Article on the 3rd International conference "Buddhism & Australia" by Mengjee Foo

Historically, during Buddha’s era, discourses occurred in the forests in India whereby numerous people of different capacities assemble. Based on inherited records, the expedient means approach had been in use to expound the profound teachings towards virtue and ethical values to attain perfection of wisdom (Sanskrit : prajñāpāramitā).

In this modern era, the 3rd International conference "Buddhism & Australia" was held in Trinity College University of Western Australia, Perth on 6 and 7 February 2014. This annual Buddhist conference commenced with three welcome speeches. The first was by Master Vello Vaartnou, the Head of Estonian Nyingma and founder of Buddhism & Australia. The second was spoken by Hon. Liz Behjat, representing Dr. M. Nahan (Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister). The third was by Mr. Peter Stuart, Honorary Consulate of Mongolia.

The presenters and attendees convene in Western Australia from America, India, Myanmar and Taiwan. Within Australia, they travelled from Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania and Perth. The participants came from diversified cultural backgrounds whether as descendants of our ancestors’ origin or migrants of the respective countries. I believe each and everyone who attended the international Buddhist conference came with an open mind towards an aspiration for higher knowledge.

Buddhist conferences are inclined towards academic research grounds, whereby there is an environment conducive for shared learning. The presenters and audience come from backgrounds in the teaching professional, scholars, Doctorate, PhD candidates, university graduates, non-Buddhists, ordained Buddhist monks and nuns, practitioners, devotees and followers on the traditional and philosophical teachings of Buddha. During the conference, we had opportunities to express our views openly, share our research findings and enthusiastically raise questions to the presenters. The matters discussed relate to education, politics, social engagement, current affairs, and the influence of Buddhism in Australia in a multicultural context. The approaches in used were comparing and analysing, adapting to the needs of the society, reconciling history with the modern world while associating the thoughts of Buddha with the body and mind.

We were all grateful to the organizer and coordinators for conducting this Buddhist conference in Australia. It was through Facebook (FB) which got me connected to this event. In addition, great thanks to the network providers of internet in this 21st century which has been our daily ritual, providing us worldwide news from the media, electronic mails, data and information for our research purposes.

At the end of the conference, the Chairperson, Ms Marju Broder awarded presenters with a certificate of attendance. After the 2-day event, having established relationship with each other, we continued with our interaction with an outdoor sightseeing of the University Western Australia while sharing what we have benefited from the conference.

As this is an annual event, this International Buddhist conference in Australia provides opportunities to socialize and engage with others whilst also advancing our potentials. When we gather, we observe, contribute and reflect. With the modern world embracing in a multicultural environment, there are several potential research areas in relation to interpreting and transmission of Buddha’s discourses over different time periods.

Time passes, we farewell and wish each other well. With the Buddhist concept of impermanence, the next forthcoming 4th International Buddhist conference in year 2015 would soon come by. Once again, it requires an international ground of support, contribution and participation. For more details, please refer to http://www.buddhismandaustralia.com./

About Mengjee Foo

Mengjee Foo

As a child I knew I had affinity with Buddha whenever I visit Chinese temples. However, my interest in Buddhist literature began in recent years as I wanted to know what is the truth and reality.

In 1994, I took refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) in Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Centre in London. At that time, I vaguely understood the significance of this refuge ceremony. After my relocation to Australia in 2001, several years later, I undertook the five precepts which appear to me to be the basic moral values in life with Nan Tien Temple, Sydney. In 2010, I enrolled to pursue my studies at the Department of Buddhist studies with Fo Guang University, Taiwan. My research field of interest is towards the cycles of life and death in Buddhist cosmology. In 2013, I graduated with the Masters of Arts.