The Sixth World Buddhist Forum has kicked off in east China's Zhejiang Province. About 800 participants from more than 70 countries and regions are taking part in the religious and spiritual gathering. CGTN's Yu Li reports.
With the Forum's theme being "hand in hand for co-existence," organizers hope the event will promote harmony, peace and progress for all of humanity.
YU LI Ningbo, Zhejiang Province "Monks from various countries have convened in the port city of Ningbo, looking to exchange and communicate ideas on Buddhism. They'll also explore approaches on how to chart a course for religious coexistence in the modern world, improve wisdom sharing, and refine religious social duties."
MASTER YAN WU Buddhist from Senegal "When you say hand in hand for coexistence, it means everyone can find himself in Buddhism."
Participants feel that transnational communication among Buddhists is both essential and necessary.
MASTER JIRI HAZLBAUER Buddhist from the Czech Republic "It's essential. Why? Because we are one human race and religion should be among many things which help us stay together."
MASTER JIAN BING Buddhist from Sri Lanka "I have attended for now four times of Buddhist forum; it brings in friendship among Buddhist communities in different countries."
The three-day event will feature multiple sub-forums, a blessing ceremony, artwork exhibitions, and tree-planting activities. YU LI, CGTN, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province.