report of proceedings
WBSC Executive Committee Conference, Sydney 2001
(Organizing Committee's Report)

Saturday, November 10th 2001
Opening Ceremony, at 10:00am.
Phuoc Hue Monastery, Wetherill Park, Sydney.

The sounds of the Prajna drums and bells greeted the Sangha as they entered the main temple hall to officially open the WBSC Conference. Following the Sangha were members of the "Phước Huệ Buddhist Youth Family" in their bluish, long dresses. Their hands holding fresh flowers to offer to the elders in the Sangha who were witnessing the event from the front of the main shrine hall.

At ten o’clock the Conference began with the introduction of all delegates in three languages : Vietnamese, English and Chinese. There were one hundred and five delegates, one hundred observers from overseas who were representing over 20 countries, seventy local Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis, nearly one thousand fellow Buddhists and about fourty local guests and government representatives.

The three Most Venerable elders led prayers in their native tongues of Vietnamese, Chinese and Pali. There was also one minute’s silence to remember the current war victims in Afghanistan,  the terrorist victims in the United States of America and for the victims of natural disasters in Vietnam.

The Most Venerable Thich Phuoc Hue, President of the United Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in Australia - New Zealand, delivered a warm welcome to honourable delegates, observers, Australian government representatives, distinguished guests and all fellow Buddhists.

He said the conference was an historic occasion as it was the first time the WBSC Conference was held in Australia.

The Most Venerable Liao Chung, President of the World Buddhist Sangha Council,  declared the Conference officially open. He praised the good leadership of the Most Venerable Thich Phuoc Hue in organising a successful, trouble free Conference. He also congratulated him on his 81st birthday, wishing him peace and longevity. He also congratulated Most Ven. Thich Phuoc Hue on his 60th Anniversary of Bhikkhu Ordination.
Most Venerable Liao Chung acknowledged the warm welcome and the love the Organising Committee had offered and he admired the local Buddhists contribution and devotion in organising the event.

The WBSC Executive Committee and all in attendance prayed for the victims of terrorism in the USA, the victims of war in Afghanistan and the victims of natural disasters in Vietnam. Most Venerable Liao Chung said it was time to realise the aims and objectives of the WBSC which were to protect and preserve freedom and peace in the world.

Many welcoming and congratulatory messages were received on the occasion of the WBSC Executive Conference, including letters from Australia’s Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard, MP, and New South Wales Premier, the Hon. Bob Carr, MP.

Journalists from Australia’s major media outlets including SBS-TV, SBS-Radio (Vietnamese Language Program), Australian, Chinese and Vietnamese newspapers also attended the Opening Ceremony.

Afterwards, a sumptuous Vegetarian Luncheon was served at Phước Huệ Monastery before the WBSC Delegation returned to the Avillion Hotel in the City to prepare for their 1st Plenary Session at 3pm.