What's the Role of Buddhism in the New Era? Chinese Buddhism strives for more in changing times

World
Europe

The President of the Buddhist Association of China, Venerable Master Xue Cheng, is also a national political advisor. He says enhancing Buddhism's connection with contemporary culture and seeking wisdom from Buddhism to help society advance, is in the spirit of China's new era. CGTN reporter Han Bin interviews him and some other believers, who are committed to making their faith thrive in today's China.

Helping others is to help yourself. Wang Meihua hands out porridge to strangers. It's how she practices Buddhist teachings in daily life.

WANG MEIHUA RETIRED BEIJING RESIDENT "Through the study of Buddhism, and this give-away activity, I find peace and compassion, with fewer complaints."

For some, Buddhism has provided a fresh outlook on life. Qing Xin says it's helped him free his mind of all distractions.

QING XIN, MONK CHINA BUDDHISM COLLEGE "Buddhism helps us to understand the meanings of life. The key is to change ourselves, and to overcome difficulties."

MASTER XUE CHENG, CPPCC MEMBER PRESIDENT, BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF CHINA "Many people's understanding of Buddhism still lingers on incense, kowtowing and kneeling. Such things are the formalities, but Buddhism needs to be reinterpreted."

HAN BIN BEIJING "Buddhism has had a home in China for some 2,000 years. As the country moves into what's being called a new era, believers are confident in the religion’s future. What remains to be seen is how Buddhism will thrive in a time of change."

Though Buddhism has a long history in China, its strict rituals and simple lifestyle don't resonate with most young people. Master Xue Cheng believes Buddhist values need to be rediscovered and the spirit of Buddhism needs to be integrated into the fast-changing society.

XUE CHENG, CPPCC MEMBER PRESIDENT, BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF CHINA "Chinese Buddhism, in the new era, must have a new form of expression. It must be combined with all kinds of modern culture."

For years, Master Xue Cheng has been dedicated to explaining the Buddha's teachings in the Information Age. He promotes using modern technology and styles to reach the public. This cartoon novice monk Xian'er, promotes Buddhist teachings online. And for monk Xianfan, drawing comics with faith is a new way to worship.

XUE CHENG, CPPCC MEMBER PRESIDENT, BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF CHINA, PRESIDENT "Buddhists should not only seek enlightenment through daily learning, meditation and cultivation to gain positive energy from the Buddhist Doctrine. Buddhists should contribute more to society, by transforming their own gains and wisdom, to more others through the Internet and new media."

The CPPCC member wants to protect religious belief from being diminished by commercialism.

XUE CHENG, CPPCC MEMBER PRESIDENT, BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF CHINA "Commercial capital has invaded Buddhism, leading to the commercialization of Buddhism."

Commercialization is one of the biggest challenges to ALL religions. Master Xue Cheng warns temples to be vigilant against crossing moral lines. And he believes the true virtues of Buddhism can help Chinese today.

XUE CHENG, CPPCC MEMBER PRESIDENT, BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF CHINA "Buddhist ideals like equality, tolerance, caring, contentment and being helpful, are very helpful to society and people."

For lay Buddhists, like Wang Meihua, religion is a crucial means for finding happiness in life. For the monk Qing Xin, he seeks enlightenment through the pursuit of higher learning. And for Master Xue Cheng, his mission of promoting Chinese Buddhism goes far beyond what the political meeting can resolve. Han Bin, CGTN, Beijing.