A Chinese Buddhist leader has spoken highly of the government ban on Falun Gong according to law, saying that in the eyes of Buddhists, this is a just action that is most gratifying to the people.
Shi Shenhui, a vice chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, made this remark Friday at the current session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee. On behalf of the religious circle, Shi called for wiping out cults and supporting lawful religions in the country.
In his speech, the Buddhist leader accused Li Hongzhi, the cult leader, of belittling and slandering all religions. "Li's evil ideas have hurt the feelings of the more than 100 million religious believers in China," he said.
Religious groups can never tolerate a notorious and evil man like Li Hongzhi and are launching staunch battles against him, though all the regions uphold benevolence, he said.
Li has misguided his followers by stealing ideas, such as Falun, or Buddhist Wheel, from Buddhism, but the deeds of Falun Gong have nothing to do with Buddhism.
The Buddhist leader expressed his hope that people could learn to tell the difference between cults and religions.
If a "social cancer" like Falun Gong were not eliminated, the country could not achieve stability, the people could not enjoy a happy life, and religious people could not have their freedom of belief guaranteed, he stressed.
March 9, 2001
Source: www.people.com.cn
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