Page 175 - Applied Buddhism

Central China was the centre of world Buddhism in ancient of peace like Yi-Jin, Fa Xian and Xuanzang traversed the rugged
China, particularly during the Tang dynasty. Buddhism came into terrain of central Asia or the turbulent water of South China Sea
China in early Han period, and after about 600 years of assimilation and Indian Ocean in search of the Buddha’s message. This was
and integration, it eventually became part and parcel of Chinese a period of peaceful cultural exchange. The Conference sends the
culture by the time of the Tang dynasty. Central China, with cities message that China is prepared to contribute even more towards
such as Baoji and Xi-An, served as the beacon of Buddhism that global peace, stability, and harmony, as it did before.
shines throughout Asia, bringing the light of Dharma to many parts
of the world. Thirdly, this conference demonstrates China’s preparedness to
play a greater role in the development of global Buddhism, and
Places such as Baoji and Xi-An were international centres for its commitment to stand in solidarity and unity with Buddhists the
the learning and propagation of Buddhism, where scholars from all world over.
over the world gathered to learn Buddhism. It was here that Buddhist
scholars such as Kumarajiva from Central Asia, Amoghavajra from China, with its 100 million Buddhists, is the largest Buddhist
India, and Xuanzang, did great translation works that completely country in the world. Its rich cultural heritage is built upon the
changed the landscape of the Chinese belief system. teachings of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. The Buddhist
Association of China was a member when WFB was founded in
Today the monuments and footprints of these great scholars 1950. These factors, coupled with the strong economic advancement
are to be found in X-iAn, and of course the world renown Buddha in recent decades, provided a strong foundation for China to play a
finger relic is enshrined in Famen temple in Baoji. greater role in the development of global Buddhism.

By having the WFB conference in Baoji, Shanxi, China, the While The Buddhist Association of China was a member of
great Buddhist culture that was once the envy of the world shines WFB way back in 1950, this was the first time that China has hosted
again. This renewed radiance will motivate the Chinese to strive a WFB conference in mainland China. It is a timely demonstration
harder now to bring back the glorious period that they once enjoyed. that China is committed to stand in unity and solidarity with all its
Buddhists brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.
Secondly, this event will send a message to the world that China
is prepared to contribute to the peace and harmony of the world, as Fourthly, this conference is of great significance to members of
it did during the glorious period of the Tang dynasty. the WFB as it fulfils the dreams and wishes of Buddhists the world
over.
During the glorious period of Buddhism and Chinese
civilisation, scholars from all over the world came to China to Many Buddhists wish to see China, the biggest Buddhist country
learn the peace message of the Buddha while Chinese messengers in the world with a formidable emerging economy, joins the big

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