The 18th Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue Focuses on Ecological Sustainability, Set to Take Place at the Museum of World Religions on July 5
The 18th Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue, hosted in various locations worldwide, took place on July 5-6 at the Museum of World Religions (MWR) in Taiwan. This year's theme is "Is There a Solution to Ecological Sustainability?" The event featured 25 prominent speakers from Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Bahrain, and other countries, engaging in dialogues that blend spirituality and science. Through four keynote speeches and eight panel discussions, the event aims to explore the possibilities of coexistence from both an international perspective and Taiwan's practical experiences, discussing how religion and science can collaborate to create a sustainable future.
The MWR, established in 2001, provides a platform for peaceful dialogue and communication among various religions. Adhering to the principles of respect, inclusiveness, and universal love, the museum began a series of interfaith "Buddhist-Muslim" dialogues in 2002, inspired by the Buddhist spirit of peace and harmony. These dialogues have since been held in 11 countries worldwide and have garnered significant attention in religious circles.
Distinguished Guests Gather for a Solemn and Grand Opening Ceremony
The 18th Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue was organized by the MWR Foundation and the MWR, and co-organized by the University for Life & Peace (ULP). The Opening Ceremony was conducted in the Special Exhibition area on the 6th floor of the MWR, with two days of interfaith and cross-domain dialogue following.
The opening ceremony was led by Venerable Master Hsin Tao, founder of the MWR, along with distinguished guests who offered prayers and blessings for ecological sustainability. Participants included Master Hsien Yueh, CEO of the MWR Development Foundation; Luo Su-Juan, Deputy Director of the Department of Civil Affairs and Rituals of the Ministry of the Interior; Lee Chang-Long, Senior Specialist of the Department of Cultural Resources at the Ministry of Culture; Chen De-Yu, Section Chief of the Department of Museums at the Cultural Resources Department; Lin Yao-Chang, Director of the New Taipei City Civil Affairs Bureau; Maya Yehudit Yaron, Representative of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei; Tsai Kuang-Szu, Cardinal of the Tien-Ti Teachings; Father Lin Zhi-Ding, Executive Secretary of the Committee for Religious Dialogue of the Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference of the Catholic Church; Zhang Zhao-Heng, Secretary-General of the Chinese Taoist Association; Liao Bi-Lan, CEO of the Art of Living Development Association of the Republic of China; Ma Xiao-Qi, former Imam of Taipei Grand Mosque; and Danjo Soken, Abbot of Saikoji Temple in Japan, among other religious representatives who offered their blessings. In their speeches, Luo Su-Juan, Lee Chang-Long, and Lin Yao-Chang highly praised the dialogue's focus on ecological issues, commending it as a concrete action in loving the Earth.
Countless Paths of Religion Interconnected Through Spirituality
"Only through spiritual awakening can one recognize that all things possess a spirit," Venerable Master Hsin Tao commented on the current ecological crisis in his opening speech. He urged starting with the awakening of one's inner spirituality, realizing that all things and humans are equal partners in a diverse, interdependent community of life. This awareness is essential for respecting the value of all species, he reminded, accommodating each other's living spaces, and sharing the common fruits of life's growth.
Venerable Master Hsin Tao believes that religion, as the connector and guardian of human spirituality, has a greater responsibility to link religious spirituality with ecological spirituality. He hopes that the religious community will unite to help everyone return to their spirituality, awaken the shared spiritual love of the public, and connect the wisdom and strength of various fields to effectively use technological expertise for the benefit of humanity. Through the two-day seminars and exchanges, he hopes to gather ideas and insights from everyone, forming concrete action plans and practical solutions to find answers for ecological sustainability and the future of humanity. Let's work together to create ecological miracles, he urged.
Four Lectures and Eight Dialogues Spark Ecological Insights
MWR Director Ma You-Juan introduced the origins and history of the Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue. She explained that this year's dialogue is being brought back to Taipei, hosted by the museum. The museum's researchers have independently planned and curated the event, from setting themes and topics for each session to inviting interdisciplinary speakers from both domestic and international fields. The goal is to seek solutions for "ecological sustainability" through dialogues from the perspectives of "faith" and "science." She also posed a question, suggesting that only when people embrace humility and reverence, acknowledging the fact that the "eternal light exists in all things," can ecological sustainability have a chance to find solutions that address both the symptoms and the root causes.
Centered on the topic of "How to Achieve Earth Sustainability," the 18th Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue features a diverse and thought-provoking range of subtopics. The first day includes discussions on human evolution and ecological symbiosis, religious responses to climate change, environmental ethics and religious responsibilities, and voices from ecology. The second day covers the way of coexistence, forgotten voices in environmental issues, finding sustainable living possibilities through faith, and the rules of living in harmony with nature. These discussions aim to explore whether there are solutions for ecological sustainability from various perspectives and what concrete actions can be taken for the Earth and ourselves. The event attracts people interested in religion, ecology, and environmental protection.
The MWR, established in 2001, provides a platform for peaceful dialogue and communication among various religions. Adhering to the principles of respect, inclusiveness, and universal love, the museum began a series of interfaith "Buddhist-Muslim" dialogues in 2002, inspired by the Buddhist spirit of peace and harmony. These dialogues have since been held in 11 countries worldwide and have garnered significant attention in religious circles.
Distinguished Guests Gather for a Solemn and Grand Opening Ceremony
The 18th Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue was organized by the MWR Foundation and the MWR, and co-organized by the University for Life & Peace (ULP). The Opening Ceremony was conducted in the Special Exhibition area on the 6th floor of the MWR, with two days of interfaith and cross-domain dialogue following.
The opening ceremony was led by Venerable Master Hsin Tao, founder of the MWR, along with distinguished guests who offered prayers and blessings for ecological sustainability. Participants included Master Hsien Yueh, CEO of the MWR Development Foundation; Luo Su-Juan, Deputy Director of the Department of Civil Affairs and Rituals of the Ministry of the Interior; Lee Chang-Long, Senior Specialist of the Department of Cultural Resources at the Ministry of Culture; Chen De-Yu, Section Chief of the Department of Museums at the Cultural Resources Department; Lin Yao-Chang, Director of the New Taipei City Civil Affairs Bureau; Maya Yehudit Yaron, Representative of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei; Tsai Kuang-Szu, Cardinal of the Tien-Ti Teachings; Father Lin Zhi-Ding, Executive Secretary of the Committee for Religious Dialogue of the Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference of the Catholic Church; Zhang Zhao-Heng, Secretary-General of the Chinese Taoist Association; Liao Bi-Lan, CEO of the Art of Living Development Association of the Republic of China; Ma Xiao-Qi, former Imam of Taipei Grand Mosque; and Danjo Soken, Abbot of Saikoji Temple in Japan, among other religious representatives who offered their blessings. In their speeches, Luo Su-Juan, Lee Chang-Long, and Lin Yao-Chang highly praised the dialogue's focus on ecological issues, commending it as a concrete action in loving the Earth.
Countless Paths of Religion Interconnected Through Spirituality
"Only through spiritual awakening can one recognize that all things possess a spirit," Venerable Master Hsin Tao commented on the current ecological crisis in his opening speech. He urged starting with the awakening of one's inner spirituality, realizing that all things and humans are equal partners in a diverse, interdependent community of life. This awareness is essential for respecting the value of all species, he reminded, accommodating each other's living spaces, and sharing the common fruits of life's growth.
Venerable Master Hsin Tao believes that religion, as the connector and guardian of human spirituality, has a greater responsibility to link religious spirituality with ecological spirituality. He hopes that the religious community will unite to help everyone return to their spirituality, awaken the shared spiritual love of the public, and connect the wisdom and strength of various fields to effectively use technological expertise for the benefit of humanity. Through the two-day seminars and exchanges, he hopes to gather ideas and insights from everyone, forming concrete action plans and practical solutions to find answers for ecological sustainability and the future of humanity. Let's work together to create ecological miracles, he urged.
Four Lectures and Eight Dialogues Spark Ecological Insights
MWR Director Ma You-Juan introduced the origins and history of the Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue. She explained that this year's dialogue is being brought back to Taipei, hosted by the museum. The museum's researchers have independently planned and curated the event, from setting themes and topics for each session to inviting interdisciplinary speakers from both domestic and international fields. The goal is to seek solutions for "ecological sustainability" through dialogues from the perspectives of "faith" and "science." She also posed a question, suggesting that only when people embrace humility and reverence, acknowledging the fact that the "eternal light exists in all things," can ecological sustainability have a chance to find solutions that address both the symptoms and the root causes.
Centered on the topic of "How to Achieve Earth Sustainability," the 18th Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue features a diverse and thought-provoking range of subtopics. The first day includes discussions on human evolution and ecological symbiosis, religious responses to climate change, environmental ethics and religious responsibilities, and voices from ecology. The second day covers the way of coexistence, forgotten voices in environmental issues, finding sustainable living possibilities through faith, and the rules of living in harmony with nature. These discussions aim to explore whether there are solutions for ecological sustainability from various perspectives and what concrete actions can be taken for the Earth and ourselves. The event attracts people interested in religion, ecology, and environmental protection.