5th World Lay Buddhism Forum in Seoul Oct. 26-30, 2011

[Huseng]

Conference Announcement/Call for Papers

The 5th Lay Buddhist Forum: Monasticism and Lay Buddhism Seoul,
Korea Oct. 26 - Oct. 30, 2011

Dear Buddhist Friends,

The Fifth World Lay Buddhist Forum, will be hosted by the Chongji
Buddhist organization, a leading lay Buddhist tradition in Korea, on
Oct. 26-Oct. 30, 2011, in Seoul. The World Lay Buddhist Forum provides
an opportunity for Buddhist practitioners and scholars to come
together, to share strategies for supporting lay Buddhist practice,
and to search for ways in which lay Buddhists can serve society.

Buddhism has been practiced by lay people since the inception of the
Buddha Dharma, and the roles which the laity play have been
increasing. Many believe that the future of Buddhism depends on lay
Buddhist practice. With an understanding of the significance of the
growth of lay Buddhism around the world, LBF has been inviting
Buddhist scholars, as well as lay Buddhist practitioners, to
participate in this event for the last four years. This year the forum
will focus on the following topic: Monasticism and Lay Buddhism

There has been a distinction between monasticism and Lay Buddhism
throughout the Buddhist tradition. However, this distinction faces
strong challenges in the modern period. In some countries, such as
Korea and Japan for example, there are lay Buddhist organizations
which do not have monks or nuns. Lay followers' power is growing even
within the monastic traditions, which are led by celibate monks or
nuns. We suggest the topic 'Monasticism and Lay Buddhism' in order to
facilitate discussion on this and related topics. The following issues
and others can be discussed:
- the fundamental differences between lay Buddhism and monasticism
- the strength and weakness of the monastic tradition
- the strength and weakness of the laity tradition
- historical background of the rise of lay Buddhist organizations
- roles of laity in the monastic Buddhism
- future of the monastic tradition
- the future of the lay tradition

In addition to the topics above, we welcome discussions on any other
topic related to Lay Buddhism, such as the history of lay Buddhism,
profiles of lay Buddhist leaders, the philosophy of lay Buddhism, lay
Buddhism and society, etc.

Accommodation

The Chongji Buddhist Organization and the Ministry of Culture and
Tourism of Korea will provide all the necessary accommodation and
transportation in Korea during the Forum. Air fare to Korea will not
be paid by the Forum's Sponsors.

Sightseeing

It is our pleasure to give the participants a chance to experience
traditional Korean Buddhist monastery life and to travel to famous
tourist sites in Korea. Seoul, the forum place, is a well developed
modern city. As well as being the 600 year old capital of Korea, it
has beautiful Buddhist temples and palaces and other interesting sites
to visit.

Qualification Requirements

All papers addressing the 2011 Forum topics are welcome regardless of
the academic credentials of the author. All academic as well as
general papers are welcome and we encourage you to apply. If you are a
lay Buddhist leader, we are interested in your attendance at the
Forum, whether or not you plan to present a paper. We also encourage
young Buddhist leaders to attend the Forum and experience
international leadership. We believe that you and your organization
will find participation in this Forum well worth your effort. If you
are interested in attending the 5th World Lay Buddhist Forum, please
fill out the application form below. After receiving your applications
we will extend invitation letters. If you know of others who would be
interested in this conference, please pass this information on to
them.

Sincerely,

Jong-in Kim, Ph.D.
Lay Buddhist Forum Steering Committee
[email protected]
82.2.508.8933/82.10.9227.8676

Application Form is available at:
http://chongji.or.kr/eng/forum/forum02.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Huseng]

For those who are concerned about the cost take into consideration this:

The Chongji Buddhist Organization and the Ministry of Culture and
Tourism of Korea will provide all the necessary accommodation and
transportation in Korea during the Forum. Air fare to Korea will not
be paid by the Forum's Sponsors.


In October airfare to and from East Asia is cheaper because it is low season.

[DGA]

I intend to submit a proposal for this having to do with the present and future of lay practice in North America. This conference is a great idea. Thank you Huseng for posting it here. Fingers crossed...

[DGA]

Good news: My proposal was accepted for this conference. Is anyone else here at Dharmawheel intending to go?