations with the founder of the Focolare Movement, including her visit to Thailand in 1997.

The emblem for this symposium is a lotus flower with a cross in its center, symbols of both religions. Yet there is no mixture here, and certainly no confusion in the talks. This can be seen from some of the things the main speakers said, where the expressions of esteem and benevolence stem from a reciprocal knowledge facilitated and nourished by previous symposiums. “The word ‘focolare’ means ‘hearth’ in Italian,” Nichiko Niwano, President of the Buddhist Rissho Kosei-kai (RKK) lay movement explains, ‘and is a place where people come together to find life and warmth, overcoming differences of country, race and religion, in order to achieve harmony.” He continues with a commitment: “We too, of the RKK, wish to become like a ‘focolare’ so that everyone can see the true life, the true warmth.”

Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio, Apostolic Nunzio in Thailand, echoed this sentiment and indicated the main characteristic of the Symposium: “To find a common base by sharing, in a spirit of brotherly communion, valuable experiences in the context of the challenges of the globalized world.” He quoted Benedict XVI, who in a meeting with the Thai bishops in May 2008 had suggested: “Together with Buddhism, you can promote mutual comprehension regarding the transmission to future generations of traditions, ethical values, and respect for the transcendent, and for prayer and contemplation. In this way we can all serve the common good of society.”

With this aim, the conference was organized. In fact, while the chosen theme is “Dharma, Compassion and Agape in the contemporary world’, the subtitle explains more clearly the intentions of the organizers: ‘The Response of Religions to the Challenges of Globalization.”

The Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Mons. Andrew Vissanu Thaya-anan, who is a Thai, expressed his support: “Buddhists and Christians can collaborate together and respond to today’s need for spirituality and a harmonious relationship between different ethnic and religious groups. This Symposium can enrich the quality of inter-religious dialogue between Buddhists and Christians.”

The need, indeed the urgency of dialogue and collaboration between people of different faiths was also stressed by the monk Phra Sudhivorayan, vice-rector of the Buddhist University of Bangkok, and by the World Council of Churches Director of the Office for relations with Religions and Cultures in Geneva, Shanta Premawardhane. It was corroborated by Pakorn Kob-hiran, a Muslim, and President of the local Inter-religious Council which is made up from faithful members of Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Brahman traditions. Back in 1946 Chiara Lubich had indicated the basis and aim of dialogue between believers, when she invited everyone to always turn towards the One Father of many children, and then look upon all creatures as sons and daughters of the one Father. Roberto Catalano and Cristina Lee, Directors of the Focolare Movement’s Center for Inter-religious Dialogue, recalled this in their opening talk when they reviewed the different stages and the significance of the previous symposiums. This symposium indeed had much history behind it!

The mystery of suffering’ – Maria Voce’s talk at the Buddhist-Christian Symposium

The theme for the third day was “The suffering of modern man and woman”, a talk by Maria Voce. An especially warm welcome greeted her and Co-President Giancarlo Faletti as they entered the hall. Their exchange of greetings with Grand Master Ajahn Thong was of particular importance as he had been instrumental in holding the Symposium held here in Chiang Mai. The President of the Focolare Movement then talked about Chiara Lubich’s experience of Jesus Forsaken.

“It’s not by chance that the charism of unity,” Maria Voce began, “was born on the devastation and death disseminated by the Second World War. Right against that paradoxical context of hatred, when all relationships seemed destroyed, God showed himself to Chiara for what he is – Love. It’s a love that finds its maximum expression in Jesus – He showed his love for us throughout his life, but above all in the sacrifice of the cross and in his abandonment.”

Maria Voce described the steps in the discovery of the Abandoned One by Chiara, a journey which those present follow with deep spiritual participation. Sustained by a ‘passion of love’ for him, Chiara was drawn to love not only Catholics and Christians, but also Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and every living person on earth. She continued, “This approach in itself is capable of generating new relationships not only on a personal level, but also on a communitarian level.” She added: “It is capable of renewing society from within and of building fraternal relationships between nations, taking each one’s identity into account. It can heal the wounds that torment the modern world, in which God is noticeable through his absence. We have but to think of mankind’s loss of fundamental values.”

She expounded, “Chiara offered her own active and personal contribution of love – for example through the Economy of Communion, the Movement for Unity in Politics, and in many other areas where this spirit is taking root.”

Hers was no blind resignation, therefore, no passive acceptance of suffering, but an active and unifying presence in today’s world. Maria Voce summed up: “In the ‘night’ that envelops today’s suffering humanity, Jesus Forsaken is the Star that guides us, and He gives us the courage and the light to approach each situation.”

The speech of the Focolare president engendered a sense of trust among the audience. The monk Phra Sudhivorayan, vice rector of the Buddhist university of Bangkok, said after Voce’s talk, “Chiara extended this process to the Muslims and the Buddhists. She always created something greater than the others.” He continued, “I saw the monk Phra Maha Thongrattana Thaworn, known to the Focolare as Luce Ardente, after he returned from the encounter with Chiara. From that time he was a changed person. Now, when he speaks, he offers pearls.” And he concludes, “It is of prime importance for us to continue to meet one another.”

Called upon to address the delegates, Luce Ardente (translated as ardent light), wearing an orange tunic on his right arm and with bare shoulders, got up to speak. “I was a child to her,” he began, referring to Chiara Lubich. “I didn’t have any understanding of Christianity and I was afraid to enter a church, thinking of that crucified figure. Mamma Chiara really inspired me and helped me to understand, showing me that the cross is the measure of the love of Jesus.”

Maria Voce concluded the questions and answers’ session, echoing Chiara Lubich. “Not only can we do it but we must also work hand in hand, and testify together to the unity not only among Christians and indeed among all believers.”

Maria Voce at the Buddhist University in Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai, February 5

In the most important Buddhist University in Chiang Mai, the President of the Focolare presented the Catholic Church and its aims, speaking about its founder, Jesus, about his life and teachings, to a hundred Buddhist students. She talked about Chiara and the Focolare Movement, the discovery of God as Love and the plan of unity for humanity contained in the Gospel. The monks are more and more attentive as the story unfolds. She explained the characteristics of Christian love and underlines that “to welcome the other we must make as much room as possible available inside us by being empty.” In fact, she touched on a central element of Buddhist asceticism. She emphasized, “This is an essential condition for dialogue with everyone—a condition that helps us discovers the elements of truth in each person. To dialogue is to love in truth, and this is not always an easy path.”

One monk commented. “I’ve gained a new way of looking at Christians now. ‘I’ve discovered your openness. You love us and we can return that love. This is what all religions are about. This also encourages us to seek a better relationship with our Muslim friends so as to become real brothers.” “Buddha teaches that to be happy we must make others happy,” a monk from Cambodia expressed. “This can include people of different generations or religions. I wish the Focolare every success in its work.” Maria Voce responded: “I am very thankful for this occasion that has opened up all our hearts more. Inter-religious dialogue is a way to open ourselves up to each other.”

Maria Voce meets 850 from 15 countries in Bangkok--Bangkok, February 7

There were 850 people from the Focolare communities from over 15 countries in South East Asia, from India to Indonesia, and to Cambodia as well. Children, young people and adults came dressed in colorful traditional costumes and hats of every shape and size representing each country through dances and songs. Present were Buddhists – including monks, with Luce Ardente in the front row – Muslims and Hindus. Cardinal Vlk from Prague was also there, with Bishop Thomas Dabre from India, and Bishop Rufin Anthony from Pakistan, who had arrived early for the subsequent meeting of Asian Bishop Friends of the Focolare.

Ten Hindus came from India: “We are so grateful to have been able to participate in this Christian gathering with such a high international profile. We have really felt part of the family. The movement fully includes us.”

The final afternoon was dedicated to a question and answer session with the illustrious guests – twenty questions on various issues, from young people to inculturation. “I was very touched by Maria and Giancarlo’s message,” explains Anthony Tan, an engineer with the giant computer firm HP in Singapore. “Each one of us must become more authentically Jesus, as Chiara did, to bring ahead evangelization in our daily lives,” he added.

Paolo Loriga