About Us
The American Buddhist Confederation (the Confederation) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization jointly formed by Buddhist organizations throughout the Eastern United States. The Confederation takes New York City as its center and covers New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, and other regions. There are now over sixty member bodies, including both Buddhist monasteries and lay organizations. The American Buddhist Confederation has become, thus far, the largest Buddhist organization in the Eastern United States.
In mid-Twentieth Century, illustrious forefathers of the Confederation travelled all the way from China to the United States. They professed the teachings of the Buddha and established their temple wherever they could. Among these venerable masters were the eminent Elders Masters Shouye, Minzhi, Miaofeng, Ledu, Haolin, Fayun, Jinghai and Yinhai. The American Buddhist Confederation was thus founded on March 17, 1976, with its first site established at 214 Centre St., in Manhattan, New York City, near Chinatown.
The American Buddhist Confederation undertakes the mission to promote orthodox Buddha-dharma and practice engaged Buddhism. The Confederation is committed to:
- 1. Achieving Buddhist indigenization in its dissemination in the United States;
- 2. Enhancing cohesiveness among Buddhist organizations;
- 3. Facilitating exchanges and mutual learning between religions;
- 4. Promoting Buddhist charity.