The forum is themed as "A harmonious world begins in the mind," which
coincides with the Communist Party of China's ambitious campaign to "build a
harmonious society" initiated by President HuJintao in 2005, when he urged state
and Party leaders to prioritize social harmony on their agenda.
Wealth disparity and materialism have not just created strains and tensions
in modern China, but an ideological vacuum. Many feel lost, spiritually and
morally. Buddhist clergies believe Buddhism offers peace of mind to fill the
vacuum.
"The feeling of losing oneself really is the biggest problem for modern
people," said Yang Zengwen, director of the China Buddhist Culture Research
Institute.
"Yet, practicing the Chan sect or Zen Buddhism by asking 'what is true self?'
can help purify the mind and recover true being," Yang noted.
The core of Buddhism is "benevolence" and "compassion". In this very regard,
"Buddhism as a religion can act like lenitive to relieve the strains between
economic development and spiritual emptiness in the secular world, such as
China, where the population hits 1.3 billion, and economic growth has scored an
average 9 percent annually, " said a Party official in Beijing, who asked not to
be identified.
Buddhism came into China from India around 200 BC. Such a long history of
home-grown roots and the same emphasis on "harmony" as traditional Chinese
culture have given Buddhism an advantage over other religions to win over
believers.
Ding Mu, an artist from the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, noticed
the teachings of Buddha are quite close to Confucianism. "Both direct you to be
lenient and tolerant."
Thinking results in a change of behavior. "Secular harmony is possible when
we have a big heart and become ready to reach out instead of being jealous of
each other and fighting each other over external things such as fame and gain,"
Ding said.
Buddhism has Five Precepts, namely, no intentional destruction of life, no
stealing, no sexual misconduct, no lying and no intoxication. "They stress the
harmony of human with the nature, the harmony of people between each other,"
said Ven. Yicheng, president of China's Budddist Association which co-sponsored
the Hangzhou forum along with the China Association for Religious and Cultural
Exchanges.
The precepts have had a significant influence on China.
"Buddhism's philosophy is also a major reference for China's 'harmonious
society' concept," said Ye Xiaowen, the top official in charge of the country's
religious affairs.
