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Beijing Bureau of Religious Affairs
The meeting highlights the strengthening relationship between Chinese and European Buddhism, recalling a previous visit to Plum Village that included bowing in the Main Shrine and visiting a Bordeaux wine factory. A report is given regarding the delegation’s presence in the United States during the September 11 attacks. In response to the tragedy, a scheduled talk in Berkeley was changed to “Responding to Violence, Practicing Compassion,” attended by over 4,000 people. The teaching emphasized that responding to violence with violence only brings more violence. To resolve conflict, one must listen to the suffering of others, including those within the country who feel discriminated against, such as followers of Islam and black people, as well as understanding the suffering of those who attacked.
Coinciding with the attacks, the book Anger was published and immediately became a bestseller, leading to interviews with approximately twenty television and radio stations reaching millions. The message conveyed through the media was to practice mindful breathing to calm down and avoid actions that cause harm. Religion is presented as a force that can serve peace and national stability through inclusiveness and tolerance, rather than fanaticism. The spiritual dimension is crucial for society, as happiness cannot be obtained solely by wealth and power.
Requests are made to the Religious Bureau to allow the publication of translated books that act as messengers of peace and reconciliation. A proposal is also submitted to organize meditation sessions for young monks and nuns, introducing practices used in Europe and America to help laypeople resolve family conflicts and overcome despair. The Chinese government reiterates its stance against all forms of terrorism while hoping innocent people are not harmed, and expresses support for the continued exchange between Chinese and European Buddhism to promote world peace and human progress.
