Buddhism: A Solution for Peace in Myanmar

Buddhist Peace Academy Held in Myanmar – A New Step Toward Harmony and Reconciliation

Buddhism: A Solution for Peace in Myanmar

On July 12, 2025, the Buddhist Peace Academy was held at the main auditorium of Thanlyin Sītagū Buddhist University, located on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar. Hosted by the international NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and co-organized by Thanlyin Sītagū Buddhist University, the event was held under the theme “Buddhism: A Solution for Peace in Myanmar.”

In Myanmar, where approximately 88% of the population practices Buddhism, the religion has long served as a spiritual anchor for its people. Amid recent societal changes, the peaceful values and communal role of Buddhism have once again come into focus. The academy was organized to promote social integration and restore trust through Buddhist teachings. Approximately 300 participants—including local Buddhist leaders, monks, and university officials—gathered to share in the values of peace.

The Buddhist Peace Academy consisted of two sessions.

The first session, titled “Harmony Learned from Scriptures,” featured lectures based on Buddhist texts, traditional chanting, and congratulatory remarks from religious leaders. The program emphasized messages of coexistence and mutual growth.

The second session, under the theme “Practicing Harmony and Resolving Ethnic Conflicts Through Peace Education,” introduced HWPL’s cases of peace education and examined the social role of Buddhism and its practical applications. Participants engaged in group discussions to explore feasible methods for expanding peace education.

Recognizing that religious conflicts continue to exist in many parts of the world, HWPL views interfaith harmony as a key to achieving global peace. According to HWPL’s philosophy, most religious scriptures share universal values such as peace, dignity, and coexistence. Genuine harmony, HWPL asserts, can be achieved when religious leaders focus on the essence of their respective teachings while seeking to understand other faiths. With this vision, HWPL has implemented various programs—including the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office, Religious Peace Camps, Open Dialogue platforms, and the Religious Peace Academy (RPA)—to promote interreligious understanding and dialogue for peace.

In the first session, Venerable Ashin Cintāvara emphasized that “harmony is a profound concept that begins in the heart and extends to the community and nature,” adding that “a peaceful society based on the teachings of the Buddha is wisdom needed by all.”

In the second session, Venerable Dr. Ashin Sunandālankāra remarked, “This program was more than just an event — it was a meaningful journey that reaffirmed the values of compassion and understanding,” and shared that “the peace education conducted with HWPL inspired students with new perspectives and passion.”

The academy served as an important opportunity to reaffirm the constructive role religion can play in healing social conflicts and fostering community unity. It also laid a foundation for future peace education initiatives and is expected to become a turning point in spreading a culture of peace throughout local communities.

Driven by civil society, the initiative aims to ensure sustainability through continued collaboration with local educational institutions. One university is already discussing concrete plans for online lectures and workshops, while representatives from other Buddhist universities expressed strong interest in implementing similar programs. HWPL plans to expand peace education across Myanmar through additional partnerships with educational institutions and broader community engagement.