On 22 April 2025 or Earth Day 2025, it was initiated by American senator “Mr. Gaylord Nelson”, campaigning among American people on the world protection. Later, the meeting of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY) had a resolution to declare every April 22 as the day of “World Protection by Dhamma“ under the concept “Clean the World, Clean the Mind” because the mind of all human beings should be maintained in purity to follow the teachings of the Buddha, which is “Abstain from all misdeeds; Perform only good deeds; and Purify one’s mind” by the meritorious acts of giving, precept observation and meditation practice in order to lead the world to true peace.
Venerable Phrakhrusamu Sanitwong Wuttiwangso, director of the Communication Department, Wat Phra Dhammakaya, related that on Earth Day 2025, Wat Phra Dhammakaya organized chanting, mass meditation, monks’ blessing and the great offering of monks’ necessities to 40,000 temples throughout Thailand. Additionally, there were two monastic seminars on the topics of “Monastic Seminar on Stability and Prosperity of Buddhism” for Thai monastic community at Kaew Saraphanuek 2 Hall and “World Buddhist Sangha Forum on Earth Day” for international monastic community on the second floor of Meditation Stadium core 29. Besides, the monk’s necessity offering to 323 southern temples, which marked 176th time of 21st consecutive year and the 140th scholarship presentation to teachers in the 4 southern provinces of Thailand in its 18th year were also arranged in this event.
Most Venerable Somdet Phramahatheerajarn, a board member of the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, ecclesiastical chief of north region, chairman of the Public Assistance of Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, board member of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Council, Ubon Ratchathani campus and abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan, together with Most Venerable Somdet Pramahamangkhalajarn, ecclesiastical chief of south region, advisor for the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand and abbot of Wat Kaphang Surin (a royal temple) in Trang province, was monastic chairman. There were many ecclesiastical chiefs and senior monks, joining this event, for example, Most Venerable Phrapromwachirapanyajarn (Pali scholar of level 9), abbot of Wat Ratchaorot and the head of the 8th Overseas Dhammaduta Bhikkhus group, Most Venerable Phraratpanyasuthee, assistant abbot of Wat Soi Thong (a royal temple) and Most Venerable Phrasutheewachirapatiphan, assistant abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan. This important event was also attended by international ecclesiastical chiefs from different countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Kenya, Vietnam and Cambodia.
“On 22 April 2025 or Earth Day 2025, Wat Phra Dhammakaya organizes the great necessity offering to 40,000 temples throughout Thailand in order to dedicate merit to the deceased due to the recent massive earthquake and share loving kindness with alive victims in Myanmar. “Giving” is the meritorious act of Buddhists, who express generosity to others in the society. This helps maintain the pleasant society that people can rely on each other even in difficult times. Additionally, this big merit would contribute to lessen sufferings of Thai and Myanmar people, faced with natural disasters.”, said Venerable Phrakhrusamu Sanitwong.
