The scenic city of Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province is playing host to the first
World Buddhism Forum which opened this morning.
Liu Yandong, vice-chairwoman of the National Committee of the
Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said at the opening ceremony that
governments and people should make concerted efforts to ensure
religion played an active role in building a harmonious world.
"Buddhism has made an important contribution to world peace and
human civilization in history," said Liu. "This forum will play a
positive role in exploring how Buddhism can contribute to building
a harmonious world."
Tung Chee Hwa, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee,
read a congratulatory letter from United Nations Secretary-General,
Kofi Annan, who said the Buddha's vision of peace could be more
relevant than ever before and called on the public to work together
towards the common goal of a harmonious and peaceful world. .
Buddhist Master Shenghui, also vice-president of the Buddhist
Association of China, said at the opening ceremony that the forum
served as an equal, diversified and open platform for talks among
those who love the world and all its people. Those with caring
hearts and those who respected, supported and cherished Buddhism
could all help.
More than 1,000 Buddhist monks, experts in various disciplines
and politicians from 34 countries and regions are attending the
event from April 13 to 16. The monks will pray for world peace on
April 15 in nearby Zhoushan City.
With the theme of "A harmonious world begins in the mind," the
participants will focus on three topics: Buddhism's unity and
cooperation, social responsibility and the mission to make
different nations and religions work for a peaceful, prosperous and
harmonious world.
Eight Buddhist disciples from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong
and Taiwan proposed in October 2004 to hold a World Buddhist forum
in China. The idea won support from Buddhists in Japan and the
Republic of Korea.
Sponsored by China's Buddhist Association and Religious Culture
Communication Association the forum is the first major
international Buddhist conference to be held in the country since
the founding of New China in 1949.
(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)
