ASIAN BUDDHIST CONFERENCE FOR PEACE (ABCP)

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Context

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace.

Foundation:

• Established in 1970 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as a voluntary movement uniting both monastic (monks) and lay Buddhist followers.

Background:

• Rooted in Cold War Politics, initiated by Buddhist leaders from Mongolia, Buriat, the former Soviet Union, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
• Founded to promote peace, consolidate allies, and engage with the masses through peace movements and organizations.

Leadership:

• Currently headquartered at Gandanthegchenling Monastery, Ulaanbaatar, under the presidency of Most Venerable Khambo Lama of Gandan, Gabji Demberel Choijamts.

Objectives:

• Disseminate Lord Buddha's teachings on peace, harmony, compassion, and loving-kindness.
• Consolidate efforts for universal peace, harmony, and cooperation among Asian peoples.
• Foster economic and social advancement, justice, human dignity, and preservation of Buddhist culture.

Activities:

• Held 11 General Conferences in various countries, drawing active participation from across Asia.
• Published the journal "Dharmaduta" and maintained collaborations with organizations like the Christian Peace Conference and Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Organization.
• Conducted regular Annual Consultative Meetings, with recent ones in New Delhi (2017), Dhaka (2018) Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia (in 2019).

 

Regional Presence:

• Active membership from North and South Korea, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Central Tibetan Administration, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Japan, and Russia.
• Regional centers include ABCP Japan Center, ABCP Lao National Center, and ABCP Vietnam Center.

PRACTICE QUESTION Question: When was the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) established, and where was its inaugural General Assembly held? a) 1970, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia b) 1980, Tokyo, Japan c) 1960, New Delhi, India d) 1990, Bangkok, Thailand Answer:-1970, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Explanation: The Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) was established in 1970 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The inaugural General Assembly took place in Mongolia, marking the initiation of this voluntary movement uniting both monastic and lay Buddhist followers.