Over a dozen eminent monks from Chinese mainland and Hong Kong
on Saturday explored the role of Buddhism in building a harmonious
society in the country.
Speaking at a symposium held in Hong Kong under the
title of "Nurturing a harmonious society through Buddhism,"
Venerable Kok Kwong, president of the Hong Kong Buddhist
Association, said Buddhism advocates mercy, equality of all beings
and benefiting others while benefiting oneself, which all help
create harmony in society and peace in the world.
"A harmonious society" is a concept stressed by the Chinese
government which refers to harmony in social relations, human
relations, social atmosphere and social causes and manifests the
government's determination to attach equal importance to economic
and social development.
Saicang Luozang Huadan, the 6th Living Buddha at the ancient
Derlong Monastery of Gansu
Province, noted that as a peaceful religion, Buddhism has
harmony as one of its core values. By bringing people peace in
mind, Buddhism can help maintain stability in society.
Zhigong Qiongcang, the Living Buddha from the Zhigong Monastery
in Tibet
Autonomous Region, said a pristine land as described in
Buddhism is a place where all people live in happiness and harmony.
However, such a land does not lie somewhere far away, but in one's
heart.
"Building a harmonious society means people all follow virtues
and turn away from evils. Thus the country will be in peace,
society in accord and social and natural environment both in
harmonious state," he said.
The symposium is one of the serial activities of the China
Tibetan Culture Week, which opened in Hong Kong on Friday morning.
Other programs include a large exhibition of Tibetan cultural
relics, religious rituals conducted by the Living Buddhas as well
as performances of Tibetan songs and dances.
The culture week is jointly sponsored by the Information Office
of the State Council, the Liaison Office of the Central Government
in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the People's
Government of Tibet Autonomous Region.
(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2005)