A special commemorative exhibition marking the 70th anniversary of the Sixth Buddhist Synod was held from 3 to 10 May along the circular walkway surrounding the Maha Pasana Cave on the Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township, Yangon, for the public to visit and study.
As today, the final day of the exhibition, coincided with a public holiday, the event was particularly crowded with visitors, including monks and nuns from monasteries and nunneries in Yangon, staff members and families from the Department of Religious Affairs, families from regiments and units, students from the Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College, and people from the townships of Mayangon, North Okkalapa, Hline, Thanlyin, Kayan, Thakayta, Dagon Myothit (South) and Shwepaukkan. The following are collected views and opinions regarding the exhibition.
Ashin Viriya
Shinmataung Tharek
khan Monastery
Yesagyo Township,
Magway Region
“At the exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Sixth Buddhist Synod, many young people were able to learn in detail about the historic site where the Sixth Buddhist Synod was convened, as well as the history of the Buddhist Sasana. It is highly beneficial for the Buddhism, for the country, and for the younger generation.
“At a time like today, when tensions and emotional conflicts are growing throughout the world, if people come to understand and practise the teachings of the Buddha, peace will prevail not only in Myanmar but across the entire world.
“Although the Buddhist Sasana first originated and flourished in India, it no longer possesses the complete Pariyatti and Patipatti as Myanmar does today. Myanmar has had the honour of convening the Buddhist Synod twice, and both occasions are beyond measure in value. The Sasana has endured because capable and meritorious individuals were able to lead in a blessed country. These are extremely important historical records for the Buddhism and priceless heritage for future generations.”
U Sein Lin
Director, Religious Affairs and Vinicchaya Affairs Division, Department of Religious Affairs
“As the Fifth and Sixth Buddhist Synods were convened in Myanmar, invaluable benefits have been gained for the monks and lay people of the country. Owing to the successive convening of the Buddhist Synods, Myanmar, as a Theravada Buddhist nation, has been able to promote and propagate the Buddhism in accordance with the Sixth Synod tradition.
“In brief, the successful celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Sixth Buddhist Synod demonstrates that successive levels of Sangha organizations engaged in Pariyatti literature will continue to preserve and safeguard the Sasana for as long as the world exists. This commemorative celebration was organised with devotion and meritorious intent of the State leaders.
“The questions and answers of the presiding Sayadaws vividly reflected the scenes of seventy years ago and inspired feelings of reverence, joy, merit and faith. I believe that monks, nuns and lay people alike will share in these same sentiments.”
U Tin Thein
Director, Examinations Division, Department of Religious Affairs
“Our Department assigned staff members daily to the exhibition halls to explain each display in detail to monks and members of the public. We feel delighted and encouraged to see so many monks and lay people visiting enthusiastically and developing greater reverence and faith. We are deeply pleased that the Buddha Sasana continues to shine brilliantly like the sun and moon, enabling the public to cultivate devotion and faith.
Ko Soe Wai Lwin
Mayangon Township
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and experience from the displays and exhibits relating to the historic site and records of the Buddhist Synod convened in Myanmar. I would also like to express my gratitude to the State and the responsible officials for organizing exhibitions like this.”
Daw Hsu Nwe Win
Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township
“According to what I have read in books, the Kaba Aye Hill where the Sixth Buddhist Synod was convened was constructed in the same style as the Sattapanni Cave in India, where the First Buddhist Synod was held. Since we did not live during the time of the First Buddhist Synod and have not yet had the opportunity to visit India, this cave of the Sixth Buddhist Synod reminds us of the First Synod as well.
“At the ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Sixth Buddhist Synod, we had the opportunity to pay homage to the venerable Sayadaws conducting the recitation of the Synod. We were not alive during any of the Synods convened throughout history and had only been able to learn about them through literature. Now, we have had the chance to witness and listen to the venerable Sayadaws conducting the Synod recitation in person. We have gained a great deal of knowledge from being able to visit and study the exhibition like this.”
Information Team
