Muslims, Buddhists getting to know each other
Written by Writer on Monday, October 13th, 2008
Muslims, Buddhists getting to know each other
The southern region of Thailand is home to both Muslims and Buddhists, with the majority of ethnic Malay Muslims in provinces bordering Malaysia. An activity encouraging better understanding among the young followers of the two religions has been initiated and appears to be enjoying very pleasant feedback.
Prakru Sunthornkitjanuyok, deputy abbot of Tamod temple in Phatthalung province is explaining the way of life and practice of Buddhist monks to a group of Thai and international Muslim students.
Tamod sub-district is considered an ideal community where Muslims and Buddhists have lived in harmony for a hundred years.
Here, it’s normal to see Buddhist villagers participating in Islamic rites while the Muslims listen to Buddhist sermons at temples. A joint Muslim-Buddhist merit-making ceremony is also held every year.
“Although there are more Buddhists than Muslims in our community, we as Buddhists always respect Islamic ways and consider Muslims as our brothers,” said Prakru Sunthornkitjanuyok, Deputy abbot, Tamod temple.
With the ongoing violence in the three southern provinces bordering Malaysia leading to the death of about 3,500 people in the past four years, Prince of Songkhla University studies have found violence in part contributes to the misunderstandings between the young followers of the two religions.
For this reason the University has initiated the ‘Muslims visit Buddhist temples and Buddhists visit Muslim mosques project’, aimed at encouraging its students to respect religious diversity.
“We are trying to develop skills of living in harmony despite different beliefs. Muslims are not restricted to know only Muslim ways. They should understand basic Buddhism, while Buddhists should also know Islam.”
An Indonesian student visiting a Buddhist temple said the Tamod community was an excellent example, where different origins and faith was not a problem, as long as followers respected what the others did or believed.
“I’m happy to see Muslims and Buddhists in this community living happily together. Like in my country, in Yogyakarta, there is no conflict between Muslims and Buddhists,” the Indonesian student said.
The project’s organisers hope the activity will change the attitude of students who will later — as adults — share with one another their more friendly and trustful feelings. And so they can proudly say religion is no longer a barrier to beautiful friendships. (TNA)
