World Fellowship of Buddhists

Category: Organizations

From Buddhist Encyclopedia

The international Buddhist Flag was designed in Sri Lanka in the 1880s and was later adopted as a symbol by the WFB

The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) was founded in May 25, 1950 (2493 B.E.) in Colombo, Sri Lanka by representatives from 27 nations. Nearly every school of Buddhism in the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana traditions was represented by members of the Sangha as well as laity. This was probably the first time in the history of Buddhism that such a gathering was held. It now has regional centers in 35 countries.

Headquarter

Address :

• 616 Benjasiri Park, Soi Medhinivet, Sukhumvit 24, BANGKOK 10110, Thailand

Telephone :

• +662 6611284
• +662 6611285
• +662 6611286
• +662 6611287

Fax :

• +662 6610555

E-mail :

• wfb_hq@truemail.co.th

Website :

• www.wfb-hq.org

Aims and Objectives

The Aims and Objectives of the WFB are :

• To promote among the members strict observance and practice of the teachings of the Buddha;
• To secure unity, solidarity, and brotherhood amongst Buddhists;
• To propagate the sublime doctrine of the Buddha;
• To organize and carry on activities in the field of social, educational, cultural and other humanitarian services;
• To work for happiness, harmony and peace on earth and to collaborate with other organizations working for the same ends.

In order to achieve its Aims and Objectives, the WFB shall :

• Establish Regional Centres in countries, territories, or areas where there are appreciable numbers of Buddhists, whose belief in and pratice of Buddhism are free and unrestricted, or give recognition to any existing organizations as Regional Centres;
• Establish and maintain Dhamma-duta Centres throughout the world for the purpose of disseminating the teachings of the Buddha, promoting and encouraging practice and observance of the teachings of the Buddha;
• Establish and maintain, or assist in the establishment and maintenance of, such institutions as may be necessary for the study and propagation of Buddhism;
• Stimulate and promote active practice and observance of the principles of Buddhism;
• Organize and maintain, or assist in the organization and maintenance of, institutions for social, educational, cultural, and other humanitarian services;
• Act as a directing and coordinating authority amongst international Dhamma-duta Centres;
• Organize and promote exchange of missions, scholars and students between Buddhist countries; and
• Take such other steps as will be conductive to the promotion of its Aims and Objectives.
• In pursuing the courses of action indicated above, The WFB shall refrain from involving itself directly or indirectly in any political activity.

The Presidents

1. 1950 - 1958 : Dr. G.P. Malalasekera, Sri Lanka
2. 1958 - 1961 : Hon. U. Chan Htoon, Burma
3. 1963 - 1984 : H.S.H. Princess Poon Pismai Diskul, Thailand
4. 1985 - 1998 : Prof. Sanya Dharmasakti, Thailand
5. 1999 - current : H.E. Phan Wannamethee, Thailand