Fourth bi-annual International Buddhist Conference 2010:

Human values in Buddhist perspective

by Jayantha SENEVIRATHNA

Theravada Buddhism seems a synonym for Sri Lanka, and it is common acceptance that the world's purest form of Theravada Buddhism still survives in this country. With such grandeur come within reach of Sri Lanka Association of Buddhist Studies (SLABS) sets the stage for its 4th Bi-annual International Conference.

The Sessions start off on December 10 and will continue throughout December 11, 12, 2010 at SIBA Campus, Pallekele, Kundasale, Sri Lanka.

Sri Dalada Maligawa, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) and Mahachulalongkornraja Vidyalaya University (MCU) will be the co-sponsors of the much celebrated event. "The conference presents an ideal setting not only towards nurturing a unique religious and cultural system, but also a rendezvous for enthusiasts wishing to contemplate deep on concepts and ideologies behind," Prof. G.A. Somarathna, Rector, SIBA Campus, said.

Such a revival of Buddhist sensibilities has essentially been a part of resurgence of religious and cultural activity across Sri Lanka that is transforming the social and political landscape throughout the island. In a materialistic and consumerist world, more utilitarian subjects such as economics, politics, geography, management, law, etc. bear its own concerns in relation to human values.

The latest trend is to link such utilitarian concepts into Buddhist philosophy. It truly effects moderation extremely benign towards laymen. The trend has been growing with momentum and hence, the conference theme, Human Values in Buddhist Perspective. "The conference 2010 essentially sheds light on Buddhist teachings on human values found in Buddhist texts, and it offers an excellent opportunity for scholars to examine and assess human values from a Buddhist perspective," Prof. Somarathna detailed.

SLABS, founded in 2002, represents a professional body of academics in the field of Buddhist Studies in Sri Lanka. It's the coordinating body of the academics in the field of Buddhist studies in Sri Lanka. SLABS publishes academic volumes, issues a newsletter thrice a year and organizes occasional mini-conferences, seminars, workshops, and guest lectures at Sri Lanka's higher educational institutions. The First and the Second International Conferences were held in 2003 and 2006 in Kandy; the Third was held in Anuradhapura in 2008.

Though the conference will be conducted exclusively in English, limited number of papers will be presented in Sinhala. Over 200 Buddhist Studies scholars from different parts of the world are scheduled to appear at this year's conference. In fact, this is considered to be the biggest gathering of Buddhist Studies scholars in Sri Lanka. In this three-day conference, 125 papers will be presented in 24 sessions.

Buddhism is a great religion that appears on our planet. And, still, political leadership consults Buddhist clergy on regular basis reviving the age old tradition and showing their commitment towards good governance. The consequent intellectual ferment, as a rule, yields new world views and innovations in government. "Today's unhindered communication makes the media a hotbed of ideas, and religious awareness arms the citizen with powers of moderation that makes them safer against all adversities," stressed Professor Somarathna.

Man always engages in a fierce struggle to find security and identity in a world shocked by unimaginable speeds unleashed through modern communications and technologies. SIBA, a brainchild of Dalada Maligawa, appears a blueprint suggesting remedial measures and reforms in a crisis situation. "It's high time for us to explore human values in Buddhist perspectives in the context of human misery served up by war and natural disasters," stressed Professor Somarathna. The message was that an economic growth encompasses not only physical well-being, but also an attitudinal shift.

The three-decade long war holds a lesson for the country.

In a war-ravaged country where the mindset is all about pains of the past, it's not enough to work harder and put in more hours. In the path towards economic well-being, an attitudinal shift must also take place.

With the hope of being a part of such a progressive society, SIBA professionals ensures both that its vision and messages conveyed are attractive to recipients over the world. That means communicating with people who seek something more about the world.

In this conference, all sessions will be chaired by eminent Buddhist Studies scholars. The Most Venerable Prof. Dharmakosajarn, Rector of MCU will deliver the keynote address on the first day on the conference theme. On the 10th night, a special session for launching several new books and journals will be organised. Sri Chandananda Buddhist College, Kandy, organises a cultural show for the conference participants on the night of December 11.

The General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Association of Buddhist Studies will be held on 12th afternoon.