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)
