The First World Youth Buddhist Symposium was originally named the World Youth Buddhist Academic Symposium. It was held at Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy, located on the Land of Snow, the plateau nearly 4000 metres above sea level. The purpose of this symposium was to understand the truths of life and how to serve society—the principle was to respect each other regardless of whether or not one holds religious beliefs.

Students and teachers of many Chinese and international universities participated in this symposium. Among the participants, there were not only Buddhists, but also scholars who followed and studied other religions, as well as atheists and agnostics. Based on the exploration and pursuit of truth, the participants held vast and profound discussions on these five themes; they also had an introduction to the current situation of Buddhist study at top universities and scientific institutes. Additionally, Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche guided participants on an excursion, as well as to watch a Tibetan sky burial, and participants could appreciate the scenery of the Tibetan area and meanwhile receive an education on impermanence.