World Buddhist Scout Council
The World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood declared its active status on the 21st of July 2004. This date marked the election of its first chairman and the formal beginning of an international body dedicated to Buddhism within Scouting. The organization operated under this name for over a decade before changing its identity in 2016. Leaders decided that the term Brotherhood was no longer inclusive enough for modern times. They updated the title to the World Buddhist Scout Council to reflect gender equality among all members. The World Scout Committee granted consultative status to the group on the 9th of March 2009. This approval came after the organization met a three-year requirement period set by global guidelines.
National member organizations from Brazil, Bhutan, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Mongolia, Norway, Republic of China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom constitute the council's network. These countries span Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania to form a truly international presence. Each national organization operates independently while adhering to shared objectives defined by the central body. The list includes nations where Buddhism is a major religion alongside those where it exists as a minority faith. This geographic diversity allows the group to introduce Scouting in states where Buddhism is already established. It also enables them to promote relations between local Buddhist communities and the wider Scout Movement across different cultures.
At the 21st World Scout Jamboree held at Hylands Park in the UK, the WBSB ran the Buddhist Tent within the Faith and Belief Zone. A large statue named Prabuddha Prathanporn Loka-satawassa-nusorn stood inside this tent as a gift from the National Scout Organization of Thailand. The statue celebrated both the Centenary of Scouting and the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. Over 1000 Scouts attended an event called Sunrise Day on one of the subcamp stages. Participants made origami Lotus flowers, created prayer flags, sewed Buddhist neckerchiefs, and practiced meditation during their time there. Lama Gankhuyag Magsarjav represented Vajrayana Buddhism while Ven. Ming Kuang represented Mahayana Buddhism. Ven. Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht OBE represented Theravada Buddhism during these gatherings. The Heart Sutra was read aloud in Chinese and Tibetan before being translated into French for attendees.
WBSB members from Mongolia and the United Kingdom organized a service project at the Manzushir Khiid temple in Dzuunmod town. This location sits 43 km south of Ulaanbaatar where the original monastery had been destroyed by the Mongolian communist government in 1937. Eighty-two Scouts spent a week repainting the new temple structure to restore its facilities. A large sum of money was also donated to help improve the building's condition between 2008 and 2009. At the National Irish Jamboree, WBSB members ran another Buddhist tent within the Faith and Belief Zone. They crafted incense sticks and sand mandalas alongside prayer flags while practicing meditation together. In 2019, WSBC Members worked with the World Scout Jamboree team in North America to deliver a space focused on Buddhism. They contributed to a shared journey of spirituality space and helped run an LGBT+ safe space for young people and adults.
The World Buddhist Scout Council Conference took place on the 26th of February 2022 to hold new elections for key officials. Dr Tony Malone of the UK was appointed as the new secretary general during this meeting. The council now meets every two months to continue their work in youth development. These bi-monthly meetings replaced previous schedules to ensure consistent progress toward organizational goals. The election process allows members from different national organizations to vote for leadership positions that guide global activities. This governance shift supports the objective to motivate cooperation among all WBSC members worldwide. It also helps coordinate activities with non-Scout Organizations having parallel objectives across various regions.
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Common questions
When did the World Buddhist Scout Council declare its active status?
The World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood declared its active status on the 21st of July 2004. This date marked the election of its first chairman and the formal beginning of an international body dedicated to Buddhism within Scouting.
Why did the organization change from World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood to World Buddhist Scout Council in 2016?
Leaders decided that the term Brotherhood was no longer inclusive enough for modern times. They updated the title to the World Buddhist Scout Council to reflect gender equality among all members.
Which countries are national member organizations of the World Buddhist Scout Council?
National member organizations from Brazil, Bhutan, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Mongolia, Norway, Republic of China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom constitute the council's network. These countries span Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania to form a truly international presence.
What activities occurred at the 21st World Scout Jamboree held at Hylands Park in the UK?
Over 1000 Scouts attended an event called Sunrise Day where participants made origami Lotus flowers, created prayer flags, sewed Buddhist neckerchiefs, and practiced meditation during their time there. A large statue named Prabuddha Prathanporn Loka-satawassa-nusorn stood inside the Buddhist Tent as a gift from the National Scout Organization of Thailand.
Where did WBSB members organize a service project to restore a temple destroyed by the Mongolian communist government in 1937?
WBSB members from Mongolia and the United Kingdom organized a service project at the Manzushir Khiid temple in Dzuunmod town which sits 43 km south of Ulaanbaatar. Eighty-two Scouts spent a week repainting the new temple structure to restore its facilities between 2008 and 2009.
Who was appointed secretary general of the World Buddhist Scout Council Conference on the 26th of February 2022?
Dr Tony Malone of the UK was appointed as the new secretary general during this meeting. The council now meets every two months to continue their work in youth development.