The 24thGeneral Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists was successfully held between November 14th and 17th in 2008 at Asakusa, a town which has been deeply rooted as a traditional Japanese market for centuries. The theme of the this Conference was “Buddhist Contributions to Resolving Social Problems.” Under this most appropriate yet provocative theme, the symposium began with “The Economics of Happiness”, an inspiring film by Helena Norberg-Hodge. Her very unique documentation of the world globalization and its social and environmental consequences led the minds of participants strongly to the theme of the symposium. Divided into seven social issues (Youth, Suicide, Gender Equality, Spiritual Care for the Dying, Peace, Environment, and Social Development), 35 specialists in their own fields were invited as panelists. These panelists shared their valuable experiences and unique views.
On November 16th, Prayer for the World Peace took place at Asakusa Senso-ji Temple with a special parade pleasantly illuminated by the clerical dress/robes of many countries and regions worn by international participants.
From Japan Buddhist Federation (JBF)
