International Conference on Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism By Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University July 16-20, B.E. 2547 (2004)

1. Principles and Reasons      With the approvals of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Council from the meeting of 6/2546 (2003) held on October 30, B.E. 2546 (2003), and the meeting of 1/2547 (2004) held on March 18, B.E. 2546 (2003), appointing Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University as a host to organize the International Conference on Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism in Thailand.      Since Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University has organized the Second World Buddhist Summit in November B.E. 2543 (2000) for the Buddhist leaders around the world, both Theravada and Mahayana sects, from 17 countries and again in June B.E. 2545 (2002), the Meeting of the World Council of Religious Leaders for 13 religious groups with delegates from 48 countries. Such conferences were platforms for different groups of people to exchange their ideas, experiences, and procedures unique in each country and religion. Thus, Buddhism and Thailand were very successful in their cooperative efforts in organizing these important worldly events.      Within the Buddhist's circle, it is also crucial to establish exchanging of ideas, opinions, experiences, and procedures between individuals and organizations to maintain integrity and stability of Buddhism, together with the education and proper methods of practice, and also the propagation of Buddhism to all levels of world citizens so that any Buddhist should have the knowledge and perspective to understand and properly subsist in the ever-changing world. In addition, monks must be capable of following the correct doctrines that are not deviated from the principles of the Tipitaka scriptures and other reliable treatises. Consequently, the cooperation between social groups will resonate from one country to the entire world. All Buddhists, therefore, should expedite their accurate learning and proper practice of the correct teachings of Lord Buddha. Furthermore, they must unite to successfully carry out any emerging task.      In addition, according to the Sangha Council of Thailand's meeting of 28/2545 (2002) on October 30, B.E. 2545 (2002), the Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and a delegate of Thai Buddhist monks were appointed to participate in an International Buddhist Conference, "Buddha Sasana in Theravada Countries: Issues and Way Forward" from January 14-17, B.E. 2546 (2003), coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This resulted in further needs for perpetual academic meetings between Theravada and Mahayana sects.      Hence, the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Council has approved Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University to organize an academic conference in Thailand, entitled "International Conference on Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism" and to invite Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Buddhism to come share their educational viewpoints and to set up a working environment for the future.      Moreover, Buddhist leaders from 13 countries participating in the "International Seminar on International Recognition of the Day of Vesak" in Thailand from May 25-27, B.E. 2547 (2004), have all signed in the joint communiqu? proposing the set up of activities at United Nations Conference Center, Asia-Pacific regional office, in Bangkok, Thailand, in accordance with the resolution of the 54th United Nations General Assembly on December 13 and 16, B.E. 2542 (1999), which internationally recognized the Day of Vesak and passed its directives to United Nations Headquarters and all other United Nations offices around the world to celebrate the International Recognition of the Day of Vesak.      Consequently, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University has included this topic of discussion in organizing annual activities on the International Recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Conference Center, Asia-Pacific regional office, in Bangkok, Thailand, into the agenda of this conference. 2. Objectives      2.1 To serve as a platform for exchanging of experiences related to the principles of Buddhism from Theravada and Mahayana sects on an international level through education, practice and cooperation.      2.2 To establish good relationships and cooperation among Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.      2.3 To facilitate cooperation for sustenance of Buddhism among Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.      2.4 To plan and organize the collaboration in organizing annual activities on United Nations' International Recognition of the Day of Vesak. 3. Aims      3.1 Quantitatively, to bring together some 1,000 Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism from Thailand and other countries.      3.2 Qualitatively, to facilitate an exchange of experiences and to specify cooperative efforts for sustenance of Buddhism. To also plan and organize the collaboration in organizing annual activities on United Nations' International Recognition of the Day of Vesak. 4. Conference Agenda      4.1 Buddhist Organization.      4.2 Buddhist Education.      4.3 Propagation of Buddhism.      4.4 Buddhism and Social Welfare.      4.5 Collaboration in Organizing Annual Activities on United Nations' International Recognition of the Day of Vesak. 5. Organizing Parties (Host)       Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University 6. Schedule and Venues July 16, B.E. 2547 (2004): Buddhamonthon Main Hall, Buddhamonthon, Nakorn Pathom      - Registration and Opening of Ceremony      - Conference Starts July 17-19, B.E. 2547 (2004): United Nations Conference Center (UNCC), Bangkok      - Conference Continues July 20, B.E. 2547 (2004):      - Excursion to various Buddhist Significant Sites 7. Participants      7.1 Participants attending the Opening Ceremony at Buddhamonthon Main Hall are expected to be around 1,000 monks and laity.           7.1.1 Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism from foreign countries (150 from each sect): a total of 300 monks and laity.           7.1.2 Buddhist monks, scholars, academics and news reporters: a total of 250 monks and laity.           7.1.3 The Administrators, Faculties, Staff and students from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University: a total of 500 monks and laity.      7.2 Participants attending United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) are expected to be around 700 monks and laity.           7.2.1 Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism from foreign countries (150 from each sect): a total of 300 monks and laity.           7.2.2 Buddhist monks, scholars, academics and news reporters: a total of 250 monks and laity.           7.2.3 The Administrators, Faculties, Staff and students from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University: a total of 150 monks and laity. 8. Sources of Budget      8.1 Financial Support from the Government of Thailand      8.2 General Donations, In-kind Contributions. 9. Contributors and Supporting Organizations           9.1 Sangha Supreme Council           9.2 Ministry of Education           9.3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs           9.4 Ministry of Culture           9.5 Tourism Authority of Thailand           9.6 Airport Authority of Thailand           9.7 Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education           9.8 Commission on Higher Education, Ministry of Education           9.9 Chareon Pokphand Group           9.10 The World Fellowship of Buddhists           9.11 Young Buddhist Association of Thailand           9.12 Mahamakut Buddhist University           9.13 Sripatum University           9.14 Office of National Buddhism           9.15 The Religious Affairs Department           9.16 Royal Thai Police           9.17 Governor of Bangkok, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration           9.18 The Meeting of Rectors, An Ortornomy University, Thailand.           9.19 Ching Jue Buddhist Sangha University 10. Prospects      10.1 Gaining exchanged experiences of principles of Buddhism teachings through educational discussions and workshop practices of Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.      10.2 Gaining good relationships and cooperation among Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.      10.3 Gaining the cooperation for sustenance of Buddhism among Buddhist leaders, scholars, and academics in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism leading to a world of harmony.      10.4 Gaining the collaboration in organizing annual activities on United Nations' International Recognition of the Day of Vesak.