The BAC Visits DDM World Center for Dharma Joy and Cultural Exchange
Ten honored venerables and Buddhist professionals from The Buddhist Association of China (BAC) in mainland China paid their first visit to the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education in Jinshan Township, Taipei County on the morning of 14 July 2008.
The BAC delegates were warmly welcomed by Venerable Guo Dong, Abbot President of DDM, Venerable Guo Hui, Vice Abbot President of DDM, Venerable Guo Jing and Venerable Guo Yuan, on behalf of Most Venerable Sheng Yen.
Venerable Gen Tong, Vice President of the BAC, was very impressed by the DDM World Center's inspiring and peaceful surroundings that enable people to purify one's heart and calm one's mind easily. These natural surroundings compliment the rich academic atmosphere of the center and is an example to the BAC and other Buddhist organizations.
The abstinence of burning paper money and incense as offerings to Buddha at DDM World Center received worthy praises from these guests. Professor Liu Yuanchun from Shanghai said this is a true embodiment of a spiritual environmentalism.
The Abbot President stressed that the founder of DDM, Most Venerable Sheng Yen, has been actively advocating the idea of Spiritual Environment in Taiwan for the vision of "uplifting the character of humanity and building a pure land on earth", and promotes three types of education in society: public outreach, academic and caring services. The Most Venerable Sheng Yen's efforts have won high recognition and respect from people both in Taiwan and abroad.
The honored guests visited the Lotus Bell, the Founding Memorial Hall, the Grand Buddha Hall, the Multipurpose Exhibition Room, the Wish Fulfilling Guanying Hall, the Statue of Founding Guanying as well as the Chan Hall after a dialogue exchange with the Abbot President regarding the Most Venerable Sheng Yen's compassionate ideas.
Venerable Gen Tong expressed his utmost respect for the Most Venerable Sheng Yen's long-term contribution in the propagation of the Dharma and the spiritual wealth of people in Taiwan. He commented on his departure that the BAC delegates appreciated DDM's warmest hospitality and looked forward to DDM's visit to the BAC for another exchange.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
