Preface and Content

Abstract

The International Association of Buddhist Universities, IABU, is a new grouping in the world of Buddhist Studies and higher education. It is only a year old and still in its formative periods. The IABU was born of sustained collaborations between Buddhist leaders and scholars from all over the world who began meeting in 2004 in Bangkok to mark the United Nations Day of Vesak, UNDV, celebrations.

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, MCU, of which I have the honour of serving as its rector, has been privileged to witness, in fact, play a crucial part in initiating and subsequently hosting the UNDV for four years between 2004-2007. The UNDV has brought the Buddhist world closer than before. For this, we thank the Thai Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand for its blessings and guidance. We are also grateful to the Royal Thai Government for its constant support.

Apart from the UNDV, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University has also taken the responsibility to host the Secretariat of the IABU and finance its operation for the first year. In January 2008, in its first regular meeting, in Bangkok the IABU Executive Council decided to hold an international conference on ethics and Buddhism and a summit during that conference and to publish an annual academic journal of high standard.

Here I am pleased that the first volume of the IABU Journal is published, with the financial grant from my university, in time for the conference and summit in September 2008. The issue of this journal indicates the determination, support and quality of the collaborations we have within the IABU family. I hope this journal will make a significant contribution to the Buddhist Studies worldwide.

This journal would not have been possible without the hard work of dedicated scholars and staff. I wish to thank all members of the Executive Council and the Editorial Committee for their dedication. I am also grateful to the MCU academic team and the MCU Printing Press for their good work. Many others also contribute their time and experience to make this journal a success.

Particularly, I thank Venerable Dr. Khammai Dhammasami of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies for editing and overseeing the whole process; Dr. Phra Suthithammanuwat, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phramaha Hansa Dhammahaso, Dr. Phramaha Somboon Vutthikaro and Dion Peoples of MCU, Phra Wichit Vicitto of the Oxford Buddha Vihara and Dr. Sarah Shaw of the Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford for their valuable assistance.

The Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Dharmakosajarn, Chairman IABU