Sakyadhita

Bridging Worlds

Painting by Ven. Shig Hiu Wan

7th International Conference on Buddhist Women

Taipei, Taiwan

July 11-17, 2002

Sakyadhita aims to empower women and transform their lives, their communities, and their worlds. Continuing this mission, the 7th International Conference on Buddhist Women will focus on how women can fulfill this potential by joining their efforts.

In our increasingly complex world, we are presented each day with new challenges and opportunities. Buddhists around the world are meeting frequently to discuss how Buddhist ideas and practices, such as compassion, skillful means, and uncompromising integrity, can help people maximize their potential to meet these challenges. More than ever before in history, women are playing leading roles in these crosscultural, interreligious exchanges. The next phase of these valuable exchanges will be the 7th International Conference on Buddhist Women to be held in Taiwan in July 2002.

Since 1987, representatives of the world’s estimated 300,000,000 Buddhist women have been meeting to discuss the ways that Buddhist women can constructively approach humanity’s enormous problems. Since 1987, Sakyadhita has organized national and international conferences in India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ladakh, Cambodia, Nepal, and the U.S. to discuss issues of vital importance to Buddhist women around the world: meditation, social activism, gender equity, and wayss to achieve peace and harmony in the world. Publications such as Sakyadhita: Daughters of the Buddha; Buddhist Women Across Cultures: Realizations; Innovative Buddhist Women: Swimming Against the Stream; and Women as Peacemakers and videos such as “Compassion in the Himalayas” and “Women in Buddhism: Unity and Diversity” that document the conferences have served to heighten an awareness of these topics among thousands of people globally.

The 7th International Conference on Buddhist Women is jointly sponsored by Sakyadhita: International Association of Buddhist Women and Huafan University. National Taiwan University’s Buddhist Studies Center and the Bodhi Foundation are also associate sponsors. Sakyadhita is the world’s leading international association of Buddhist women. It was established in Bodhgaya, India, in1987, as an alliance of Buddhist women dedicated to nurturing women’s potential for compassionate social action through networking, education, publications, and practical training. Huafan University is the first institute of higher education founded by a Buddhist organization in Taiwan and is one of the kind that incorporates the ideals of both Chinese and Buddhist cultures into college education.

This conference is a unique example of cooperation among representatives of diverse cultures, religions, and social backgrounds. The aims of the conference include:

* To foster dialogue on ways to achieve gender equity in religions around the world

Buddhism is flourishing in Taiwan perhaps more than anywhere in the world and Taiwanese Buddhist nuns and laywomen are taking leading roles. The Chinese Buddhist tradition practiced in Taiwan is one of only three traditions (with Korea and Vietnam) that offer women full monastic ordination. The Buddhist women of Taiwan are among the most progressive and active in the world, contributing their energies to spiritual and social growth.

Taiwan is a country steeped in Buddhist and Taoist thought. In the last few decades, it has emerged from single-party rule to a flourishing multi-party democracy and prosperity. With economic prosperity has come a renaissance of interest in Buddhism among the people of Taiwan in all age groups. Taiwan is home to almost 30,000 ordained monks and nuns, 4,000 Buddhist temples, 35 Buddhist seminaries, 5 universities, and 3 colleges, as well as Buddhist high schools, orphanages, retirement homes, hospitals, libraries, and publishing houses.

Chinese Buddhists traditionally practice the Pure Land and Zen traditions. In addition, interest in Tibetan Buddhism has grown since the Dalai Lama’s first visit in 1997. A strong focus for many Taiwanese is “Buddhism for the World,” harmonizing educational advances, technology, and spiritual practice. The development of Buddhism in Taiwan parallels the country’s social development and economic well-being.

The Conference site, Huafan University, was established by Ven. Shig Hiu Wan in 1990 to promote enlightened education in technology and the humanities. The university, located 45-minutes outside of Taipei, offers a quiet, natural environment in which to explore issues that are of critical importance to humanity’s future.

Leading Buddhist scholars, practitioners, and social activists from around the world will express their ideas and offer insights on the critical issues facing contemporary society. Small group discussions and interdisciplinary panels will facilitate an exchange of ideas among participants.

The overall conference theme is “Bridging Worlds.” Presentations and small group discussions will focus on the following topics:

Taiwan is a subtropical island, so expect the weather to be hot and humid, with the possibility of rain in the afternoons. Out of respect for our host culture, please dress modestly. Summer clothing is appropriate, but shorts and revealing tops are not.

The conference fee is US$60, payable upon registration. Space is limited to 235 participants, so be sure to register early.
Click here for registration form

US$30 per day includes 3 vegetarian meals and double room accommodations. Please bring any snacks, herbal teas, or other extras that you require. The conference site is located outside the city, away from restaurants and shopping areas. Boiled water, hot drinks, and bottled soft drinks will be available and are safe to drink.

Transportation from Chiang Kai Shek International Airport to Huafan University will be available on July 10. Return transportation from Huafan to the airport will be provided on July 20. Transportation on these two days will be provided at a special fare of $20 each way, payable upon registration. Participants who arrive late or depart early will be responsible for their own airport transportation.

Payments for registration, bus, meals, and accommodations must be received by June 1, 2002.

U.S., Canadian, and some European citizens do not need visas to visit Taiwan for less than 14 days (provided they have a return ticket and passport valid for more than six months).

The currency in Taiwan is the NT dollar. The exchange rate is currently NT$34 to US$1.

Many nuns and laywomen from developing countries are anxious to take part in this historic gathering. You have the opportunity to help make this possible and enrich everyone’s experience. The cost of sponsoring a nun or laywoman from a developing country (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Thailand or Sri Lanka) ranges from $600 to 800, including airfare, food, lodging, registration, and tour. Partial sponsorship is also greatly appreciated!

We welcome your participation in the conference planning! If you would like to help, please contact Sakyadhita International at the conference address below.