2nd World Buddhist Forum closes with harmonious note

Delegates pose for family photos after the opening ceremony of the 2nd World Buddhist Forum (WBF) in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province on March 28, 2009. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, attends a sub-forum of the Second World Buddhist Forum (WBF) in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, on March 29, 2009. Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, attended the forum Sunday here with businessmen and monks, where they discussed Buddhist philosophies related to business. (Xinhua/Han Yuqing)

TAIPEI, April 1, (Xinhua) -- The Second World Buddhist Forum was wrapped up Wednesday in Taipei with messages of hope from leading Buddhist figures.

"We are convinced the forum will enhance the communication and integration of the Buddhist community all over the world," Venerable Master Kok Kwong, president of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, said in a speech at the closing ceremony.

"It will also strengthen the friendship between the Buddhists in the world and contribute to the sustainable development of Buddhism and a harmonious world," he said.

More than 1,000 eminent monks, scholars and figures from around 50 countries and regions attended the closing ceremony.

During the five-day event, the participants discussed topics such as the preservation of Buddhist music and the Tripitaka, considered the encyclopedia of Buddhist culture, and the relationship between Buddhism and science, and Buddhism and environment protection in 17 sub-forums.

The forum, which opened Saturday in the east China city of Wuxi, was jointly organized by the Buddhist Association of China, the Buddha's Light International Association, the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, and the China Religious Culture Communication Association, with the theme, "A harmonious world, a synergy of condition."

The participants moved to Taipei on four direct charter flights on Monday after the first part of the forum ended Sunday

"The improved relations across the Taiwan Strait since last year made the forum possible," said Wu Poh-hsiung, vice president of BLIA, "This is very significant."

Wu, who is also Chairman of the Kuomintang party, said the harmonious and peaceful situation across the Strait did not come easy and should be cherished and preserved.

The forum was concluded with a declaration calling for the education of monks and cultivation of Buddhist talents, stronger interaction between Buddhism and higher education and the spreading of the charitable and benevolent thoughts of Buddhism to commerce.