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Buddhist masters expect more exchanges across Straits

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-27 15:20

WUXI, Jiangsu Province -- Buddhist masters from both the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan Friday here voiced their expectations for closer and stronger exchanges, ahead the Second World Buddhism Forum, the first of its kinds to be held on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

"The forum is a vivid example that cross-Strait relations are moving toward the direction of peaceful development. It will be a landmark event in the history of exchanges between Buddhists on both sides," said Master Ming Sheng, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC) at a press conference here.

He expected Buddhists on both sides to have more chances to communicate with each other.

"Exchanges between Buddhists across the Taiwan Strait have never stopped. The upcoming forum is a result of synergy of condition," said Ven. Yi Kung, board director of Buddhist's Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters, at the same press conference. "I believe there will be closer and more comprehensive exchanges in the future."

The second World Buddhist Forum, held from Saturday to next Wednesday, will be divided into two stages -- the first stage in Wuxi of eastern Jiangsu Province and second one in Taipei.

The BAC and China Religious Culture Communication Association (CRCCA) from the mainland, Taiwan-based BLIA and Hong Kong Buddhist Association will jointly hold the forum.

More than 1,200 attendants of the forum, from about 50 countries and regions, will take four charter flights from Nanjing to Taipei on next Monday.

"We are very happy to co-host the forum," said Yi Kung, also spokeswoman of the forum's host in Taiwan.

Representatives of about 500 temples from all Buddhism schools in Taiwan will attend the forum and discuss various issues Buddhism faces in today's world, she said.

"It will be a wonderful gathering that bridges different schools."

At the closing ceremony in Taipei, a grand ritual will be held with more than 20,000 monks and followers at present to pray for the world peace, she said.

"The Taiwan authorities have paid great attention to the forum's preparation and gave us lots of support in entry procedures, security and transport," she said.

About 1,200 Taiwan people have volunteered to work for the forum, she said.