First World Buddhist Forum, 2006
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The First World Buddhist Forum (Simplified Chinese: 世界佛教论坛) was held in Hangzhou City and Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China, from April 13 to April 16, 2006. It was the first major international Buddhist conference since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949.
Over 1,000 monks and experts from 37 countries and regions attended the forum, giving speeches or participating in discussions under the theme of A harmonious world begins in the mind.
Among the participants was Gyaltsen Norbu, the Chinese-appointed 11th Panchen Lama, who was the figurehead of the forum. However, fellow Buddhists did not acknowledge his attendance during opening ceremonies. (1)
This forum did not include the the exiled 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
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[edit] Proposal
Eight disciples from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan proposed the World Buddhist Forum in China in 2004, a suggestion that won support from Buddhist circles in countries like Japan and the Republic of Korea.
From October 2004 to November 2005, with the common propagation of the Buddhist communities of Hong Kong, Macao and across the Taiwan Straits, the proposal of hosting the World Buddhist Forum in Mainland China has won universal support and an active response from Buddhist communities over 40 countries. The Chinese government also assured to support the Buddhist community to host the grand historic event.
[edit] Overseers of the First World Buddhist Forum
- Venerable Master Yi Cheng, President, Buddhist Association of China.
- Losang Jigmê Tubdain Qoigyi Nyima, 6th Jamyang Zhepa and abbot, Labrang Monastery. Also Vice President, Buddhist Association of China.
- Venerable Master Ben Huan, Director, Buddhist Association of China.
- Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founder, Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Taiwan.
- Huba Longzhuangmeng, Abbot of Xishuangbanna Monastery.
- Venerable Master Wei Chueh, Founder, Chung Tai Shan Monastery, Taiwan.
- Venerable Master Sheng Hui, Vice President and Dean of the Chinese Buddhist Academy.
- Venerable Master Kok Kwong, President of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association.
[edit] Purpose and Guiding Principle
The forum aimed to set up an open dialogue in equality and pluralism, for those who love the world, care for the living beings, respect and protect Buddhism, with a loving heart to conduct exchanges and collaboration. The forum was open to all Buddhist and non-Buddhists, regardless of tradition or religious background, hoping to accomplish an open dialogue of Buddhist topics.
