Group photo at the scene
Southeast.com, April 29 (Special Reporter Liao Shijing) On April 27, local time, the Organizing Committee of the China-Australia New Zealand Buddhist Forum held a press conference at the Chinese Cultural Center in Sydney, announcing that the first China-Australia New Zealand Buddhist Forum will be held in Sydney from August 2 to 6 this year. Lan Mu, executive vice president of the Australia-China Tea Culture Exchange Promotion Association, served as the bilingual host of the press conference.
Xiao Xiayong, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Australia, Venerable Zongxing, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, Venerable Puzheng, Venerable Guangquan and Venerable Hengshi, Deputy Secretary-General, Wang Shuyu, Cultural Counsellor of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Gawaine Powell Davies, Chairman of the Buddhist Council of New South Wales, Australia, Venerable Prajna, President of the Buddhist Association of Australia, Liu Dong, Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Sydney and Director of the Tourism Office in Sydney, More than 80 people, including Zhang Xiong, president of the Buddhist Association of New Zealand, and representatives of Chinese and Australian media attended the press conference.
Xiao Xiayong delivered a speech
Xiao Xiayong said that the holding of the first China-Australia New Zealand Buddhist Forum is a grand event for the Buddhist community in Oceania. Buddhism has become a part of Australia's multiculturalism, which not only provides spiritual sustenance for overseas Chinese, but also opens the door to the spiritual world for the Australian people, and also promotes the harmonious development of Australia's multiculturalism. The purpose of this forum is to summarize the experience of the spread and development of Buddhism, and to promote the integration and mutual learning between Buddhism and modern civilization. It is believed that the forum will promote exchanges and cooperation among the Buddhist community in Oceania, and enhance the understanding and trust between the people of China, Australia and New Zealand.
Venerable Prajna gave a welcome speech
Venerable Prajna said that the theme of the forum is "Compassion and Harmony, Diversity and Symbiosis", and three sub-forums will be set up: "Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind with Multiple Faiths, Cultures and a Colorful World", "Zen and Contemporary Society", and "Buddhism and Ecological Environmental Protection". I hope to gather everyone's efforts to inherit and carry forward the Buddhist culture.
Venerable Zongxing gave a speech
Venerable Zong said Australia is a multicultural and multi-religious country. With the spread of Buddhism in Australia, in addition to the traditional Chinese diaspora group, other people gradually became interested in Buddhism. Buddhism should play a greater role in promoting cultural exchange and bringing people of different cultures and beliefs to live in harmony. This forum will provide more wisdom and ideas for contemporary society through Buddhist culture, so that people from different regions and living environments can jointly explore the road to happiness in the future of mankind through exchanges and cooperation.
Speech by Gawayne Powell Davis
Gawayne Powell Davis said that Buddhism was introduced to Australia very early, and this forum will bring together Buddhists from China, Australia, New Zealand and other countries to exchange ideas and discuss the role of Buddhism in human society.
It is reported that the first China-Australia New Zealand Buddhist Forum is hosted by the Organizing Committee of the China-Australia New Zealand Buddhist Forum and undertaken by the Australia-China Buddhist Association. (Photo courtesy of the event organiser)