The First World Buddhist Forum opened Thursday morning in the
scenic city of Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province.
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 peoples should exert
concerted efforts to make religions play an active role in building
a harmonious world.
"Buddhism has made important contribution to world peace and
human civilization in the history. The forum will play a positive
role in exploring how Buddhism can contribute to building a
harmonious world," Liu said.
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 may be more
relevant than ever before and called on the public to work together
toward the common good and the harmonious and peaceful coexistence
of all the world people.
Buddhist Master Shenghui, also vice president of the Buddhist
Association of China, said at the opening ceremony that the forum
serves as an equal, diversified and open platform for talks among
the people who love the world and the general public, respect and
support Buddhism, and cherish a caring heart.
More than 1,000 Buddhist monks, experts and politicians from 34
countries and regions have come to attend the event lasting 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 peaceful 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, a suggestion that won support from Buddhist circles in
Japan and South Korea.
Sponsored by China's Buddhist Association and Religious Culture
Communication Association, the forum is the first major
international Buddhist conference since the founding of New China
in 1949.
(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)
