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PREFACE

The 29 General Conference of The World Fellowship of Buddhists (The WFB), of
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which the two subordinate organs of The WFB’ meeting - the 20 General Conference of the
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World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY), and the 11 Meeting of the World Buddhist
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University (WBU) Council - were also held simultaneously from 5-9 November B.E. 2561
(2018). It was ten years since our last gathering in Japan at the 24 General Conference of
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The World Fellowship of Buddhists in B.E. 2552 (2008). Meanwhile, the friendliness and
hospitality of Japan Buddhist Federation (JBF), the sole Regional Centre of The WFB in Japan,
including all Japanese people is not changed a bit. They are always ready to provide us as much
assistance willingly and sincerely as they could. This was the same feeling we felt whenever
we visit members of The WFB family. The serious business and the Opening Ceremony of
the conferences and meeting were held in city of Narita from 6-8 November at Marroad
International Hotel Narita. More than 500 delegates, observers, and participants both local
and international attended the conference. Then, on 9 November all participants departed
to Sojiji Temple in Yokohama to attend the Prayer Ceremony for World Peace which was
presided over by the Most Reverend Shinzan Egawa, President of JBF. It was a sacred and
grandeur ceremony that we were fortunate to attend. As soon as we arrived at the temple, we
were welcomed by a long line of lovely kindergartens waving the little flags. They had given us
feeling of cheerful before the earnest discussion on ‘Compassion in Action: Creating Life and
Hope in Death’, which was the theme of this General Conference, was about to begin. The
Symposium with renown scholars and experienced Japanese priests were invited as the guest
speakers provided us the insightful detail of the theme.
Advanced technology, one world communication, and modern living only enable us
convenience of living. However, it often causes stress, loneliness, sadness and despair to some
people who cannot deal with difficulties and expectations they cannot fulfill. Some people
thought that taking their own lives seems to be solution to end misery they were barely endured.
Hence, this symposium had given us information and how to tackle the problems that may arise.
Japan Buddhist Association, All Japan Young Buddhist Association, and several organizations/
associations are always very quick in responding to whatever normal or urgent situation in
order to provide physical and mental assistance to those who are in need. It certainly lessens
the problem and makes the casualties feel that they were heard and acknowledged of their
existences. Other than the serious discussion at Sojiji Temple, there were exhibitions and
workshops of Japanese craft, tea ceremony, and Japanese supper to introduce their cultures and
to entertain the participants as well.
Lastly, our sincerest thanks and gratitude to Most Venerable Shinzan Egawa, Reverend
Yoshiharu Tomatsu (Secretary General of JBF and Executive Council Member of The WFB),
Reverend Masamichi Shodo Kobayashi (Vice-President of The WFB), all Executives and
personnel of Japan Buddhist Federation, its entire organizations/ associations under JBF
umbrella, Japan Travel Bureau (JTB) and Japanese people including individuals and all of
The WFB personnel whose names were not mentioned who contributed to the success of the
Conference. Until we meet again at the next General Conference.
The Editorial Board

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RECORD OF PROCEEDING | THE 29 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE WFB
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