Template No.: T120 Template Title: MULTI-FAITH EXPLANATION NOTE TEMPLATE

 THE HSWAGATA BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC PRESERVATION MUSEUM

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

Template No.: T120

Template Title: MULTI-FAITH EXPLANATION NOTE TEMPLATE

Related Research Case IDs / Cluster: ___________________________

Linked Templates / Policies: _________________________________

Date of form: ____ / ____ / ______

Prepared by / Role: _________________________________________

Office / Unit: ______________________________________________

Country / Location: _________________________________________

Confidentiality Level (tick one):
[ ] Internal only [ ] Restricted [ ] Sacred-Restricted / Sensitive

Use of this form (tick):
[ ] New case / action [ ] Follow-up [ ] Annual review [ ] Archive only

SECTION 1 – BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Title of Explanation Note

(Example: “Short Introduction to Buddha Relics for Christian Partners”.)

1.2 Type of Use (tick one)

[ ] For interfaith meeting / dialogue
[ ] For visit of other faith group to HSWAGATA
[ ] For written information pack (email / booklet)
[ ] For joint peace or charity project
[ ] Other: _________________________________________________

1.3 Prepared For (Event / Visit / Project Name)

Date of event / start of project: ____ / ____ / ______

SECTION 2 – AUDIENCE DETAILS

2.1 Faith / Worldview of Main Audience

[ ] Buddhist (other tradition)
[ ] Christian
[ ] Muslim
[ ] Hindu
[ ] Sikh
[ ] Jewish
[ ] Indigenous / local tradition
[ ] Mixed / “many faiths together”
[ ] Secular / non-religious
[ ] Other: _________________________________________________

2.2 Role of Audience

[ ] Religious leaders / clergy
[ ] Youth / students
[ ] Community leaders
[ ] NGO / peace workers
[ ] Government / officials
[ ] General visitors
[ ] Other: _________________________________________________

2.3 Expected Background Knowledge of Buddhism

[ ] Very little – first contact
[ ] Some basic ideas (e.g. “Buddha, karma”)
[ ] Medium – have studied a little
[ ] High – already know many teachings

2.4 Relationship with HSWAGATA

[ ] New partners / first time contact
[ ] Occasional contact
[ ] Long-term partners
[ ] Other: _________________________________________________

Short note on relationship:

SECTION 3 – MAIN MESSAGE (WHAT WE WANT TO SAY)

3.1 Main Aim of This Explanation Note

(Tick up to two.)

[ ] Explain who the Buddha is to us
[ ] Explain what relics mean in Buddhism
[ ] Explain why we keep and protect relics
[ ] Explain that we seek peace and friendship
[ ] Explain how we welcome other faiths respectfully
[ ] Other: _________________________________________________

3.2 Key Messages (3–5 short points, simple language)

After reading this note, the audience should understand that:

  4. (optional) ______________________________________________

  5. (optional) ______________________________________________

3.3 One-Sentence Summary (very simple, B1 level)

(Example: “For Buddhists, relics are a sign of respect and memory for the Buddha and his good qualities.”)

SECTION 4 – BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

4.1 Why Are We Sharing This Note Now?

[ ] Before a visit to HSWAGATA
[ ] Before sending relic on tour or to a joint event
[ ] As part of peace / interfaith project
[ ] To answer questions from another faith group
[ ] Other: _________________________________________________

Short explanation (2–4 lines):

4.2 Any Special Local / Political Sensitivity?

[ ] Past tension between religions in this place
[ ] Recent conflict or crisis
[ ] Sensitive national or ethnic issues
[ ] Media watching the event closely
[ ] None known

If any box is ticked, give short note:

SECTION 5 – SENSITIVE POINTS

5.1 Topics That Need Extra Care

[ ] Talk about “worship” vs “respect” of Buddha
[ ] Talk about relics (not “magic”, not “idols”)
[ ] Talk about heaven, hell, rebirth, or no creator god
[ ] Talk about miracles and visions
[ ] Talk about “truth” without attacking other faiths
[ ] Talk about donations and money
[ ] Talk about science and faith
[ ] Other: _________________________________________________

5.2 How to Speak Carefully About These Topics

(Short notes in simple language.)

Sensitive topic 1: _________________________________________
Careful wording:

Sensitive topic 2: _________________________________________
Careful wording:

Sensitive topic 3 (optional): ______________________________
Careful wording:

SECTION 6 – “DO & DON’T” LIST
(For HSWAGATA speakers and staff when meeting other faiths.)

6.1 DO – Good Practices (positive instructions)

DO:

  • Speak slowly, clearly, and kindly.

  • Use simple words to explain Buddhist ideas.

  • Say “for Buddhists, we understand that…” instead of “this is the only truth”.

  • Listen to their questions with respect and patience.

  • Show respect to their leaders and holy things.

  • Explain that relics help us remember goodness and practice more kindness.

  • Emphasise peace, compassion, and non-violence as shared values.

  • If you do not know an answer, say so and offer to check later.

Add more if needed:

6.2 DON’T – Things to Avoid

DON’T:

  • Don’t say other religions are wrong or bad.

  • Don’t say “Buddhism is better than your religion”.

  • Don’t use relics as “proof” to attack other beliefs.

  • Don’t promise miracles, healing, or luck in exchange for money.

  • Don’t force anyone to bow, chant, or make offerings.

  • Don’t share internal conflicts or gossip.

  • Don’t use hard technical terms without explaining them.

Add more if needed:

SECTION 7 – DRAFT EXPLANATION NOTE (FOR SHARING)

(Write the actual note you will send or read. B1-level English or target language.)

7.1 Language of the Note

[ ] English
[ ] Local language: ___________________________
[ ] Both (explain): ___________________________

7.2 Full Draft Text

(Use short paragraphs and kind tone. Attach extra pages if needed.)

7.3 Length Check

Approximate length:
[ ] Less than 1 page
[ ] 1–2 pages
[ ] More than 2 pages (consider making shorter version)

SECTION 8 – CHECK FOR CLARITY & RESPECT

8.1 Internal Clarity Check (by preparer)

[ ] Sentences are short and clear
[ ] Avoided heavy doctrinal words (or explained them)
[ ] Tone is warm, humble, and respectful
[ ] No negative comments about other religions

8.2 External Sensitivity Check (optional second reader)

Second reader name: ________________________________________
Role: _______________________________________________________

Comments on clarity and respect (2–4 lines):

Need to adjust text?
[ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes, short note on changes:

SECTION 9 – DOCTRINAL REVIEW & APPROVAL

9.1 Doctrinal Reviewer

Name: _______________________________________________________
Role / Position: ___________________________________________

9.2 Review Checklist (tick)

[ ] Explanation of Buddha and relics is doctrinally sound
[ ] No teaching in the note goes against basic Dhamma & Vinaya
[ ] Relics are not described as “idols” or simple “magic objects”
[ ] Note clearly shows non-violence and peace values
[ ] Language is gentle and does not attack other faiths

9.3 Reviewer Comments

(Short, simple comments – and any requested changes.)

9.4 Approval Decision

[ ] Approved as written
[ ] Approved with small wording changes (see comments)
[ ] Not yet approved – needs full revision

Signature: ___________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______

SECTION 10 – USE, FOLLOW-UP & ARCHIVE

10.1 How Will This Note Be Used?

[ ] Read aloud during meeting / visit
[ ] Given as printed handout
[ ] Sent by email before event
[ ] Posted on private webpage / link
[ ] Other: _________________________________________________

10.2 Follow-Up After Using This Note

[ ] Ask partners for feedback (“Was this clear?”)
[ ] Review if any part caused confusion
[ ] Adjust note for next time based on learning
[ ] Share learning with HSWAGATA staff

Short follow-up notes:

10.3 Archive Information

Archive code / digital folder path: _________________________

Linked documents:
[ ] Meeting agenda / minutes
[ ] MoU or cooperation document
[ ] Photos / report of visit or event
[ ] Other notes on interfaith contacts

Notes for future multi-faith explanation notes:

END OF FORM – T120 MULTI-FAITH EXPLANATION NOTE TEMPLATE

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