• KyleWang
• 08/07/2024

The 2024 China Australia New Zealand Buddhist Forum, hosted by the China Australia New Zealand Buddhist Forum Organizing Committee and organized by the Australian Chinese Buddhist Association, will be held in Sydney from August 2nd to 6th local time. The theme of this forum is “Compassion, Harmony, and Multiple Coexistence”. The purpose of this forum is to promote the excellent culture of Buddhism, explore the value of Buddhism in contemporary society, and enhance the understanding and friendship among the people of China, Australia, and New Zealand through Buddhist exchanges and dialogues. This grand event brings together over 500 Buddhist monks, experts, and scholars from 25 countries to explore the modern value and international influence of Buddhist wisdom, contributing to the promotion of world peace, spiritual harmony, and cultural exchange.

On August 3rd, the China Australia New Zealand Buddhist Forum opened at the Sydney Opera House, with hundreds of Buddhist representatives from China, Australia, and New Zealand in attendance. Master Zongxing, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, and Master Hengshi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Australian Buddhist Association, presided over the opening ceremony.

In his speech, Venerable Yanjue, President of the Buddhist Association of China, stated that promoting the spirit of compassion and harmony in Buddhism should advocate for mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among diverse cultures, actively promote exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, and encourage all humanity to treat each other with compassion and work together to create a better future. He said that the Chinese Buddhist community is willing to work together with the Australian and New Zealand Buddhist communities to carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of Buddhist propagation, talent cultivation, public welfare and charity, environmental protection, cultural promotion, etc., jointly weaving the bond between China, Australia, and New Zealand Buddhism, promoting the spirit of Buddhist compassion and harmony, and promoting the dissemination and development of Chinese Buddhism and Chinese culture in Australia and New Zealand.

The President of the Australian Chinese Buddhist Association, Venerable Prajna, stated that this forum is jointly hosted by the Buddhist communities of China, Australia, and New Zealand. The three countries have many differences in national conditions, culture, language, and other aspects, which precisely reflect the charm of multiculturalism and is highly compatible with the concept of equality and inclusiveness advocated by Buddhism. He also pointed out that this grand event has provided a platform for Buddhist believers in the southern hemisphere and even the world to exchange, learn from each other, and grow together. Through the exchanges and discussions on the forum, it will lay a solid foundation for the development of Buddhism in Australia and even the southern hemisphere.