A Buddhist conference being held November 15-18 in Gautama Buddha’s place of birth, Lumbini, is expected to draw over 400 scholars and monks from roughly 30 different nations.

It is being held for the purpose of preserving and understanding many aspects of the culture and traditions of Buddhism, including sacred texts, historic monuments, important sites and communities.

The conference, entitled “Promotion, Protection and Preservation of Buddhist Culture and Heritage”, has been scheduled through the cooperation of Theravada Buddhist Academy in affiliation with Lumbini Buddhist University and the Sitagu International Buddhist Academy (based in Myanmar). It will be inaugurated by President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. Some of the institutions, which will be actively participating, include UNESCO, Lumbini Development Trust, along with the Lumbini Buddhist University and the Asian Development Bank.

Most Ven. Dr. Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahasthavir, the Upa-Sangha Nayaka of Nepal and Chairman for Theravada Buddhist Academy, along with the Chairman of the International Buddhist University Association in Myanmar, the Most Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissar (Sitagu Sayadaw), will assume joint leadership of a 40-member Conference Organizing Main Committee. Six various sub-committees will be at work under the umbrella of the Main Committee and more than 90 papers will be up for presentation and discussion and will cover topics concerning Theravada, Bajrayana and Mahayana, the three primary Buddhist groups.

Keshav Man Shakya, a former Director of the Organizing Committee and Minister, says the conference objectives are to promote tourism of both a spiritual and cultural nature, as well as to provide encouragement regarding both education and research. There will also be a focus on protecting the rights of Buddhist communities. Organizers stated Nepalese experts are expected to make a presentation of plans regarding the development of Lumbini, as well.

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