Most Venerable Sirs, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends:
I have the pleasure to be here in this beautiful temple and in the gathering of leading religious personalities. First of all, I would like to pay my humble homage to the Buddhist priests arrived here. The theme "Buddhist Talents in Foreign Languages" is a very important issue that must be necessarily subjected to present day's discussions. Lack of knowledge and talents in foreign languages is a huge barrier for us, as Chinese to communicate with others.
I see a considerable number of very important and capable Chinese Buddhist monks are assembled here to talk on the matter. When we see this type of gathering of Buddhist monks, my mind goes back to the Buddha's time. At that time when there was a need or a crisis in the Order, the disciples of the Buddha gathered together, discussed and made attempts to find solutions to the problems. The Buddha in his Mahaparinibbana sutta, has emphasized the need of regular meetings of monks. I believe, according to Theravada reports, that the three Buddhist councils, held in the past, have been decisive events for the long standing and geographical expansion of Buddhism.
I am thankful to the organizers of this conference for giving me a little opportunity to express my views and experience on the issue. Because, I have been studying and practicing in several foreign countries for more than seven years.
We are well aware that China has a Buddhist history of several thousand years. Our ancestors seem to have done a great sacrifice to introduce Buddhism to China from India, and preserve it for the benefit and well-being of later generations. Buddhist scriptures, monuments, historical records and image houses in almost all parts of China, stand evidence for their service. But, unfortunately, we, in the present era, have been unable to do a tangible service to Buddhism, except preserving and maintaining of historical establishments.
Today, China is arising in each and every sector such as economical, political, educational, cultural and technological fields. But, we can not be satisfied with regard to the development of human resources. The knowledge of the monks and nuns in China is not considerably improved. Their language skills are unsatisfactory, can not communicate with foreigners. I know many Chinese students, studying in Sri Lanka and other countries face lot of difficulties, in their early stage of study. However, I am happy to say that many of them will come back to China in coming years, as talented persons.
Today, the world needs more and more Buddhist scholars, who can explain Buddhism to others in their own language. Tourist arrival in China is also going up. Many tourists come here in search of Buddhism and explore the ancient glory of Chinese Buddhism. Are we ready to communicate with them and face this challenge? I don't think so. We have been employing Buddhism for our own benefit and convenience. Otherwise Chinese Buddhism has been confined to this country. Today, Theravada Buddhist scriptures have been translated into English, but not yet the Chinese texts.
We should be thankful to the government and our senior monks who are preserving and maintaining our ancient monasteries and images. Those religious places display the past glory of Chinese Buddhism and related art and architecture. It should be mentioned that these religious places, today have been able to draw the attention of millions of local and foreign tourists, generating a huge amount of income to the government and the society. Government's policy towards religion and other social needs is also now relatively becoming favorable. I think, therefore, we should be united and discuss the current socio-religious issues, and by the way we can help the government to solve the problems more effectively, particularly the crisis in Tibet.
We all are Chinese people and we should love our country as much as we love our great religion. We, anybody do not want to see a divided China, we need One China. The unity is the strength of a nation. The Buddha said "sukha sanghassa samaggi" it means, harmony of monks lead them to happiness.
Venerable Sirs and Friends.
Today, Buddhism is the fastest growing religion in the world. In Australia, America and Europe, people find solutions to their problems, through Buddhism, Christian churches, in the western world are making a vain attempt to keep the followers under their sway. And the western countries pumping lot of money to Asian countries to attract and convert Asians into their faith. In view of such a situation, we have to find new strategies to over come the existing threats and defending Buddhism. Before concluding my speech, I world like to draw your kind attention to following few points.
1. Regular meetings of Buddhist leaders should be held.
2. We should be aware of current socio – religious treads.
3. We should work with the consent of government for the development of Chinese Buddhism.
4. Young Chinese monks and nuns should be given sound education in China and abroad.
5. Chinese Buddhist monks and nuns studying in abroad should be financially assisted.
6. Chinese Buddhist institutes and communities in other countries should be awakened in this regards.
Once again, I am thankful for your kind attention.
"sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta" May all beings be well and happy.