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Buddhism underlines spiritual elevation and aloofness from worldly affairs.

 

But it is more than a spiritual safe haven.

 

Under the theme "a harmonious world starts from the heart," the ongoing World Buddhism Forum features a high-profile accent on the convergence between Buddhist wisdom and the secular world's need for societal harmony.

 

Solidarity of international Buddhist circles is only one of the three main topics of the grand religious gala, the other two being Buddhism's social responsibilities and its commitment to peace.

 

As they light up and pass on Buddhist lights of eternity symbols of ever-lasting cleansing and enlightenment of the human soul tomorrow night and pray for world peace the day after, representatives of the world's Buddhist community will be telling us they share our mundane concerns. They will also be issuing an invitation for all of us, believers and non-believers alike, to share a Buddhist perspective on our ideals of peace and harmony.

 

They can expect a very positive resonance in the real world. The presence of high government and Party officials at yesterday's opening ceremony says it all.

 

That is not only a mere gesture of endorsement. Ye Xiaowen, head of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, on an earlier occasion disclosed the authorities' appreciation of the ancient religion's value as a valid moral reference for present-day China and the world.

 

Buddhism had constructive roles in Chinese history, and contributed greatly to national unification and social stability.

 

The Buddhist concepts of equity, benevolence, appropriateness and harmony are also deeply embedded in traditional Chinese culture. It is actually impossible to distinguish between the Confucian and Buddhist elements in our cultural tradition.

 

In his deliberation on the Buddhist understanding of harmony and the national leadership's proposals of a "harmonious society" and a "harmonious world," an eminent Buddhist monk from Jiangsu Province has found vast common ground.

 

The Buddhist idea of harmony emphasizes equality as well as gratitude and repayment between living creatures, along with appropriateness in dealing with nature. That, says the monk, is exactly what the political leaders are calling for in their appeals for societal and world harmony, and a "scientific perspective on development."

 

The supportive atmosphere surrounding such a religious event bespeaks the authorities' rediscovery of Buddhism's positive social impacts.

 

It is a blessing for all if Buddhist teachings about mercifulness, compassion, tolerance and sincerity have a larger audience in our society.

 

We do not have to convert to Buddhism and aspire to the attainment of nirvana to benefit from it, and to benefit us all.

 

(China Daily April 14, 2006)