I would like to humbly suggest the following to all ASEAN stakeholders: do not sideline religious leaders… Religious intolerance cannot be eliminated, or effectively addressed, without engaging religious leaders. So, I humbly request that you [senior political leaders attending the ASEAN IIDC] engage them in constructive dialogue.

~ Venerable Dr. Yon Seng Yeath, President of the Buddhist Association of Cambodia

Remarks by Venerable Dr. Yon Seng Yeath, President of the Buddhist Association of Cambodia

Delivered to the inaugural ASEAN Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Conference

Jakarta, 7 August 2023

My deep respect to the Buddha dhamma and the sangha. Distinguished guests, venerable monks, ladies and gentlemen.

I am deeply honored and very pleased to attend this wonderful conference, which brings together religious and civil society leaders, representatives of ASEAN Member States, policy makers, and scholars to explore how ASEAN may become an epicentrum of peace, harmony, and economic prosperity.

In order to achieve this, we can begin by providing a space for religious leaders to engage one another in constructive dialogue with a view to promoting tolerance. Religious leaders should be afforded the opportunity to address misconceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices that often hinder peaceful coexistence between communities. Through open and respectful conversations, such engagement will foster a climate of mutual acceptance, respect, and even appreciation for diverse religious beliefs and practices.

I would like to humbly suggest the following to all ASEAN stakeholders: first, do not sideline religious leaders. Please talk to them, for they possess the ability to effectively communicate with everyday people and thereby reduce misconceptions and tensions among religious believers. Religious intolerance cannot be eliminated, or effectively addressed, without engaging religious leaders. So, I humbly request that you [senior political leaders attending the ASEAN IIDC] engage them in constructive dialogue.

A group of young Buddhist monks at Preah Pithu U, Angkor. Photo credit: JJ Harrison

Second, enhance interfaith cooperation. Although we all dwell upon the same earth, we embrace very different faiths. While there may be some similarities in religious practice, these are few and far between. If we seek similarities in ritual or doctrine between our religions, as a precondition to sitting down and engaging with one another, we will not get very far. My humble suggestion is that — for fruitful interfaith cooperation to occur — we should try to work together while accepting our differences and understanding the reasons why these exist.

For example, I am a Buddhist. When I am asked about other religions I say “Yes, their origins are good.” If I am asked which religion I want to practice, I will certainly answer “Buddhism.” I have an attachment to my religion, as practitioners of all faiths have an attachment to theirs. If we try to seek similarities in religious practice, therefore, we will find that it is not always possible. The only way to begin cooperating with one another is to accept our differences. I must accept other religions, even though I do not follow them. I think that by starting from this point of accepting differences, interfaith cooperation can be achieved at some level.

Finally, we must address socio-cultural challenges. By recognizing the interplay between religion, culture, and society, we may discover and amplify innovative ways to address these challenges and foster social harmony. I believe that the cultures and religions of our respective communities have much to offer humanity. So it is altogether appropriate for ASEAN Member States to be proud of their “spiritual capital.” Thank you very much.

Moonlight Pavilion of the Cambodia Royal Palace built 1866 – 1870. Photo credit: Noreay