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MCU Advances on the Global Stage, Hosting the 5th European 'Lay Dhammaduta' Training in Finland, Highlighting Buddhist Strategies in the Digital Age
21 SEP 26 | University's News
125
FINLAND- 20 September 2026, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) continues to drive its global strategy for the propagation of Buddhism by hosting the opening ceremony of the "5th Overseas Lay Dhammaduta Training Program in Europe" at Wat Buddharam in Helsinki, Finland. The initiative aims to strengthen the network of the Fourfold Buddhist Assembly in the digital era.


Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmawatcharatheeracharn, Rector of MCU and Vice President of the Regulatory Office for Overseas Dhammaduta Bhikkhus, presided over the opening ceremony. In his address, he emphasized that the program seeks to develop the potential of the Buddhist assembly in disseminating Buddhadhamma in alignment with the global digital society. The core objective is to equip lay Dhammaduta with the knowledge, skills, and adaptability to apply Buddhadhamma across diverse cultures while building a robust international Buddhist network. He reaffirmed MCU’s full commitment to supporting this mission.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phra Thepvajarasarabundit, Vice Rector for Planning and Development, stated that advancing Buddhism globally requires the collective synergy of the Fourfold Buddhist Assembly. Lay Dhammaduta must go beyond merely transmitting Buddhadhamma; they must communicate effectively to reach audiences across linguistic and cultural divides. By creatively utilizing technology and digital media, these envoys can provide meaningful answers to contemporary social issues.
Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phra Sitthivajrabundit, Vice Rector for Foreign Affairs of MCU and the program's director, underscored the success of previous training cohorts. These programs, which integrate both theoretical (Pariyati) and practical (Patipatti) components, are meticulously designed to cultivate both faith and wisdom, ultimately striving to bring genuine peace to the world.

Representing the European network executives, Phra Ratchawachirasasanawithet, President of the Thai Dhammaduta Union in Europe (UTDE), spoke about the program's tangible achievements. To date, over 1,000 individuals from five cohorts across four continents have completed the training. This milestone has led to greater unity and strength within overseas Dhammaduta networks. Echoing this sentiment, Phrakhru Siyanawithet, Abbot of Wat Buddharam, Finland and the host of the event, noted that the diverse participation, including attendees from Europe, America, and the spouse of the Thai Ambassador to Helsinki, reflects the unified power of Buddhists dedicated to preserving and securing the religion abroad.


The current training featured a special lecture by Phra Thepwatcharasanbandit on "Strategies for Driving the Role of Lay Dhammaduta on the International Step," and a keynote by Phra Sitthiwatcharabandit on "Applied Buddhist Empowerment." Participants also engaged in brainstorming sessions focusing on four key dimensions: 1) Dissemination through online platforms; 2) Applying Buddhadhamma for physical and mental well-being; 3) Integrating Buddhadhamma for workplace happiness; and 4) Building an international Buddhist assembly network.


Furthermore, on September 20, the event hosted a series of continuous activities, including lectures on "Buddhist Innovations for the Development of Lay Dhammaduta in the Digital Age" and "The Role of Thai Dhammaduta in Europe," as well as a panel discussion on the topic titled "The Heart of a Lay Dhammaduta through the Value of Vows." The program concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony for the trainees.

The ultimate goal of the event is to empower trainees to put their acquired knowledge into practice, fostering seamless collaboration between monasteries, Dhammaduta Bhikkhus, lay Dhammaduta, and partner organizations. This synergistic approach aims to make Buddhadhamma more accessible to the younger generation and generate sustainable benefits for the societies in their respective countries of residence.

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