BFN project

SECTRETARY GENERAL OF BUDDHIST FEDERATION OF NORWAY AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORAL DEGREE IN THAILAND

I recently received a letter from the Thai University Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya (MCU) stating that I had been awarded an honorary doctorate in Buddhist studies. Part of the background for this is probably my work as a coordinator for the project "Common Buddhist Text" which for a period of 7 years gathered scholars at MCU from many Buddhist traditions.
The ceremony was to take place on 12 December. At this time Thailand had been opened for entry so I took the opportunity to go.
It was very nice to meet many old friends among the Buddhist leaders. Prior to the award ceremony, I was warmly received by the Director of the International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC) at MCU: Ven. Dhammahaso who proposed entering into an MOU with the University of Oslo with which I have collaborated for many years (the Oslo Coalition for Freedom of Religion and Belief). The conversation was followed up further with MS Orawan Topathomwong at IBSC.
I was also invited to a meeting with Phra Sophonwachiraphon (Phra Chao Khun Sawai) from the Supreme Sangha Council who invited me to participate in further cooperation in Thailand.
It was also a great honor to be invited to Wat Prayon Monastery in Bangkok for a meeting with the Most Venerable Dr. Phra Brahmapundit from the Supreme Sangha Council where we, among other things. discussed the continuation of the "Common Buddhist Text" and a new translation of the Pali Tipitaka.
The actual presentation took place in the large hall at MCU. Instead of the usual 3,000 participants at the annual convocation, the event was scaled down to 700 due to the corona situation - but still an impressive sight. Here I also met old friends like Ajahn Tah who invited me to visit the Mon State of Myanmar (whenever possible). I also met Phra Debvajracarya Thiab Malai who is the Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies at MCU an old friend since many years.