Supreme Patriarch extends New Year greetings, wishes for global peace

“In the new year of 2023, I wish you who are firm with Dharma progress and happiness, both for yourself and for society as a whole,” the top Buddhist monk wrote.

As Supreme Patriarch, Somdet Phra Ariyavangsagatayana is the head of the order of Buddhist monks in Thailand.

In his handwritten New Year greeting he wrote in Pali, “People who like Dharma are civilized.” The note also included a translation in Thai.

The senior monk, 95, also leads the Supreme Sangha Council, which is the governing body of the Thai Buddhist clergy.

In his greeting card, the Supreme Patriarch offered his blessings to Their Majesties the King and Queen, and other members of the Thai Royal family. Also, he wished for happiness and unity for the people of Thailand in the new year.

The monk also wrote that the practice of offering good wishes in the New Year is laudable as it reflects the civilisation of humanity.

“This goodwill can help maintain peace in the social circles of people, which in turn can be a factor to promote peace at the national and global levels,” he wrote.

“Human nature, different opinions, and individual egos can lead to clashes and chaos, or even physical assault. This is something nobody likes or looks for. Surprisingly, despite this knowledge, people opt not to do good deeds that bring positive results and progress to themselves and others,” he wrote.