14th IBC Convocation Speech by Venerable Saksith Sounthone, Graduate Representative

Sawatdee-krap Honorable Members of Maha-Sangha, Professors, Lecturers, Students and Heartiest congratulations to all my fellow BA and MA graduates of International Buddhist College.

My name is Saksith Sounthone and I am honoured to be the representative of all the graduates today in giving this graduation speech. The pandemic has kept us physically apart, but fortunately, with technology, we can still participate in the graduation ceremony online.

As a MA graduate, I am indeed proud of International Buddhist College. It is indeed a great learning centre and has professionally nurtured and developed all the graduates. We not only have academic qualifications, but we have learned a lot in terms of mindfulness and values. I am sure all the other graduates will agree.

Personally, I have 3 key takeaways that I would like to share. For ease of remembrance, the values are in the acronym G-A-S “GAS”. For ease of remembrance, I am using the acronym GAS for the values that have been ingrained in me.

G – Gratitude A – Attitude S - Service
First and foremost, Gratitude. I would not be able to achieve my MA degrees without the generosity of IBC founder Most Venerable Wei Wu and Klintiendharm Foundation in providing the IBC facilities and scholarships throughout the programs. I am grateful to IBC founder, donors, professors, lecturers, staff, cooks and others who have kindly help and render us the support during our studies. I am also grateful to my parents for the sacrifices they make. In the university, I also get to know my brothers and sisters from various countries. We studied together, experienced happy and tough times, never fail to help each other pull through thin and thick times. Our friendships have come a long way, and I am grateful that you are all my good friends. Do remember to keep in touch using WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and other applications.

Second, Attitude. The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism cites the right mental attitude or effort. When people come from different countries of different cultures and have to live and play together; same bedroom, same classroom, same dining room, same library. I must confess it is not easy to manage at all. As time goes by, with the right mental attitude, with the right effort, good communication and honest, sincere discussions among ourselves with day-to-day living and in our studies, we overcome all odds. We learn to listen more and be patient with each other for mutual understanding and friendship. I am proud to say that we help and support each other through the daily duties required of us. All these are some of the life lessons that I have learned in IBC.

Last but not least, Service. To fellow graduates, we have spent time and put in effort for four years of BA and two years of MA studies and finally, we have achieved it. Soon we are going our separate ways; some of you may decide to further your studies and some of you will return home to your countries to give back to the community in the best way you can. To serve our community. However, it doesn’t mean it is the end of learning. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey. Whatever you decide, MA, PhD, getting a job and spreading the Dhamma, all you learned these years will put you in good stead. Be persistent.

So, fellow graduates, remember GAS (Gratitude, Attitude and Service).

Thank You.