World Buddhist event opens in northwest China’s Shaanxi province

Hundreds of the world's Buddhists gathered at an ancient temple in northwest China’s Shaanxi province on Thursday to mark the opening of the 27th general conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB).

Congregating around a relic containing one of Buddha's finger bones at the Famen Temple in Baoji City, more than 600 representatives from 30 countries and regions were in attendance.

Buddhist leaders at the opening ceremony included Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, the 11th Panchen Lama; and Nichiyu Mochida, chief abbot of Japan's Sogen-ji Temple.

This is the first time the Bangkok-headquartered WFB has held its general conference in mainland China. The opening ceremony focused on goodwill and charity.

Master Chuanyin, president of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC), said the event is a milestone for friendship between the BAC and the WFB.

It will help Chinese Buddhists play a bigger role internationally, he said.

He hoped the event will boost Buddhists' cooperation and exchange on promoting Buddhism so as to make greater contributions to the benefit of mankind and world peace.

According to the WFB, the last conference was held in Yeosu, South Korea, in June 2012.

By Ruchi Singh

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com