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First World Fellowship of Buddhist Conference at Sri Lanka in 1950. Dr. Ambedkar and Mrs. Ambedkar with the delegates and observers from all over the world are seen in the photograph
March 28, 1977, the day of her death, was an interesting one....
Throughout the day many people spontaneously turned up to visit Freda, many of them from the Tibetan Friendship Group that Freda had founded. She greeted them all warmly and told them about her new project to sponsor Tibetan children in top Indian public schools, especially girls, who had less chance of receiving a good education than boys....
At six p.m. Freda and Pema Zangmo went for a walk, after which Freda settled down to some letter writing. She then took out some of her own childhood photographs and those of her children, taken in Lahore, before Partition. At ten p.m. Freda woke Pema Zangmo to give her instructions about certain gifts and money she wanted her to pass on to specific people. She brought out some yellow fabric as a gift for her faithful attendant to make into a nun's blouse, and told her to practice Dharma faithfully. Freda then dressed herself in her finest robes, telling the curious Pema Zangmo, "I will need them tomorrow." She then put on a tape recording of H.H. Karmapa, which he had sent her from New York, and sat down to meditate.
Pema Zangmo, who had gone back to sleep a few feet away from Freda, was awakened by the sound of "louder breathing." She got up and went over to Freda, who was still sitting bolt upright in the meditation position, and tapped her on the shoulder. Freda did not move, nor open her eyes. Peering closer, Pema Zangmo could detect no sign of outer life at all. In total panic she ran out into the hotel corridor screaming for help. A doctor was quickly summoned, who officially pronounced Freda dead. The cause: cardiac arrest....
"On the fourth day we took her to Goodie Oberoi's farm"....
With fortunate synchronicity Freda's funeral coincided with the opening day of the World Buddhist Conference [The World Fellowship of Buddhists]. It was postponed until two p.m. so that the delegates could pay their respects to the woman who had been the close and beloved disciple of the Karmapa, who had been the first nun to achieve the highest bikshuni ordination, who had tirelessly helped the Tibetan refugees in the greatest hour of their need, and who had been such a powerful diplomat of Buddhism around the world.12th General Conference
Date: 1 – 6 October B.E. 2521 (1978)
Venue: Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Theme: Buddhist Contributions to the Future
At this conference practicing of having Declaration at the end of each WFB General Conference was followed from this Conference onwards. Since many resolutions were remained unimplemented, no resolutions with that were of (1) political nature, (2) have difficulties of implementation, and (3) no providing funds to implement to the submitted project; could be proposed to the General Conference.
11th General Conference
Date: 20 - 25 February B.E. 2519 (1976)
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand
Theme: Role of Buddhists in Present Day Society
The conference was to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the WFB. Princess Poon, the WFB President mentioned of the significant fact on the recognition given by the United Nations (UN) which was glad to cooperate with religions for the sake of peace desired by all. The letter of this recognition was given to the WFB President on 25 October B.E. 2518 (1975) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
-- The World Fellowship of Buddhists (The WFB) [World Buddhist Conference], by http://wfbhq.org
According to Kabir, coaches carrying around a hundred robed delegates arrived -- Buddhist monks from across the world, including representatives from Russia, who were attending the Conference for the first time in history. They stood around the pyre chanting and saying prayers. A white cloth was placed on Freda's body, and Ranga lit the pyre. Rather alarmingly, those standing close by saw beads of sweat appear on Freda's face.
"It was an amazing send-off. We knew her life had been devoted to the spiritual, but I had no idea how big she was in the Buddhist world until she died," said Ranga.
-- The Revolutionary Life of Freda Bedi, by Vicki Mackenzie
Welcome to THE WORLD FELLOWSHIP OF BUDDHISTS
The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) is an international Buddhist organization established since B.E. 2493 (1950) in Sri Lanka by the initiation of Dr. Gunapala Piyasena Malalasekera, a famous Sri Lankan Pali scholar, who inspired a Buddhist meeting leading to the founding of a world organization. His brilliant thoughts were responded to beyond expectation. Buddhist delegates from Asia, Europe and North America (including Hawaii) agreed to participate in a conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Apart from Sri Lankan participants, there were 129 Buddhist delegates from 27 countries. At this historic meeting, the World Fellowship of Buddhists was founded. It marked the first event in Buddhist history when Buddhists (laity and sangha) of nearly all sects in the world represented and gathering for the same purpose for the progress of Buddhism.
The World Fellowship of Buddhists
Since the old times Sakyamuni Buddha had his disciples propagate the Teaching of Buddhism, time and changing of the world has flourished practice and understanding of Buddhism into various schools and traditions namely Theravada, Mahayana or Vajrayana and so many sects disseminated from Asia to other continents. Still we are all disciples of one and only, Lord Buddha. Many scholars in the old times realized that it was the time that Buddhism should have unity and amity for sustainability and prosperous of Buddhism. The distinguished Sri Lankan Pali scholar who initiated and propelled this idea and led to establishment of the world organization was Dr. G.P. Malalasekera. The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) was inaugurated at the Dalada Maligawa, the Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka on 25 May B.E. 2493 (1950), a day associated with the Buddhist Vesakha.
Undeterred by customs and practices peculiar to denominations were united in their resolutions to promote and to propagate Buddhism, the Constitution of the World Fellowship of Buddhists which is to serve as operational guidelines was formulated and approved as follows:
Name: The organization shall be known as "The World Fellowship of Buddhists" with "The WFB" as the acronym.
Aims and Objectives of the World Fellowship of Buddhists are as follows:
1. To promote among the members strict observance and practice of the teachings of the Buddha;
2. To secure unity, solidarity and brotherhood amongst Buddhists;
3. To propagate the sublime doctrine of the Buddha;
4. To organize and carry on activities in the field of social, educational, cultural, and other humanitarian services;
5. To work for securing peace and harmony amongst men and happiness for all beings and to collaborate with other organizations working for the same ends.
Especially, the World Fellowship of Buddhists refrains from involvement directly or indirectly in any political activity.
General Conference
28th General Conference
Date: 26 - 30 September B.E. 2559 (2016)
Venue: Seoul, Republic of Korea
Theme: Buddhism in Daily Life, Daily Life of Buddhists
Twenty-six years ago since the WFB family last met with each other in Seoul at the 17th WFB General Conference. It was the first time that Buddhist of Vajarayana Sec acted as the host of the WFB General Conference. Seoul has changed into a perfect blending of tradition and advance technology. Jin-Gak Buddhist Order, one of the oldest denominations in South Korea, was the host of this conference which had organized it with friendly atmosphere and smooth operation. The conference was held in conjunction with Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Jin-Gak Buddhist Order.
27th General Conference
Date: 14 - 19 October B.E. 2557 (2014)
Venue: Baoji-Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
Theme: Buddhism and Public: Benefit-Charity
It was the first time for the People’s Republic of China to host the WFB General Conference and Baoji was chosen as venue of the conference because it was said to be among the first cities to embrace Buddhism when the religion was introduced to China before spreading to and flourished in other parts of China and served as the beacon of Buddhism throughout Asia. Furthermore, it is the city where the Buddha’s finger relic is enshrined.
26th General Conference
Date: 11 - 16 June B.E. 2555 (2012)
Venue: Yeosu, South Korea
Theme: Buddhist Ecological - Environmental Thought & Practice for the 21st Century
It was the second time in 20 years that the WFB General Conference had been held in South Korea since B.E. 2533 (1990). Advancement of Korea both spiritual and material prosperities fascinated all participants being witnessed by Yeosu Expo 2014 which also be held at the same time.
25th General Conference
Date: 13 - 17 November B.E. 2553 (2010)
Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Theme: Reconciliation through the Teachings of Buddha
Venue of the conference was selected to be in Sri Lanka where the WFB was founded and the 1st General Conference was inaugurated so as to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of which around 3,000 participants including delegates, observers and invited guests from leading Buddhists countries around the world attended.
24th General Conference
Date: 14 - 17 November B.E. 2551 (2008)
Venue: Tokyo, Japan
Theme: Buddhist’s Contribution to Resolving Social Problems
At this conference, there was an approval of establishing the WFB Humanitarian Relief Fund which consequently resulted from two natural disasters happened in the same month of May B.E. 2551 (2008) - Nargis Cyclone happened in Republic of the Union of Myanmar of which suffered more than 2 million people and the great earthquake followed by several aftershocks in People’s Republic of China.
23rd General Conference
Date: 19 - 23 April B.E. 2549 (2006)
Venue: Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei
Theme: Buddhism and Tolerance for World Peace
The theme of the conference was defined in accordance with the Buddha’s Teachings that is the merit of tolerance can pacify all raging situations. Only tolerance can be fulfilled through the perfection of morality.
22nd General Conference
Date: 9 - 13 December B.E. 2545 (2002)
Venue: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Theme: Wisdom and Compassion : The Way Forward
The theme was chosen to express that Buddhists of all denominations need to effectively expand our compassion into the entire world with right understanding and proper methods in accordance with Teaching of the Buddha in order to save all world beings.
21st General Conference
Date: 5 - 9 December B.E. 2543 (2000)
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand
Theme: Buddhism and Globalization
At the conference, the dialogue on how Buddhism can adapt to globalization, meet challenges in life and bring peace and harmony to mankind was discussed. The conference was also held to celebrate “Golden Jubilee” the 50th Anniversary of the WFB (B.E. 2493-2543/1950-2000) which the opening ceremony was held at Thailand Cultural Center. H.E. Mr. Chuan Leekpai, Prime Minister of Thailand was also attended at the conference. Various heads of States and Sanghas sent their visions and messages to congratulate on this memorable occasion. At the Opening Ceremony Day, the WFB Golden Jubilee Exhibition had enlightened the activities over the past 50 years and of its future works. The remarkable event was inauguration of the World Buddhist University that marked another milestone to the wisdom of our Buddhist world.
20th General Conference
Date: 29 October – 2 November B.E. 2541 (1998)
Venue: Wollongong, Australia
Theme: Buddhism and Challenges in the 21st Century
H.E. Phan Wannamethee was elected as new WFB President. At the conference, the World Buddhist University (WBU) has been established in accordance with its Charter approved by the Conference on 1 November B.E. 2541 (1998) as an international community of Buddhist scholars and institutions engaged in research, training, spiritual practice and educational development based on Buddhism. It will serve as a coordinating centre for academic affairs with all the Buddhist institutions and scholars through a networking system. Its inauguration will be officially held in B.E. 2543 (2000) in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the WFB.
19th General Conference
Date: 22 – 29 November B.E. 2537 (1994)
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand
Theme: Buddhist Way: The Way to Harmony and Peace
The WFB confirmed at this conference that we will continue to co-operate with other religious and humanitarian national and international organizations to alleviate both physical and mental suffering now and in the future. As relations among us grow closer, our improved rapport and responsiveness will generate harmony and peace among Buddhists and thereby loving-kindness and compassion toward all living beings.
18th General Conference
Date: 27 October – 3 November B.E. 2535 (1992)
Venue: Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei
Theme: Development through Harmony and Cooperation
At the conference, the WFB confirm on its standpoints that Buddhism offers a practical way for all of us to lead wholesome lives and redeem humanity from the ills of the world: violence, social unrest, illicit drugs, scourge of AIDS, child abuse and degradation of environment. We confidently pledge to continually cooperate with other religious, social and cultural organizations and movements which are committed to the fostering of greater understanding, peace and harmony of all humankind. In addition, the WFB pledge to work earnestly to contribute to international efforts to engender a greater environmental awareness on our planet and encourage appropriate steps to solve the problems.
17th General Conference : 40th Anniversary of the WFB and the first time that over 500 participants from 26 different countries attended.
Date: 21 - 29 October B.E. 2533 (1990)
Venue: Seoul, South Korea
Theme: Buddhist Challenges Into the Next Decade
The conference was also held to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the WFB. The meeting also commemorated the Anniversary with the publication of the 40th Anniversary Volume and convening two impressive Pancasila Ceremonies at stadiums in Pusan AND Seoul. It was the first time in the history of the WFB that the host in Korea invited over 500 participants from 26 different countries to get together in the spirit of friendship and joy in the Buddha-Dharma.
16th General Conference
Date: 19 - 26 November B.E. 2531 (1988)
Venue: Los Angeles, USA
Theme: WFB : Unity for World Peace
This was the first time in 38 years that WFB General Conference held outside of Asia. Regarding to the WFB application, the General Council (composed of the Heads of the delegations) informed that before an application was considered by EXCO, the Vice Presidents in the particular areas concerned were asked to review the application and subsequently submit their reports to the Executive Council Members. The Vice Presidents undertook these investigations on their own account without reimbursement on the part of the WFB.
15th General Conference
Date: 26 November - 2 December B.E. 2529 (1986)
Venue: Kathmandu, Nepal
Theme: Lumbinī : A Symbol of World Peace
The conference was coincided held with the United Nations International Year of Peace. The WFB under the leadership of the WFB President, Prof. Sanya Dharmasakti, was active in promoting positive relations with UNESCO and the UN in various projects working for peace and harmony among humankind.
14th General Conference
Date: 2 - 7 August B.E. 2527 (1984)
Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Theme: Buddhism’s Contribution to World Culture and Peace
At the conference, a new Standing Committee on Socioeconomic Development was established. The WFB also stressed that among major religious traditions of the world, Buddhism remains unique in that it does not attempt to eliminate plurality and diversity through a process of unification; we affirm to work for peace and tranquility through peaceful means with the ultimate aim of achieving a peaceful community, by the complete elimination of all nuclear weapons and the arms race.
13th General Conference
Date: 21 – 29 November B.E. 2523 (1980)
Venue: Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand
Theme: Buddhist Practice in Contemporary Life
The conference was also held to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the WFB. H.S.H. Princess Poon Pismai Diskul, who was re-elected for another 4 years, also marked with appreciation that the WFB Headquarters had been stationed in Thailand for 17 years with the generous support of the successive Royal Thai Governments had made the WFB work spread worldwide. At the initial period, we had only 29 Regional Centres and at the time of the conference we had no less than 78 of them in 34 countries on all continents of the world.
12th General Conference
Date: 1 – 6 October B.E. 2521 (1978)
Venue: Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Theme: Buddhist Contributions to the Future
At this conference practicing of having Declaration at the end of each WFB General Conference was followed from this Conference onwards. Since many resolutions were remained unimplemented, no resolutions with that were of (1) political nature, (2) have difficulties of implementation, and (3) no providing funds to implement to the submitted project; could be proposed to the General Conference.
11th General Conference
Date: 20 - 25 February B.E. 2519 (1976)
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand
Theme: Role of Buddhists in Present Day Society
The conference was to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the WFB. Princess Poon, the WFB President mentioned of the significant fact on the recognition given by the United Nations (UN) which was glad to cooperate with religions for the sake of peace desired by all. The letter of this recognition was given to the WFB President on 25 October B.E. 2518 (1975) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
10th General Conference
Date: 22 - 27 May B.E. 2515 (1972)
Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Theme: World Peace Through Buddhism
At this conference, it may be added that Dharmacakra had been accepted universally as the common seal of Buddhism by all the Buddhists of the world. Remarkably, it was also informed at the conference that UNESCO had recognized WFB as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), having Category B Consultative Status with the Agency. Moreover, the WFB as the parent organization, had held an inauguration ceremony of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (W.F.B.Y.) which was marked to be born in Sri Lanka and the 1st Buddhist Youth Conference was also convened. From then on the W.F.B.Y. is an organization of youth wing under the WFB’s auspices.
9th General Conference
Date: 13 – 20 April B.E. 2512 (1969)
Venue: Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia
Theme: Buddha Dhamma : A Way of Life
Noticeable feature of this conference was the resolution to have the permanent headquarters of the WFB in Thailand adopted at the General Council on 4 November B.E. 2509 (1966) that permanent headquarters of the WFB be located in Thailand for the more efficient working of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the greater control and safety of its assets and records.
8th General Conference
Date: 6 – 12 November B.E. 2509 (1966)
Venue: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Theme: Buddhism Promotes Peace and Harmony Among Men
This was the first time that the WFB General Conference had a theme and this practice was followed by all of the WFB General Conferences from that time on. At this conference a Committee on Youth was added to the General Conference which made the WFB germinate the establishment of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (W.F.B.Y.) as a permanent auxiliary institution to the W.F.B.
7th General Conference
Date: 29 November - 4 December B.E. 2507 (1964)
Venue: Sarnath and Varanasi, India
Sarnath, Varanasi in India was chosen as the venue of the conference because it is where Śākyamuni delivered his first sermon which came to be known as the turning of the Wheel of the Law, the Dharmacakra. It was also as tribute to the Centenary of the birth of the late Venerable Anāgārika Dharmapāla who was the pioneer of the Buddhist revival in India and the first Buddhist missionary to visit Europe and America that spread Buddhism beyond Asia.
6th General Conference
Date: 14 - 23 November B.E. 2504 (1961)
Venue: Phanom Penh, Cambodia (now Kampuchea)
The Conference decided to add about being a Regional Centre of the WFB, geographic or political boundaries should not be an obstacle to recognize more than one organization in the same area if the applying organization represents a clearly defined group of Buddhists. Moreover, the Constitution was revised to extend the term of its officers to 4 years as well as increasing number of Vice Presidents to 12 elected at the WFB General Conference. The need for organizing a Buddhist Youth Organization was also re-emphasized for international exchange program among Buddhist Youth of WFB’s member countries.
5th General Conference
Date: 24 - 30 November B.E. 2501 (1958)
Venue: Bangkok Thailand
Decision worth mentioning was made at this conference was that in order to strengthening the President’s authority, who would be assisted by 11 Vice Presidents, Ex-Presidents would automatically become Honorary Presidents on relinquishing their positions. The conference also called for the promotion of new methods and the improvement of existing standards of teaching of Buddhism in all Buddhist countries at all educational level, especially concerning children.
4th General Conference
Date: 15 - 21 November B.E. 2499 (1956)
Venue: Kathmandu, Nepal
The conference was held in the same year of Buddha Jayantī, the commemoration of the 2,500th anniversary of the Buddha Parinirvāņa. Moreover, there was one more committee, Culture and Art, added to the 5 previous committees being set up since the 1st General Conference of the WFB. Totally there were 6 committees.
3rd General Conference
Date: 3 - 6 December B.E. 2497 (1954)
Venue: Rangoon (now Yangon), Union of Burma (now Myanmar)
The conference was held with the host country’s intention that the WFB conference should be an historic gathering of international Buddhist leaders and representatives of Buddhist organizations and communities with a view to revealing Buddhism to humankind and demonstrating the Buddhist Way of Life to distracted and threatened world. There were 215 delegates and over 500 observers representing 28 countries excluding Burma attended. Noteworthy resolutions should be mentioned was pilgrimage to Four Buddhist sacred sites to remind Teachings of the Buddha should be formed namely Lumbinī, Kusinārā, Bodh Gayā and Sarnath.
2nd General Conference
Date: 25 - 30 September B.E. 2495 (1952)
Venue: Tokyo, Japan
The conference was held in the same year which Japan had commemorated the 1400th anniversary of the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Main discussion of the conference were on World Peace and promote welfare of mankind since all participants were fully aware of the horrors of war, particularly a nuclear holocaust resulted from the World War II. Moreover, it was agreed with the policy that office bearers should hold their post for a term of four years with the possibility of re-election.
1st General Conference
Date: 25 May - 6 June B.E. 2493 (1950)
Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka
The First Conference was held at the Holy Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka on 25 May which is the Buddhist Vesak Day to make the event worldwide importance. There were 129 delegates representing 29 countries excluding those from Sri Lanka, the host country gathering at the conference.
The World Fellowship of Buddhists (The WFB)
616 Benjasiri Park, Sukhumvit 24 off Soi Medhinivet, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey,
Bangkok 10110, Thailand