wfn.org | Buddhists open worldwide 'university without walls' in Thailand

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A Buddhist university for all Buddhist people' to combat challenges of 
globalization

BANGKOK, December 10 -- Buddhists around the world over the weekend took a 
significant step toward Bangkok's becoming the official capital of world 
Buddhism by opening a new international university here. Delegates then 
celebrated Sunday public "Dhamma in the Park" ceremonies at Benjasri Park 
near the World Fellowship of Buddhists headquarters.

	In a day of ceremonies and a symposium on the need for focused higher 
education opened by H.H. the Supreme Patriarch and Thailand's Minster of 
Education H.E. Mr. Somsak Prisananandakul, World Fellowship of Buddhists 
(WFB) President Phan Wannamethee proclaimed the inauguration of the World 
Buddhist University, a university without walls patterned after the United 
Nations University in Tokyo and with inspiration from UNESCO.

	Globalization and the challenges it brings was a theme which wove through 
several days of proceedings as Buddhist delegates from 22 countries 
worldwide -- more than 450 monks, nuns, academics and laypersons from Asia, 
Europe, North America and Africa -- witnessed the inauguration of the 
Thailand-based World Buddhist University, confronted the issues of 
globalization and related social disruption and to how to preserve, develop 
and extend Buddhism's heritage and new generations of leadership capability 
and readiness worldwide.

	Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge, Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of the 
International Academy of Buddhism of Hsi Lai University, Los Angeles 
County, California, USA spoke on the background, origins and history of 
"The World Buddhist University: A Challenge of Today and Tomorrow", while 
Chamnong Tongprasert elaborated on the academic co0ncept, structure and 
role of the university a keynote speech.

	Initially the new university will be located at the WFB Headquarters 
Building at Benjasri Park on Sukhumvit Road. Establishment of permanent 
facilities at Phuttamonthon in Nakorn Pathom province is under consideration.

	The theme, "Buddhism and Globalization" was addressed earlier by Venerable 
Jayasaro Mahathero of Wat Pah Nanachat.

	Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai hosted the delegates at Government House on 
Thursday evening and earlier opened the formal Golden Jubilee ceremonies 
and Art for Dhamma exhibition at the Thailand Cultural Centre on Wednesday.

	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.

	Anurut Vongvanij was elected president of the World Fellowship of Buddhist 
Youth.

Text of speeches, articles available include:

	-- "The World Buddhist University: A Challenge of Today and Tomorrow", Dr. 
Ananda Guruge
	-- "Buddhism and Globalization", by Ven. Jayasero Mahathero
	-- Buddhist missions in Africa
	-- restroration and developmenht at Buddha's birthplace, Lumbini (Nepal)
	-- The Art for Dhamma exhibition/souvenir edition

Photographs available (jpegs by internet or as prints) include: all 
ceremonies, Buddhists of many lands, His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, 
Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, World Fellowship of Buddhist officers and 
delegates, and more.

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

Additional information/contacts related to the World Fellowship of 
Buddhists (WFB), the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youthy (WFBY) and the 
World Buddhist University include:

Dr. Nantasarn Seeselab, Secretary-General
World Fellowship of Buddhists
616 Benjasri Park, Sukhumvit 24 off Soi Medhiniwat, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (662) 661-1284-87 Fax: (662) 661-0555
E-mail: wfb_hq@asianet.co.th
web: http://www.wb-university.org/	

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