Seeing how peace works

Posing with a replica of the Golden Mount at Wat Saket.

The Nation

 Harmony among religions is stronger than you might think, according to the observations of 48 young people attending the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Interfaith Cultural Youth Camp in Thailand this month.

 The youth of two continents converged on Buddhist temples for Makha Bucha Day and, in Ayutthaya, saw firsthand how people of different faiths live peacefully side by side.

 The camp from February 6 to 12, hosted by the Foreign Affairs Ministry with the cooperation of the Education and Culture ministries, brought together 17 Thais and 29 foreigners from 22 countries.

 Participants interviewed agreed that the camp was an invaluable experience, especially being able to join in Buddhist ceremonies here in Thailand.

 "My favourite part was the candlelit ceremony at Bhuttamonton," said Marta Sipone of Italy.

 On Makha Bucha Day the youngsters joined worshippers at several temples, including Wat Saket. But getting a close-up look at Islam proved to be a surprise for some.

 "I didn't know we were actually allowed to enter the Muslim communities," one participant said after visiting Ayutthaya's oldest mosque and chatting with religious students there.

 Bangkok Senator Damrong Puttan, who helped coordinate the outing, pointed out that Muslims and Buddhists have long lived co-existed harmoniously. He recalled his own Muslim childhood.

 "I used to finish my devotions and run over to join in the Buddhist ceremonies all the time," he said.

 The youngsters also visited St Joseph's Church, the oldest Christian institution in Ayutthaya and a symbol of religious tolerance in Thailand.

 The evenings were occupied with seminars on culture and interfaith issues. In lively sessions the participants discussed the common ground among religions, whether science is a form of faith and whether religious belief can resolve modern conflicts.

 "Faith - or rather the politicisation of faith - is actually the cause of modern conflict," Lena-Ayse Ollenschlafger of Germany suggested.

 "But faith also gives hope that modern conflicts can be settled," Jasmine Ferrer of the Philippines pointed out.

 The young people agreed that, while there is common ground among religions, the differences are also important. What's needed is tolerance and understanding, Mohammed Faiz Khan of India pointed out.

 The participants visited the Bhumirak Centre as well, to see in action His Majesty the King's philosophy of a self-sufficiency economy.

 "I thought this part of the camp was the best," one said later, "because it showed how people can live in harmony with nature."

 "It's good to see a king who cares about the needs of his people, when he could have used his privilege to live a far more luxurious life," said Mairi McFadyen of Scotland.

 "You should be proud of yourselves," Suthee Na Lampang told the young people in a welcoming address.

 The director general of the Foreign Ministry's European Affairs Department pointed out that they'd been chosen for this trip not just because their insights were deemed important.

 "You were also selected because your government organisations feel you will become future leaders, making sure that this world will become a better place."

 The Asia-Europe Meeting comprises all member countries of the European Union and the European Commission and Asean+3 - the Association of South East Asian Nations plus India, Pakistan and Mongolia.