1st IBC Alumni Virtual Gathering with Ven. Dr. Wei Wu

Reported by Dr. Sanjoy Barua Chowdhury
On the eve of the Māgha Pūjā Day, we are so delighted to reunite in BKK after a while. Inspired by an auspicious motto, “Bahūnaṃ Vata Atthāya (For the Good of the Many)”, IBC has continued its beauty, brightness, and shining for over two decades throughout this planet. Besides their busy schedule, alumni of IBC who are especially living in the Bangkok area finally took time to get together for the purpose of an auspicious mission to continue IBC-Alumni-BKK. With a heart of joy, I believe the delightful congregation of IBC-alumni will continue with its glow and light.

Encouraged by Respected Shifu Ven. Dr. Wei Wu and led by Dr. Zhen Chan, seven of us, namely: Phanuthep Sutthithepthamrong (Thailand); Thammasak Kanchannadun (via Zoom/Thailand); Jointu Chakma (Bangladesh); Musk Finale (Myanmar); Kyaw Myint (Myanmar) and Sanjoy Barua Chowdhury (Bangladesh), gathered at the JW Marriott Hotel in Bangkok.

On March 6, 2022, the first virtual congregation of IBC-alumni was held via Zoom where Shifu Ven. Dr. Wei Wu presided as a key speaker, with approximately 40 noble alumni participating. It was so wonderful to hear Shifu Ven. Dr. Wei Wu and his vision for International Buddhist College (IBC) and Than Hsiang Buddhist Community. Shifu shared his thoughts through a PowerPoint. Shifu confidently shared that the legacy of the IBC is to continue and carry on producing Buddhist scholars. Shifu shared the plans, visions, and ideas of IBC as well.

During the virtual congregation, one of the fascinating things was that every participant shared their thoughts and reflections on IBC and the Than Hsiang community. Even though the meeting took more than two hours, every member patiently participated in this event and expressed their humble gratitude to Shi Fu and IBC.

As you know, we collected alumni commendations through an online form. Despite 40+ alumni participating in our very first virtual gathering, only 12 alumni responded. Please find the attached file where the result and comments of members are included. I have included the statistical survey regarding the form below for your convenience.

Once again, I am so blessed and proud to be an IBC alumnus. Thank you so very much, Shifu, for establishing a groundbreaking Buddhist institution that produces scholars who can survive on this planet and contributes to propagating Buddhist teachings.

May you be safe, protected, and safe.