Eight disciples from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan proposed the World Buddhist Forum in China in 2004, a suggestion that won support from Buddhist circles in countries like Japan and the Republic of Korea. From October 2004 to November 2005, with the common propagation of the Buddhist communities of Hong Kong, Macao and across the
Taiwan Strait, the proposal of hosting the World Buddhist Forum in Mainland China won universal support and an active response from Buddhist communities in over 40 countries. The Chinese government gave assurances it would support the Buddhist community to host the grand historic event.
Overseers of the First World Buddhist Forum • Venerable Master
Yi Cheng, President,
Buddhist Association of China. • Losang Jigmê Tubdain Qoigyi Nyima, 6th
Jamyang Zhepa and abbot,
Labrang Monastery; Vice President,
Buddhist Association of China. • Venerable Master
Ben Huan, Director,
Buddhist Association of China. • Venerable Master
Hsing Yun, Founder,
Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Taiwan. •
Huba Longzhuangmeng, Abbot of
Xishuangbanna Monastery. • Venerable Master
Wei Chueh, Founder,
Chung Tai Shan Monastery, Taiwan. • Venerable Master
Sheng Hui, Vice President and Dean of the Chinese Buddhist Academy. • Venerable Master
Kok Kwong, President of the
Hong Kong Buddhist Association. ==Purpose and guiding principle==