The idea of protecting the Spiritual Environment receives high recognition in the 2nd World Buddhist Forum in Wuxi, China
A delegation from Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), led by the Principle of Dharma Drum Buddhist College, Venerable Hui Min and the Deputy Abbot of DDM, Venerable Guo Pin attended the 2nd World Buddhist Forum which commenced on 28 March 2009 in Wuxi City of Jiangsu Province of China. The theme of the Forum is "A Harmonious World, A Synergy of Conditions".
In addition to Venerable Hui Min and Venerable Guo Pin, the DDM delegation also included Venerable Guo Jing, Venerable Chang Shui, Venerable Chang Hui, the Deputy President of DDM Buddhist College, Mr. Tu Chenming and Dr. Chen Yingshan.
The World Buddhist Forum is organised in two parts.After attending the first part in Wuxi of Jiangsu Province on 28-29 March, the participants moved to Taiwan in four direct chartered flights on 30 March to participate in the second part of the Forum which was conducted at different venues on 31 March and 1 April.
During the five-day event, the participants exchanged ideas on how to better preserve Buddhist music and the Tripitaka which is considered the encyclopedia of Buddhist culture. They also discussed the relationship between Buddhism and science, public welfare, environmental protection and other topics.
After the opening ceremony held in an impressive congregation hall, Venerable Guo Pin presented a speech entitled "Begin from the Mind" on behalf of Venerable Master Sheng Yen. The speech was written personally by the Master before passing into nirvana. The Master's ideas of "Protecting the Spiritual Environment" and "Building a Pure Land on Earth" received high recognition and approval from the attendees of the Forum.
Venerable Guo Pin also expressed his most sincere gratitude for the support and care shown during the hosting of the recent Buddhist memorial rite for Venerable Master Sheng Yen. In addition, the DDM Sangha community is highly appreciative of the Director of State Administration for Religious Affairs of China, Yeh Xiaowen, and the Deputy President of the Buddhist Association of China, Venerable Xue Cheng, who had compassionately flown a long way from China to attend the Ash Burial Ceremony of the Master in Taiwan. The DDM Sangha community, led by the Abbot President, Venerable Guo Dong, will continue with the Master's mission and teachings for promoting peace in human minds.
The DDM delegation returned to Taiwan on 30 March to attend the sub-forum entitled "Protecting the Spiritual Environment" held at the Dharma Drum Degui Academy in Taipei.
The Forum's closing ceremony was held at Taipei Arena at central Taipei in the afternoon of 1 April.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
