Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and Presiding Patron of Thanlyin Minkyaung Pahtamapyan Buddhist Learning Centre, Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Dr Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa received Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Chen Hai, on 26 March. Also present on the occasion were the Conunseller of the Chinese Embassy to Myanmar Mr Pan Feng, Pro-Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University U Sein Maw, and Chairman of the Myanmar-China Buddhist Association U Kyaw Win.
Ambassador Mr Chen Hai presented a letter of appreciation from the Chinese Buddhist Association to the Presiding Patron of Thanlyin Minkyaung Pahtamapyan Buddhist Learning Centre for his service as the Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. Ambassador Mr Chen Hai noted the extensive border and historical exchange of religious practices in Buddhism between China and Myanmar, emphasizing China's significant value placed on these interchanges between the two nations.
He highlighted collaboration between Myanmar and China in the renovation of the Thatbyinnyu Temple in Bagan, assistance in the installation of polycarbonate safety glass doors at the chamber that stored the sacred Buddha's hair relic at Yangon's Botahtaung Pagoda, the Chinese embassy to donation of anti-epidemic materials to Buddhist temples in Myanmar, and attendance at the fifth World Buddhist Forum by a delegation led by Thanlyin Minkyaung Sayadaw.
Ambassador Mr Chen Hai also expressed his belief in steady progress in the exchange of religious practices in Buddhism between China and Myanmar with the careful support of Thanlyin Minkyaung Sayadaw and the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.
Thanlyin Minkyaung Sayadaw expressed his gratitude for China's acknowledgement of his service, its active support in combating the epidemic, and fostering social development in Myanmar before sharing his experiences from numerous trips to China.
The abbot stated that Myanmar and China are good neighbours with strong kinship and a deep history of exchanging religious practices in Buddhism, serving as a vital bridge connecting the hearts of the people of both countries. He further pledged to actively participate in promoting friendly cooperation between Myanmar and China and preserving the millennia-old tradition of religious exchange between the two nations. — ASH/ TH
