Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Council, Venerable Thich Duc Thien, who is also Secretary General of the International Committee for Day of Vesak, reads the Ha Nam Declaration (Photo: VNA) Ha Nam (VNA) – The 2019 Ha Nam Declaration was issued at end of the 16thUnited Nations Day of Vesak at the Tam Chuc Convention Centre in the northern province of Ha Nam on May 14.
Following is the full text of the 2019 Ha Nam Declaration.
Whereas, we, theparticipants, from 112 countries and territories, have come together for theInternational Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak at TamChuc Convention Centre held during May 12-14, 2019;
Whereas, we, came together in this Assemblypursuant to that resolution approved on December 15, 1999 at the GeneralAssembly of the United Nations, Session No. 54, Agenda Item 174, Resolution54/115. Therein, it was declared that Vesak, which falls on the Full Moon Dayin the month of May, will be internationally recognised and observed at theUnited Nations Headquarters and its Regional Offices from the Year 2000onwards. The United Nations Day of Vesak is jointly celebrated by all Buddhisttraditions as a Thrice Sacred Day. Itserves to foster mutual understanding and cooperation amongst all Buddhisttraditions, organisations and individuals through ongoing dialogue betweenBuddhist leaders and scholars addressing those issues of universal concern. Asa result of our deliberations we adopt and publish the following message ofpeace based on the Buddha's teaching of wisdom and compassion:
Whereas, coming together to discussthe issues related to the “Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership andShared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies”, we have shared ourviewpoints, experiences and research on the latest trends and developments inthe various fields and considered deliberately their practical implications;and,
Whereas, we are most grateful andfull of deep appreciation for the most wonderful hospitality of the NationalVietnam Buddhist Sangha and the support of the Government of Socialist Republicof Vietnam in hosting this most auspicious gathering, on the occasion of thecompletion of our three-day deliberations featuring meetings, academicpresentations, learned discussions, cultural events and Buddhist fellowship.
Now, therefore, at the conclusion ofour successful celebrations and meetings we, the assembled delegates,unanimously resolve and adopt this Declaration.
Article 1: General Agreements
Inorder to better understand and fully implement the UN Sustainable DevelopmentGoals, we resolve to:
1.1 Adopt an increasingly active role, both locally and globally, advocating for, working for, and supporting sustainable societies in the current context of profound social, political, economic and cultural crises.
1.2 Invigorate the concept of “Engaged Buddhism” by actively and positively seeking the participation of international institutions.
1.3 Validate the Buddhist approach as a complementary paradigm for achieving peaceful ideals and understanding universal values.
1.4 Advocate Buddhist philosophy for exploring the changing character and context and as spiritual guidance for global governance.
1.5 Recognise the Buddhist-based framework of international actions as a set of feasible, agreeable, arrangements for the overall well-being, development and progress of all sentient beings.
1.6 Avow the greatnessof Buddhism in contemporary times.
Article 2:Buddhist Response to Shared Responsibilities
In order to promote the notion of shared responsibilities, we resolve to:
2.1 Build a proactive and well-weaved foundation for interactionsby identifying the significant roles of Buddhist Communities around the World.
2.2 Support each one’s expertise on the basis of Buddhistprinciples for the benefit of each other.
2.3 Extend the idea of compassion, considerate actionand support to help the people beyond Buddhist communities without any discrimination on the basis race,creed, religion and gender.
2.4 Emphasise the important individual responsibility in the sharedcollective.
2.5 Collaborate withinternational agencies at different levels of responsibility for the attainmentof Buddhism’s ultimate goal to end sufferings.
2.6 Propagate the Buddhist’s five ethicalprecepts and promote the active participation of local communities to transformthem into sustainable goals as a basis of shared responsibilities toward betterliving conditions worldwide.
Article 3: Buddhist Approach toSustainable Societies
In order to create sustainable societies,we resolve to:
3.1 Utilise the Four NobleTruths and the Eightfold Path as the foundational approach to sustainablesocieties.
3.2 Create interdependence among several communities byrecognising the teachings of Buddha for promoting maximum human potential in asustainable manner.
3.3 Revitalise the integration of three Buddhist pillars ofdevelopment, namely, environmental protection, economic prosperity, and socialjustice.
Article 4: Mindful Leadership for Sustainable Peace
In order to make peace inthe light of mindful leadership, we resolve to:
4.1 Emphasise dialogue and non-violent approaches for peace-buildingcontrary to the old paradigm that the physically stronger always wins over theweaker
4.2 Encourage thenotions of wisdom and compassion as the basis for any conflict avoidance andresolution.
4.3 Acknowledge the fundamental importance of mindful leadershiprelating to instruction in individual and societal ethics in contributing topeace making. (Specifically, seeking thesettlement of conflicts, respect for life, ending of violence and practice ofloving kindness, non-violence through dialogue and cooperation.)
Article 5: Buddhist Approach to Harmonious Families,Healthcare and Sustainable Societies
Inorder to create sustainable societies, we resolve to:
5.1 Acknowledge the contemporarytransformations in family structures and social systems and promote Buddhistprinciples of harmonious communication to achieve harmonious families, betterhealthcare service and sustainable societies.
5.2 Evaluate the effects of healthy livingand facilitate the Buddhist healthy living programme by applying Buddhistmeditation techniques.
5.3 Teach the Buddhist’sfive ethical precepts as part of the school curriculum, from K to 12 grade, toadvocate for the concept of healthy living and harmonious families.
5.4 Promote the spirit of the five ethicalprecepts in the justice system as the basis for rehabilitation of incarceratedindividuals.
Article 6: Buddhist Approach to Global Educationin Ethics
In order to improve theglobal system of education, we resolve to:
6.1 Reaffirm that theultimate goal of Buddhist education in ethics is to liberate a person from itsown ego and suffering.
6.2 Propagate theBuddhist concept of impermanence and non-self in global education forbetterment of the World to fight against greed, anger, and ignorance.
6.3 Combine the tenets of Buddhism withPsychology and Philosophy in education as a way to examine the issues of Ethicsand Ethics itself.
6.4 Incorporate Buddhist ethical principles intonational systems of education at all levels.
6.5 Encourage the integration of wisdom and compassion in caring for theenvironment, cultivating synergetic effects among individuals, schools andcommunities.
Article 7: Buddhism and the Fourth IndustrialRevolution
Withthe help of digital platforms, we resolve to:
7.1 Urge Dharma teachers to take advantage ofthe fourth industrial revolution to modernize Buddhist science of mind studiesfor human healing and transformation by using robotics, artificialintelligence, sensors, and vision.
7.2 Integrate Buddhist practices with technologylike mindfulness-based computer and phone applications for meditation.
7.3 Advocate forcontinued research in the field of artificial intelligence as a tool to allowhumans more free time to perform higher-level and meaningful tasks but not toreplace human interaction, innovation and critical decision-making.
7.4 Apply Buddhist philosophy in furthering theunderstanding of a world run by algorithms.
Article 8: BuddhistApproach to Responsible Consumption and Sustainable Development
Withrenewed awareness of the fundamental importance of Buddhist approach inenabling growth, we resolve to:
8.1 Propagate the life story of the Buddha asone who spent most of his life in harmony with nature, with more of aneed-based than greed-based engagement for the betterment of theenvironment.
8.2 Utilise Buddhist attitude, emphasising dependent originationfor co-existence to ensure ecological stability and the harmony between humanbeings and the natural world.
8.3. Promote energy transition, replacing largeemissions of energy that pollute or deplete natural resources with clean andsafe energies.
8.4 Collaborate with business leaders indeveloping alternative and sustainable food sources without relying on animalprotein.
Article 9: Policy Implications and Conclusion
Inconclusion and cognisant of the need for fundamental shifts in policy amongnumerous and diverse stakeholders, we resolve to:
9.1 Request that these wellconsidered findings be incorporated into the new programme of the UN SustainableDevelopment Goals.
9.2 Herald that it is time for the World community to begin an honest reflection about theBuddhist solution and its utilisation in today´s rapidly changing world.
9.3 Proclaim that Buddhist ethics have cultural value to contribute tothe development of a more compassionate society and are capable of buildingsustainable, equitable and caring political systems, economies, and societies.
9.4 Advocate that the Buddhist community can become valuable partnership for achieving theUN Sustainable Development Goals.
9.5 Request that World leaders collaborate with Buddhists to developsystems that universally encourage the attainment of full socio-economy andcompassionate potentials and thereby create a World in which we all want tolive.
9.6 Insist that state governments, civil societies, businesses,families and individuals, regardless of faith or tradition, adopt moral andethical virtues.
9.7 Declare thatinstrumental to the practice of Buddhism at all levels, individually andcollectively, is Social Engagement wherein the insights from meditation practice and teachings are brought to bearin physical and meaningful ways to address situations of social, political, andeconomic injustice.
9.8 Encourage the expansion of Buddhist NGOs which actively andsubstantively engage in disaster relief, social welfare and the attainment ofthe UN Sustainable Development Goals. - VNA
Following is the full text of the 2019 Ha Nam Declaration.
Whereas, we, theparticipants, from 112 countries and territories, have come together for theInternational Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak at TamChuc Convention Centre held during May 12-14, 2019;
Whereas, we, came together in this Assemblypursuant to that resolution approved on December 15, 1999 at the GeneralAssembly of the United Nations, Session No. 54, Agenda Item 174, Resolution54/115. Therein, it was declared that Vesak, which falls on the Full Moon Dayin the month of May, will be internationally recognised and observed at theUnited Nations Headquarters and its Regional Offices from the Year 2000onwards. The United Nations Day of Vesak is jointly celebrated by all Buddhisttraditions as a Thrice Sacred Day. Itserves to foster mutual understanding and cooperation amongst all Buddhisttraditions, organisations and individuals through ongoing dialogue betweenBuddhist leaders and scholars addressing those issues of universal concern. Asa result of our deliberations we adopt and publish the following message ofpeace based on the Buddha's teaching of wisdom and compassion:
Whereas, coming together to discussthe issues related to the “Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership andShared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies”, we have shared ourviewpoints, experiences and research on the latest trends and developments inthe various fields and considered deliberately their practical implications;and,
Whereas, we are most grateful andfull of deep appreciation for the most wonderful hospitality of the NationalVietnam Buddhist Sangha and the support of the Government of Socialist Republicof Vietnam in hosting this most auspicious gathering, on the occasion of thecompletion of our three-day deliberations featuring meetings, academicpresentations, learned discussions, cultural events and Buddhist fellowship.
Now, therefore, at the conclusion ofour successful celebrations and meetings we, the assembled delegates,unanimously resolve and adopt this Declaration.
Article 1: General Agreements
Inorder to better understand and fully implement the UN Sustainable DevelopmentGoals, we resolve to:
1.1 Adopt an increasingly active role, both locally and globally, advocating for, working for, and supporting sustainable societies in the current context of profound social, political, economic and cultural crises.
1.2 Invigorate the concept of “Engaged Buddhism” by actively and positively seeking the participation of international institutions.
1.3 Validate the Buddhist approach as a complementary paradigm for achieving peaceful ideals and understanding universal values.
1.4 Advocate Buddhist philosophy for exploring the changing character and context and as spiritual guidance for global governance.
1.5 Recognise the Buddhist-based framework of international actions as a set of feasible, agreeable, arrangements for the overall well-being, development and progress of all sentient beings.
1.6 Avow the greatnessof Buddhism in contemporary times.
Article 2:Buddhist Response to Shared Responsibilities
In order to promote the notion of shared responsibilities, we resolve to:
2.1 Build a proactive and well-weaved foundation for interactionsby identifying the significant roles of Buddhist Communities around the World.
2.2 Support each one’s expertise on the basis of Buddhistprinciples for the benefit of each other.
2.3 Extend the idea of compassion, considerate actionand support to help the people beyond Buddhist communities without any discrimination on the basis race,creed, religion and gender.
2.4 Emphasise the important individual responsibility in the sharedcollective.
2.5 Collaborate withinternational agencies at different levels of responsibility for the attainmentof Buddhism’s ultimate goal to end sufferings.
2.6 Propagate the Buddhist’s five ethicalprecepts and promote the active participation of local communities to transformthem into sustainable goals as a basis of shared responsibilities toward betterliving conditions worldwide.
Article 3: Buddhist Approach toSustainable Societies
In order to create sustainable societies,we resolve to:
3.1 Utilise the Four NobleTruths and the Eightfold Path as the foundational approach to sustainablesocieties.
3.2 Create interdependence among several communities byrecognising the teachings of Buddha for promoting maximum human potential in asustainable manner.
3.3 Revitalise the integration of three Buddhist pillars ofdevelopment, namely, environmental protection, economic prosperity, and socialjustice.
Article 4: Mindful Leadership for Sustainable Peace
In order to make peace inthe light of mindful leadership, we resolve to:
4.1 Emphasise dialogue and non-violent approaches for peace-buildingcontrary to the old paradigm that the physically stronger always wins over theweaker
4.2 Encourage thenotions of wisdom and compassion as the basis for any conflict avoidance andresolution.
4.3 Acknowledge the fundamental importance of mindful leadershiprelating to instruction in individual and societal ethics in contributing topeace making. (Specifically, seeking thesettlement of conflicts, respect for life, ending of violence and practice ofloving kindness, non-violence through dialogue and cooperation.)
Article 5: Buddhist Approach to Harmonious Families,Healthcare and Sustainable Societies
Inorder to create sustainable societies, we resolve to:
5.1 Acknowledge the contemporarytransformations in family structures and social systems and promote Buddhistprinciples of harmonious communication to achieve harmonious families, betterhealthcare service and sustainable societies.
5.2 Evaluate the effects of healthy livingand facilitate the Buddhist healthy living programme by applying Buddhistmeditation techniques.
5.3 Teach the Buddhist’sfive ethical precepts as part of the school curriculum, from K to 12 grade, toadvocate for the concept of healthy living and harmonious families.
5.4 Promote the spirit of the five ethicalprecepts in the justice system as the basis for rehabilitation of incarceratedindividuals.
Article 6: Buddhist Approach to Global Educationin Ethics
In order to improve theglobal system of education, we resolve to:
6.1 Reaffirm that theultimate goal of Buddhist education in ethics is to liberate a person from itsown ego and suffering.
6.2 Propagate theBuddhist concept of impermanence and non-self in global education forbetterment of the World to fight against greed, anger, and ignorance.
6.3 Combine the tenets of Buddhism withPsychology and Philosophy in education as a way to examine the issues of Ethicsand Ethics itself.
6.4 Incorporate Buddhist ethical principles intonational systems of education at all levels.
6.5 Encourage the integration of wisdom and compassion in caring for theenvironment, cultivating synergetic effects among individuals, schools andcommunities.
Article 7: Buddhism and the Fourth IndustrialRevolution
Withthe help of digital platforms, we resolve to:
7.1 Urge Dharma teachers to take advantage ofthe fourth industrial revolution to modernize Buddhist science of mind studiesfor human healing and transformation by using robotics, artificialintelligence, sensors, and vision.
7.2 Integrate Buddhist practices with technologylike mindfulness-based computer and phone applications for meditation.
7.3 Advocate forcontinued research in the field of artificial intelligence as a tool to allowhumans more free time to perform higher-level and meaningful tasks but not toreplace human interaction, innovation and critical decision-making.
7.4 Apply Buddhist philosophy in furthering theunderstanding of a world run by algorithms.
Article 8: BuddhistApproach to Responsible Consumption and Sustainable Development
Withrenewed awareness of the fundamental importance of Buddhist approach inenabling growth, we resolve to:
8.1 Propagate the life story of the Buddha asone who spent most of his life in harmony with nature, with more of aneed-based than greed-based engagement for the betterment of theenvironment.
8.2 Utilise Buddhist attitude, emphasising dependent originationfor co-existence to ensure ecological stability and the harmony between humanbeings and the natural world.
8.3. Promote energy transition, replacing largeemissions of energy that pollute or deplete natural resources with clean andsafe energies.
8.4 Collaborate with business leaders indeveloping alternative and sustainable food sources without relying on animalprotein.
Article 9: Policy Implications and Conclusion
Inconclusion and cognisant of the need for fundamental shifts in policy amongnumerous and diverse stakeholders, we resolve to:
9.1 Request that these wellconsidered findings be incorporated into the new programme of the UN SustainableDevelopment Goals.
9.2 Herald that it is time for the World community to begin an honest reflection about theBuddhist solution and its utilisation in today´s rapidly changing world.
9.3 Proclaim that Buddhist ethics have cultural value to contribute tothe development of a more compassionate society and are capable of buildingsustainable, equitable and caring political systems, economies, and societies.
9.4 Advocate that the Buddhist community can become valuable partnership for achieving theUN Sustainable Development Goals.
9.5 Request that World leaders collaborate with Buddhists to developsystems that universally encourage the attainment of full socio-economy andcompassionate potentials and thereby create a World in which we all want tolive.
9.6 Insist that state governments, civil societies, businesses,families and individuals, regardless of faith or tradition, adopt moral andethical virtues.
9.7 Declare thatinstrumental to the practice of Buddhism at all levels, individually andcollectively, is Social Engagement wherein the insights from meditation practice and teachings are brought to bearin physical and meaningful ways to address situations of social, political, andeconomic injustice.
9.8 Encourage the expansion of Buddhist NGOs which actively andsubstantively engage in disaster relief, social welfare and the attainment ofthe UN Sustainable Development Goals. - VNA
VNA
