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FEATURES | EASTERN HORIZON 49

and attention, the slowing of the
Futureproofing
aging process, and the increase in
one’s general sense of well-being.
Many of the popular writings on
Buddhism available at bookstores, the Past
in magazines, and online in the
English language mention now My Experience in Organising the
highlight such benefits among the
chief reasons for taking up Buddhist World Buddhist Conference 2023
practice. As Buddhism is translated
By Phwah You Yang
into scientific and psychological
language to increase its appeal to
modern audiences, these new ways
of talking about the tradition are
now playing a major role in how
Asian practitioners see Buddhism
as well.

As always, translation into a new
language and conceptual world
brings both gains and losses.
The process of “modernization”
represents yet another example of
the ease with which Buddhist ideas
You Yang is currently studying for a degree in accounting at Tunku Abdul Rahman
are translated into new cultural University of Management and Technology (TARUMT). He is also the president of
TARUMT Buddhist Society. In World Buddhist Conference 2023 organised by YBAM,
and social contexts, as well as the
You Yang held the post of vice chairperson in the organising committee.
willingness of Buddhist leaders,
authors, and practitioners to
A year ago, I received a call from YBAM secretariat, inviting me to
emphasize the practical benefits
join the committee of 2023 World Buddhist Conference (WBC).
of Buddhism in accessible terms
The theme was designed as ‘Futureproof the Past’, which placed
in order to gain legitimacy and
emphasis on the preservation of rich Buddhist heritage, art and
attract converts. Of course, it
architectures. As my university course did not require us to do a
also underscores how central
final year project or write a thesis, I did not think I had relevant
the alleviation of all forms of
experience or background, so I was hesitant about joining the
suffering—especially the suffering
committee. I was also entering the final year of my degree, so
of illness—remains to the Buddhist
I was worried about my academic achievement, as well as my
tradition as a whole, and how
future. Nevertheless, I saw this as a great opportunity to learn and
ecumenical Buddhists are in their
contribute to a major event. I thought I should dedicate myself
embrace of this mission.
into Buddhism, regardless of the challenges and difficulties.
Therefore, I happily accepted the invitation.
Eastern Horizon thanks Pierce
Salguero (piercesalguero.com) for
After its ten-year absence, we were hoping to transform WBC
his kind permission to reproduce this
into an international academic platform, where YBAM could
article.. EH
be playing a key role. As more young Buddhists pour in, the
committee started the conference preparation, and the team was