What they say

On Thursday afternoon, religious representatives from China, Japan, Cambodia and Nepal, representing the three major traditions of Chinese Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, engaged in discussions and shared insights with reporters at a media briefing. This interaction marked the initiation of a dialogue aimed at fostering global religious harmony and promoting the exchange of Eastern and Western civilizations.

The media briefing took place one day before the Subforum on Religious Harmony and Mutual Learning among Civilizations of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024.

Key points from the speakers include:

"Today, with the world on the brink of conflict and division, the call for peaceful development is crucial. Buddhism, followed by a significant portion of Asia, is the oldest religious tradition advocating peace. When Buddhism was introduced to China, it integrated with native Confucian and Taoist philosophies, creating a uniquely Chinese form of Buddhism. This tradition spread to Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond, becoming an influential force in promoting global peace. Throughout history and today, China has played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism."

Yin Shun, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China

"In the 1980s, the exchanges between the Soto Zen sect in Japan and the Chinese Buddhist community flourished. The trilateral Buddhist exchanges among China, South Korea and Japan are held in rotation annually. In the future, we will pay more attention to, and based on our respective national conditions, deepen Sino-Japanese Buddhist cultural exchanges in more specific ways."

Harada Mitsunori, deputy superintendent of Zennosato Affairs Promotion Office of Daihon zan Eiheiji of Soto Zen School

The Buddhist exchange projects between China and Cambodia, as part of the series of activities for the "2023 China-Cambodia Friendship Year," have progressed smoothly. These initiatives have encompassed the translation of Buddhist scriptures, the compilation of Buddhist history and the advancement of monastic education abroad.

Moreover, the exchanges and cooperation between the Buddhist communities of China and Cambodia have expanded beyond Buddhist culture, permeating various fields such as Buddhist education, youth development, public welfare, charity, healthcare and ecological conservation. The Chinese Buddhist community, exemplified by the leadership of Master Yin Shun, has played a significant role in fostering mutual understanding between the two countries.

Bour Kry, the great supreme patriarch of Dhammayutta Order of Cambodia

Nepal's Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and a key Buddhist site in Nepal, can only be reached by Chinese flights through a transfer in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, which is highly inconvenient.

However, on Jan 17, 2024, in honor of the Buddha's Enlightenment Day and with the strong support of Master Yin Shun, members of the Chinese Buddhist community chartered the first direct flight to Lumbini. This new route offers Chinese tourists a convenient way to visit the Buddha's birthplace. I hope that direct flights from China to Lumbini will open soon. This not only benefits Chinese visitors but also boosts Nepal's tourism economy.

Lharkyal Lama, vice-chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust and Chief Abbot of the Palyul Ling Monastery in Kathmandu

From left: Yin Shun, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China. Harada Mitsunori, deputy superintendent of Zennosato Affairs Promotion Office of Daihonzan Eiheiji of Soto Zen School. Bour Kry, great supreme Patriarch of Dhammayutta Order of Cambodia. Lharkyal Lama, vice-chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust and chief abbot of the Palyul Ling Monastery in Kathmandu. CHINA DAILY