Video Discription |
(1 Nov 2005) SHOTLIST
1. Japanese monks outside the Thai Royal Navy Headquarters, venue for Buddhist summit
2. Wide of large group of monks and officials waiting outside venue
3. Young boys bow in greeting to monks as they enter venue
4. Various of monks registering
5. Wide of monks walking up steps
6. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Usui Takana, member of the Nenbutsushu sect of Japan:
"Many countries are attending this summit. They'll discuss Buddhism and world peace, so it's very important."
7. Wide of monks in hall
8. Various of audience in hall
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Ajahn Brahm, Spiritual Director of Buddhist Society, Western Australia:
"I think you know Buddhism hasn't got much of a world voice in international affairs so it's a wonderful opportunity to gain that voice, for Buddhism to come together in many lands and express its opinions on matters that concern many of its members."
10. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand hits gong to open officially summit
11. Cutaway of monk with video camera
12. Various of Princess moving down line of leading monks
13. Wide of stage of top monks posing for group photograph, pan left
14. Various of top monks on stage
STORYLINE
More than three thousand monks and followers of the Buddhist faith gathered in Bangkok on Tuesday, for the first day of what is believed to be their largest international gathering for two years.
The Fourth World Summit brings together many of Buddhism's most influential and respected figures from 23 countries for four days of prayers, discussion and debate.
It is the second time Thailand has hosted the summit.
The event was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.
According to one delegate, the summit marks a chance for the Buddhist faith to put forward a coherent voice on matters of international affairs.
"I think you know Buddhism hasn't got much of a world voice in international affairs," said Ajahn Brahm, a monk from Western Australia.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to gain that voice, for Buddhism to come together in many lands and express its opinions on matters that concern many of its members," he added.
It is also an important arena for debate on the future of Buddhism itself.
The faith is split into two major sects; Theravada and Mahayana.
The summit is an opportunity for followers to come together and strengthen cooperation in propagating their beliefs around the world.
Delegates will also discuss challenges such as globalisation, information technology, terrorism and natural disasters.
The event was originally scheduled to be held in Myanmar last year but the main sponsors, the Japanese Nenbutsushu sect, pulled out close to the opening.
They cited concerns for the atmosphere in the country, following the overthrow of the Myanmar Prime Minister by his junta colleagues.
Although the meeting went a head, with far fewer participants, it is now seen as an unofficial summit.
Participants have come from Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand and Vietnam.
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