14th IBC Convocation Speech by Professor Kapila Abhayawansa, Vice-Rector of IBC

Today is another remarkable and memorable day in the history of International Buddhist
College, for it conducts its 14 th convocation ceremony today. International Buddhist College is an internationally recognized Buddhist academic institution accredited by the Office of the Higher Education Commission of Thailand, and it has a sole intention to promote Buddhist Studies. We can proudly announce that at the moment we are having many students from different countries throughout the world, who are dedicated to Buddhist studies. The Buddhist education does not merely mean to gain knowledge of the subjects of Buddhist studies. It really means to learn how to apply Buddhist values to our life process. IBC is devoted to ensure both academic and conduct performance of the students. Accomplishment of Buddhist education can be achieved when the students gain knowledge and discipline in the highest level on the equal basis.

Primary aim of the teachings of the Buddha is happiness and wellbeing of human beings.
That is the motto of the International Buddhist College ‘Bahūnam Vata Atthāya’. Buddhism can contribute a lot to the human beings in their social and individual dimensions. Specifically, at a time like present when the social miseries, crimes and disasters are prevailing on the global level, Buddhism can be the savior of the people if Buddhist values and virtues are incorporated with the human life. That is what IBC is trying to do through its educational process.

There is no doubt that the students who receive their respective degrees of Buddhist studies today would be very happy about their education in IBC for the reason that they can go to their countries with a valuable gift. That is the gift of the Dhamma. It is called the highest gift ‘Sabbadānam dhamma dānam jināti’. It is our sincere wish that IBC students would be valuable assets to their countries.

I thank you all.