Our Objective

The primary focus of the conference is to develop ongoing dialogues and collaboration between practitioners of the Pali traditions of Southeast and South Asian countries of India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia) and those of the Sanskrit tradition from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia and other parts of the world.

The conference will identify and highlight the benefits of studies and practices that are common to all traditions as well as develop an appreciation and understanding of the strengths of found within those traditions which are viewed as being different.

There is an urgent and pressing need to discuss how to maintain the authenticity of established Buddhist traditions while at the same time allow for adaptation of the Buddha’s teachings to meet the needs of people during these challenging times.

The Dharma needs to be made more easily accessible, relevant, and meaningful to those in regions unfamiliar with Buddhism and the younger generations. In order to achieve this goal and prevent the degeneration of the Dharma, it is imperative to consider how to support and maintain the standards of Buddhist monastics in our contemporary world.