5th Global Conference on Buddhism

Just back from Kuala Lumpur and the 5th Global Conference on Buddhism. The panel of speakers was inspiring, including Ajahn Brahm from Australia, Thubten Jinpa, (translator for HH the Dalai Lama) from Montreal, Roshi Jan Chozen Bays, from Oregon, among others. I gave two talks and gave a mini-concert (four songs) after lunch on Saturday. Judging by the number of voices singing along, the response was satisfying. 900 Malaysian Buddhists attended, the majority being English-speaking Chinese Malaysians.

This was the fifth gathering of the conference I attended last year in Perth. The conference brought together Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana practitioners and scholars, both Sangha and laity.

I was most impressed by the enthusiasm for the Dharma of the audience, who were both knowledgeable in the Dharma, particularly Theravada teachings, and also willing to engage in dialogue, to ask questions and apply the teachings in their lives.

Comments

[Julia]

Sounds like it was a very inspiring visit - 900 people...that's a lot of people! :)

[Julia]

I like the theme of the conference very much!

[zlyrica]

Amituofo Ven. Heng Sure,

A group of us from Singapore was at the 5th Global Conference on Buddhism and we had a really good time and indeed learnt a lot from the conference. We enjoyed and probably made the most noise during your performance of "American Beef Cow". It is one enlightening and entertaining song. Thanks for such a brilliant song.

After your talks at KL, I must thank you for making Pureland teachings so lively and inspiring. Although Singaporeans are both Mandarin and English educated, many young Buddhists are much more comfortable with English language. There is a serious shortage of English speaking Mahayana teachers, English Pureland teachers are rare, Vegan Buddhist masters are even rarer and we do what we can to promote Pureland teachings as lay Buddhists. If you ever come to Singapore, please do not hesitate to hold Dharma talks on Pureland teachings or veganism.

Here's a little tribute to your song, "American Beef Cow" : http://www.moonpointer.com/index.php?itemid=1866

If you have any quotes on veg*nism, please share them with us. You will be surprised veg*nism is one of the hottest topics on http://moonpointer.com and http://moonpointer.com/bvf.php Though much discussion, it helps many to understand the cause.

Here's one of your talks found on YouTube a while ago : http://moonpointer.com/bvf.php?itemid=1569

Amituofo!

[SH]

Amituofo Ven.HengSure,

I attended the conference as well and learned a lot from you and the other speakers as well. Thank you very much for making the trip to Malaysia and sharing your experience and wisdom with us.

[Jean]

"The conference brought together Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana practitioners and scholars, both Sangha and laity."
人生毕竟很多的共同点。发现人生，就是发现共同点，发现沟通的可能。
人因差异而斗争，又因斗争而扩大差异，并且把扩大了的差异当成了真实。
所以，发现人生是一种仁慈。