With the full support of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC) and the China Religious Culture Communication Association (CRCCA), the first World Buddhist Forum, ended in Mount Putuo, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Sunday, with a Putoushan Declaration issued and a prayer for world peace at the Nanhai Avalokitesvara Square.

"I am glad to see the Buddhist communities around the world engaged in dialogue and cooperation during the first World Buddhist Forum," said Master Yunkun from the Macao Special Administrative Region after the closing ceremony. "The four-day forum provided a platform for all who embrace world peace. I believe Buddhism worldwide is now entering a new era which emphasizes a caring and peaceful world," he said.

"It's a very good foundation for all the Buddhists from around the world to get together and to have a better understanding of each other," he continued. "I hope in the future this Buddhist forum could be expanded to include everyone in China so they can also enjoy the same teachings, the same compassions, the same 'love from heart' and enjoy peace," said Master Yunkun.

He also highly praised the organizers of the forum. "I really deeply appreciate their contribution to the success of the forum," he said. "The meaning of the forum is not about finance. The organizers of the forum have done a good job."

Monk Hogen Bays of the USA said, "Compassion means to know and feel for each other. So a big forum like this provides a chance for people to feel the harmony of our society. After attending the forum, I'm sure that Buddhism will play an important role in helping to secure world peace and a harmonious society," he added.

At a press conference held by the BAC and CRCCA after the closing ceremony, Qi Xiaofei, vice president of CRCCA, announced that the forum had been successful. Over 80 honored Masters and scholars delivered speeches at the event. Originally only 60 had been scheduled to speak.

The forum was opened on Thursday morning in Hangzhou City, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province. Around 1,250 delegates including key Buddhist figures, well known scholars and government officials from 34 countries attended the forum.

The meeting was "a first" in the history of Chinese Buddhism.

(China.org.cn by staff reporter Wu Nanlan, April 17, 2006)