No. 0861


China gives seal of approval to Buddhism
Apr. 11, 2006 at 6:08AM

Buddhism can undoubtedly contribute to building harmony in China as well as world peace, a Chinese government official dealing with religious affairs has said.
Ye Xiaowen, director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, was quoted by Xinhua as saying other religions, such as Christianity and Islam, also could contribute to building a harmonious society, but that Buddhism, which pursues an idea of harmony close to that in the Chinese outlook, could make a "distinctive contribution."
Ye, who is also president of the Religious Culture Communication Association of China, said Buddhism could help believers cope with a fast-changing society plagued by a huge wealth gap and increasing social unrest.
The association is preparing, along with the Buddhist Association of China, for the first World Buddhist Forum, to take place from Thursday to Sunday in China's eastern Zhejiang province.
It is the first time since Buddhism came to China 2,000 years ago that China has hosted such an event.
However, a professor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong told the South China Morning Post that Beijing was at ease with Buddhism because it had less contact with outside forces, often seen by China as meddling in its internal affairs.

http://www.washtimes.com/upi/20060411-060709-2048r.htm