Dialogue Centre's Autumn Visit to LJM: A Diverse Exchange with Venerable Hsin Tao
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib, Director of Dialogue Centre, Singapore, and co-founder of the Centre for Interfaith Understanding, recently visited the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society (LJM) in Taiwan with a group of young Muslims. They engaged in an exchange with Venerable Hsin Tao, the founding abbot of LJM. Despite their different religious backgrounds, they shared a deep mutual respect in faith and sincerity. The discussions were diverse and rich, covering topics from religious practice to global affairs.
Many years ago, Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib met Venerable Hsin Tao at an international conference. Sharing a common vision for interfaith harmony, the two became close friends. In 2020, after engaging in dialogue with several international religious leaders, they co-founded the Centre for Interfaith Understanding in Singapore, with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and exchange among different religions.
Imran led his partners from the Centre to visit Venerable Hsin Tao. They engaged in an enriching conversation about their perspectives on Buddhism and theology. Venerable Hsin Tao shared that while different religions have distinct rituals and practices, he hopes the core beliefs of religions remain interconnected, fostering peace across the world. Reuniting with his long-time friend, Imran joyfully promised to visit the Centre in Singapore next year, continuing their joint efforts to promote harmony and goodwill among religions.
The members of the visiting group were all Muslims. During their conversation with Venerable Hsin Tao, they experienced the joy that comes from harmonious coexistence despite differing beliefs. Venerable Hsin Tao also mentioned that the current director of the Museum of World Religions, Ma Youjuan, is also a Muslim, and the LJM community includes colleagues of various faiths. He emphasized that as long as believers remain steadfast in their devotion to the central tenets of their faith, it is something truly commendable.
The internationally significant Israel-Palestine conflict was one of the current issues discussed. Imran asked Venerable Hsin Tao what could be done in the face of war. With compassion, Venerable Hsin Tao replied that it is not only the Israelis and Palestinians but all people in the world who are like brothers and sisters and should not harm one another in such ways. He emphasized that we must stop wars and use compassion and love to eliminate the mindset of conflict and opposition.
When the topic of peace was brought up, Imran expressed interest and concern about Venerable Hsin Tao's initiative, the University for Life and Peace. The Venerable shared that despite the current turmoil in Myanmar, the construction of the university has not ceased. His words conveyed an unwavering determination to see the project through.
From religious faith and peace among humanity, the discussion extended to peace between humans and all living beings. To help the young Muslim visitors better understand the LJM, Venerable Hsin Tao shared the story of how the monastery was established. Imran told the group that in addition to spreading Buddha Dharma and benefiting sentient beings, Venerable Hsin Tao is deeply committed to environmental and ecological protection. The Venerable emphasized to the young Muslim visitors the importance of respecting the intrinsic value of all species, fostering a sense of mutual coexistence, and sharing resources to ensure ecological sustainability.
During a relaxed tea gathering, the visiting group engaged in a meaningful exchange of perspectives on religion and ecology through their conversation with the Venerable. Strolling through the monastery, they were treated to a spiritual feast of nature and art, inspired by the mountain’s lush greenery and intricately carved Buddha statues. At night, the meditation experience outside the Founding Hall offered a profound sense of the power of tranquility. This shared experience deepened their consensus on the harmony between faith and ecology, contributing energy toward a future of life, peace, and ecological sustainability for the Earth.
Many years ago, Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib met Venerable Hsin Tao at an international conference. Sharing a common vision for interfaith harmony, the two became close friends. In 2020, after engaging in dialogue with several international religious leaders, they co-founded the Centre for Interfaith Understanding in Singapore, with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and exchange among different religions.
Imran led his partners from the Centre to visit Venerable Hsin Tao. They engaged in an enriching conversation about their perspectives on Buddhism and theology. Venerable Hsin Tao shared that while different religions have distinct rituals and practices, he hopes the core beliefs of religions remain interconnected, fostering peace across the world. Reuniting with his long-time friend, Imran joyfully promised to visit the Centre in Singapore next year, continuing their joint efforts to promote harmony and goodwill among religions.
The members of the visiting group were all Muslims. During their conversation with Venerable Hsin Tao, they experienced the joy that comes from harmonious coexistence despite differing beliefs. Venerable Hsin Tao also mentioned that the current director of the Museum of World Religions, Ma Youjuan, is also a Muslim, and the LJM community includes colleagues of various faiths. He emphasized that as long as believers remain steadfast in their devotion to the central tenets of their faith, it is something truly commendable.
The internationally significant Israel-Palestine conflict was one of the current issues discussed. Imran asked Venerable Hsin Tao what could be done in the face of war. With compassion, Venerable Hsin Tao replied that it is not only the Israelis and Palestinians but all people in the world who are like brothers and sisters and should not harm one another in such ways. He emphasized that we must stop wars and use compassion and love to eliminate the mindset of conflict and opposition.
When the topic of peace was brought up, Imran expressed interest and concern about Venerable Hsin Tao's initiative, the University for Life and Peace. The Venerable shared that despite the current turmoil in Myanmar, the construction of the university has not ceased. His words conveyed an unwavering determination to see the project through.
From religious faith and peace among humanity, the discussion extended to peace between humans and all living beings. To help the young Muslim visitors better understand the LJM, Venerable Hsin Tao shared the story of how the monastery was established. Imran told the group that in addition to spreading Buddha Dharma and benefiting sentient beings, Venerable Hsin Tao is deeply committed to environmental and ecological protection. The Venerable emphasized to the young Muslim visitors the importance of respecting the intrinsic value of all species, fostering a sense of mutual coexistence, and sharing resources to ensure ecological sustainability.
During a relaxed tea gathering, the visiting group engaged in a meaningful exchange of perspectives on religion and ecology through their conversation with the Venerable. Strolling through the monastery, they were treated to a spiritual feast of nature and art, inspired by the mountain’s lush greenery and intricately carved Buddha statues. At night, the meditation experience outside the Founding Hall offered a profound sense of the power of tranquility. This shared experience deepened their consensus on the harmony between faith and ecology, contributing energy toward a future of life, peace, and ecological sustainability for the Earth.