11th World Buddhist Sangha Council (WBSC) Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.

11th World Buddhist Sangha Council (WBSC) Conference, Auckland, New Zealand

The 11th World Buddhist Sangha Council (WBSC) Conference was successfully held at the Grand Millennium Hotel and Quan Am Monastery in Auckland, New Zealand on March 02 – 06, 2024. Over 500 delegates, including the highest-ranking Buddhist monks and nuns from 31 countries worldwide, participated in this auspicious occasion.

This significant event marked the first time the conference was held outside of Asia. It focused on environmentalism, exploring the intersection of ancient Buddhist rituals and modern environmental challenges. Topics discussed included environmental restoration and climate change, emphasizing sustainable practices within the Buddhist faith.

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The conference was expertly managed by Most Venerable Master Shi Hui Siong, the Chief Vice President cum Secretary General of the WBSC, and President of the Association Buddhist Centre Indonesia. Under his guidance, the conference addressed how to navigate environmental restoration and climate challenges within the Buddhist faith.

The unforgettable experience of attending the grand opening ceremony of the “11th General Conference” of the World Buddhist Sangha Council (WBSC) at the Quan Am Buddhist Monastery in Auckland filled participants with immense joy and gratitude. Hosted by Most Venerable Master Thich Phuoc An, Vice President of the WBSC and Founder & Abbot of Quan Am Buddhist Monastery, the opening ceremony included Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditional pujas and chanting.

The summit, themed “Returning to Nature, Living in Harmony,” was held at the Quan Am Buddhist Monastery in the Bombay Hills and continued at the Oneness Buddhist Temple in Pakuranga Heights, Auckland, New Zealand. It provided a platform for delegates to engage in dialogue on numerous global issues and outline future plans for the Buddhist World, fostering unity and harmony worldwide.

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The 11th World Buddhist Sangha Council Conference in Auckland, New Zealand, marked a golden milestone as the largest global gathering of its kind and the first held outside Asia. Most Venerable Master Shi Hui Siong’s leadership at this pivotal moment underscored the importance of global Buddhist dialogue on ecology.

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The World Buddhist Sangha Council is an international Buddhist organization with objectives that include developing sangha organizations worldwide, carrying out dhammaduta activities, enhancing harmony among different Buddhist traditions, and promoting world peace through the teachings of compassion.

Since its inception in 1966 with the first general conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the WBSC has been actively working towards its objectives. With nine terms of Executive Committee over 50 years, it has led the world Buddhist sangha in dharmaduta activities to serve humankind and the world.

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In 1981, the third general conference took place in Taipei, Taiwan, where Most Venerable Pai Sheng was elected president and the headquarters were established. Over 30 years, Taipei has become a center of international Buddhist activities, providing a platform for Buddhists from around the world to freely engage in dharmaduta activities.

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Currently, the WBSC has sangha members from 25 countries, with general conferences and Executive Committee meetings held every 4 to 5 years and 2 to 3 years, respectively. Extraordinary meetings can be called to discuss important matters, with each meeting hosted by sangha from different places to advance dharmaduta activities.