Internationally acclaimed forensic expert, Dr. Henry Chang-Yu Lee, paid a courtesy visit to Master Hsin Tao at the Wu Sheng Monastery of the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society (LJM) on August 26, 2023. Dr. Lee visited with the Founding Abbot of LJM in the company of a 12-member delegation of dignitaries led by Chairman Li-Chun Yu of the Liang Wei Group and Chairman Chen Chun-Tong of the Grand May Full Hotel. One is a reputable scientist known for his forensic expertise, and the other is a religious guru venerated for his Buddhist practice, yet they not only greatly enjoyed the meeting but also realized that they share many common viewpoints when it comes to ecology and spirituality. In short, they both hold the view that the awakening of humanity and spirituality is the key to ecological sustainability, ultimately ensuring the preservation of life as it is.

Titled as 'Taiwan's Pioneering Figure in Forensic Science,' the globally renowned Dr. Lee has resided and worked in the United States for an extended period. Currently, he is engaged as a visiting scholar on a lecture tour in Taiwan. During this meeting, a unique opportunity emerged for an insightful discussion between Dr. Lee and Master Hsin Tao, exploring the intersections of science and religion. At first glance, their backgrounds appear worlds apart; Dr. Lee's extensive career in forensic science contrasts starkly with Master Hsin Tao's spiritual pursuits. However, both individuals share haunting memories of war's atrocities and personal pain of profound losses. Their life experiences have endowed them with profound insights into the realms of perception and emotion, forming the basis of their remarkably deep perspectives. It is hardly surprising, then, that their viewpoints on the current global challenges, encompassing natural disasters and man-made calamities, resonate in remarkable harmony. Their shared wisdom, rooted in their unique life journeys, offers a compelling perspective on the issues plaguing our world today.

During his dialogue with Master Hsin Tao, Dr. Lee illuminated the striking parallels between their life experiences. In particular, he drew attention to a significant coincidence – his own involvement in conducting forensic investigations at mass graves in Croatia during a United Nations-sanctioned mission following the civil war in the former Yugoslavia. This perilous assignment provided him with a firsthand glimpse into the horrors of war, leaving an indelible mark on his consciousness. Dr. Lee was deeply moved by the profound compassion embodied in Master Hsin Tao's concept of 'Loving the Earth, Loving Peace.' This realization struck him to the core. He went on to express his belief that in order to truly make people appreciate the paramount importance of peace, the moral and spiritual strengths inherent in religion play an indispensable role.

In the meantime, Master Hsin Tao shared that the LJM is currently dedicated to the promotion of the concept of 'Life and Peace.' The primary focus lies in addressing pressing ecological crises, emphasizing the need for a fundamental remedy addressing the root causes, rather than mere symptomatic treatment. To achieve this, it becomes crucial to introduce individuals to spirituality as the common foundation from which all forms of existence originate. Master Hsin Tao emphasized the importance of shifting the world's perspective away from a human-centric view. He advocated for recognizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life forms in our diversified symbiotic world. This philosophy is encapsulated in the LJM motto: "Respect the Value of Every Existence, Foster Tolerance in the Living Environment, and Embrace Love in Providing What is Needed."

Beyond the ravages of war, karmic catastrophes around the world exert a profoundly detrimental influence on the planet's ecology, affecting the future of all species. Examples such as forest infernos, the melting of icebergs, and human-induced maritime pollution stand as stark reminders of this dire reality. Master Hsin Tao went on to emphasize that war essentially subjects the Earth to a crucible of suffering, while nuclear weapons threaten the very existence of humanity. He observed that these destructive forces arise from the triad of attachment, ignorance, and ignorance—a trifecta that Dr. Lee aptly described as being driven by a relentless pursuit of personal gain. What's truly heartening is the convergence of their shared belief in spiritual ecology. Their meeting represents a rare and auspicious opportunity, foreshadowing potential future collaborations between science and religion, uniting their strengths to preserve and heal our wounded ecology.

Dr. Lee expressed his wholehearted agreement with Master Hsin Tao's belief in the equality of all faiths. This alignment of their beliefs reaffirmed his optimism that people from all walks of life should coexist in a spirit of equality and harmony, pooling their collective efforts to ensure our shared survival. This collective endeavor holds the promise of creating a new world where peace prevails and humanity places genuine value on ecology, thereby working together to safeguard a brighter and more sustainable future.