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World Convention Inaugurate World Buddhist University in Thailand

BANGKOK, Thailand (Asketes) -- More than 500 Buddhist monks, clergy and 
laypersons from Theravada, Hinayana and the Tibetan Vajrayana sects from 37 
countries on six continents will honour a half century of Buddhist 
cooperation when the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) and the World 
Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY) convene Wednesday December 6 beginning 
at 15.00 hours (3:00pm).

Sharing the honours in a mixed religious and civil ceremony at the Thailand 
Cultural Centre on Wednesday will be H.H. the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand 
and H.E. Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai of Thailand. Delegates are invited to 
a reception with the Prime Minister at Government House on Thursday evening.

Exhibitions on "Art for Dhamma", a collection of contemporary paintings by 
29 outstanding Thai artists, and related exhibitions on significant events 
and personalities in the life of the WFB will take place.

"Buddhism and Globalization" is the theme of the conference and the title 
of a keynote address to be given Thursday December 7 at 13.00 hours 
(1:00pm) by the celebrated English-born Venerable Jayasaro, Abbot of Wat 
Pah Nanachat (International Forest Monastery).

The World Buddhist University will be officially inaugurated at 09.00 hours 
(9:00am) Saturday December 9 with a religious ceremony conducted by the 
Supreme Patriarch and a keynote address, "The World Buddhist University: A 
Challenge of Today and Tomorrow" by Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge of Sri Lanka; 
and addresses by Thailand's Minister of Education and the rectors of 
Mahamakut Buddhist University and Mahachula Buddhist University followed by 
a symposium on the new university.

A colourful candlelight closing ceremony will be held Saturday December 9 
at 18.30-21.00 hours (6:30-9pm) at the Reflective Lotus Pond in Benjasri 
Park (the Queen's Park), where the World Fellowship of Buddhists 
headquarters is located.

"Dhamma in the Park", a colourful Sunday morning "Buddha teaching in the 
Garden" during which alms for monks will be offered December 10 at 07.00 
hours (7:00am).

The 50th Anniversary is the occasion of the 21st General Conference of the 
World Fellowship of Buddhists (founded in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 1950) and 
the 12th General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth. Both 
groups will meet simultaneously.

Venues:
THAILAND CULTURAL CENTRE
December 6, 15.00-18.00 hours
TARA HOTEL, Sukhumvit Soi 24
December 7-9
BENJASRI PARK, December 9 evening;
December 10, morning

Contacts:
World Fellowship of Buddhists, 616 Benjasri Park,
Sukhumvit 24 off Soi Medhiniwat, Bangkok 10110
Thailand Tel: (662) 661-1284-87 Fax: (662) 661-0555
         web: http://www.wb-university.org/

Lance Woodruff <lance.woodruff@th-inet.com>
Asketes   Tel/Fax: (662) 970-8277

_______________________________________________________
ASKETES ... an ecumenical observer at Asia's crossroads

Lance Woodruff, 28/38 Bua Luang Village, Ram Intra Soi 19
Bangkhen, Bangkok 10220 Thailand

Tel/Fax: (662) 970-8277   E-Mail: lance.woodruff@th-inet.com

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