Buddhist masters expect closer, stronger religious exchanges across Taiwan Strait

Source: Xinhua | 03-27-2009 17:48

WUXI, Jiangsu Province, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Buddhist masters from both the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan Friday here voiced their expectations for closer and stronger exchanges, ahead the Second World Buddhism Forum, the first of its kinds to be held on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

"The forum is a vivid example that cross-Strait relations are moving toward the direction of peaceful development. It will be a landmark event in the history of exchanges between Buddhists on both sides," said Master Ming Sheng, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC) at a press conference here.

He expected Buddhists on both sides to have more chances to communicate with each other.

"Exchanges between Buddhists across the Taiwan Strait have never stopped. The upcoming forum is a result of synergy of condition," said Ven. Yi Kung, board director of Buddhist's Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters, at the same press conference. "I believe there will be closer and more comprehensive exchanges in the future."

The second World Buddhist Forum, held from Saturday to next Wednesday, will be divided into two stages -- the first stage in Wuxi of eastern Jiangsu Province and second one in Taipei.