Islamic scholar gave Buddhist point to ponder

COMMENTARY

Islamic scholar gave Buddhist point to ponder

Published: 21 Jun 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

I have just returned from Turkey, one of the world's most beautiful countries. What has stayed deeply in my mind, however, is not the country's picture-perfect postcard beauty, but its people, its modern take on Islam and a host of questions for my own country.

During the visit, we _ a group of media people from Thailand _ met a number of socially engaged entrepreneurs, charity groups, news media organisations and universities whose works are inspired by Turkish spiritual leader and Islamic scholar, Fethullah Gulen.

Forgive my ignorance, but I had never heard of his name before my visit, although he was voted by the award-winning Foreign Policy magazine as one of the world's top 100 public intellectuals in 2008. The readers, however, voted him the world's No.1 thinker, thanks to a global network of millions of his supporters.

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watchertr
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Discussion 6 : 25 Jun 2012 at 14.056
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This movement, Gulen Movement, has a great impact on the world's societies. I think Muslim and Buddhist have many things in common such as Not killing, Not Lying, Not drinking alcohol etc.
someone made a comment and he said he wants to know more about the movement and the leader of it.
this is Gulen's official website http://en.fgulen.com/
I couldn't see Thai version. Maybe that's why Thai people doesn't know about him.
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Jock
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Discussion 5 : 21 Jun 2012 at 18.245
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This is a brilliant concept and brought light to an otherwise inward looking and self seeking society - and yes I am ashamed to say I am very much part of that society. I need to read up more on this Movement and perhaps, through organisations like this propagating throughout the World, there will be a seismic change in how Nations co-habitate, but sadly perhaps not in my time.
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pointoffew
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Discussion 4 : 21 Jun 2012 at 17.394
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Dear Khun Sanitsuda, thank you for yet another very god and positive contribution.

It still amazes me how much small but influential parts of Thai society seem obsessed with issues like religion and even race.

How much longer do we need to see Thai courts and other institutions requiring people to state their religion and even race, where it is absolutely and entirely irrelevant, except to satisfy the apparent racist curiosity of some?!

If we could all start seeing all other human beings on this planet as brothers and sisters, as members of our family, we would no longer think in terms of adversaries and enemies and cease using any form of aggression.
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toby-wood
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Discussion 3 : 21 Jun 2012 at 17.273
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I think the sentiment of this article are applicable to all countries and societies. There is a significant distance to travel down the road before any of us are truly civilised.
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luangtom
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Discussion 2 : 21 Jun 2012 at 05.372
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This is a significant piece of journalism. I hope that it is read and pondered by many people. It could be put on the wire-services to all outlets and read by all nationalities and beliefs. I hope that the BP can get it out to other media outlets. It is significant.

I hope that the journalists in Bangkok can take this piece and add their dialogue to it and it can swell and grow and start something big for all nations and their peoples.
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amazed
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Discussion 1 : 21 Jun 2012 at 04.061
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The article provides much food for thought as well as hope that this group will inspire others and develop a synergism with like minded groups around the world. Given the writer's gender, I thought she might address the question many in the west have concerning women's rights and acceptance within the leadership of the movement.
The question raised near the end of the article is also often brought up by those who want to believe that they have an ally in mainstream Islam - why don't they take a more vocal stand against those who would reflect so horribly on them?
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Islamic scholar gave Buddhist point to ponder | Bangkok Post: opinion