马来西亚佛教青年总会（马佛青）将于2012年5月2日（星期三），晚上7时45分，于马佛青行政与训练中心（9,Jalan SS25/24, Taman Mayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor），举办一场佛教当代关怀系列座谈会，定名为“佛教徒的政治关怀”，以期探讨大马佛教组织的政治思维与角色。
佛教徒在马来西亚发展历史的长河中，于社会公共议题，尤其关于政治的探讨与回应，总有让人缺席的感觉。我们一直以来都只是关注自己的社群，来表达对家国的忠诚。但，对于一些非佛教议题，我们多数的时候，都是保持所谓的中立，或明哲保身，一言不发。
佛教是入世的宗教。在两千五百年前的封建古印度，佛陀打破了传统，让贱民与妇女出家；佛陀也以其宗教师的身份，多次阻挡战争及侵略的发生；也有好几部佛教经典甚至提及为仁君圣王的治国之道。
通过这场座谈会，马佛青邀请了拿督洪祖丰居士（马来西亚佛教学术研究会会长、马来西亚佛教发展基金会副主席、马佛青咨询委员）以及黄添送居士（资深佛教弘法人员），从佛教的角度去探讨佛教组织对于大马政治发展的回应，以及其所应扮演的角色。马佛青也邀请了刘镇东先生（槟城升旗山区国会议员、时评人），从中剖析宗教与政治的关系。
若有任何疑问，请联络马佛青秘书处：03-7804 9154 / 9157。
Contemporary Buddhist Seminar: Should Buddhist Organisations Involve in Politic?
With the objective to explore the political thoughts and roles among Malaysian Buddhist organisations, the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) is holding a Contemporary Buddhist Seminar on the theme “Should Buddhist Organisations Involve in Politic?” on 2 May 2012 (Wednesday), 7.45 pm at the YBAM Administration and Training Centre (9, Jalan SS25/24, Taman Mayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor).
Looking back at the history of the development of Malaysia, Buddhists have always been giving an impression of being absent in responding to the social and public issues, especially on the discussions and feedbacks of the political issues. The Buddhists have been showing their loyalty to the community and nation by only concerning the development of their community. However, they choose to remain neutral or silence as to play safe when come to non-buddhist issues.
Buddhism is an engaged religion, where this can be seen from the example of the Buddha to permit Sudras and women to practice monkhood and nunhood, which was against the tradition at that time; the Buddha also prevented the war and invasion through his identity as a religious patron. There are few sutras recorded that the Buddha advised the kings on the governance of the country. Hence, the engagement in the current affairs becomes apparent to every Buddhist.
Distinguished guests including Dato’ Ang Choo Hong (President of Buddhist Research Society of Malaysia, Vice Chairman of Young Buddhist Foundation of Malaysia, Consultant of YBAM) and Bro. Wong Tin Song (experienced Dharma Speaker) are invited as speakers for this seminar. From the perspective of Buddhism, the speakers will discuss the Buddhists’ response towards the political development of Malaysia, as well the roles that we should be played as Malaysian Buddhist organisations. The YBAM has also invited YB. Liew Chin Tong (Ahli Parlimen Bukit Bendera of George Town, Pulau Pinang, commentator) to analyse the relationship between the religion and politics throughout the discussion.
For any enquiries, please contact the YBAM Secretariat at 03-7804 9154 / 9157.
