Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to the ROC Visits Ling Jiou Mountain and the Museum of World Religions for a Journey of Spiritual Dialogue
On June 12, Dr. Robert Kennedy Lewis, Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan), led a delegation to visit the Wu Sheng Monastery of Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM) and the Museum of World Religions (MWR). The Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia is one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in Central America. This one-day visit served as a profound exploration of spiritual dialogue, religious belief, and cultural artistry. Ambassador Lewis expressed deep admiration for Grand Master Hsin Tao’s vision of love and peace and found himself immersed in the tranquility and depth of Eastern spiritual traditions.
Ambassador Lewis holds a Ph.D. in mathematics and has made significant contributions to education in Saint Lucia, where he is widely recognized for nurturing generations of students. His distinguished career includes serving as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Education. Now in his third year as Saint Lucia’s top envoy to Taiwan, he has voiced strong admiration for Taiwan’s accessible, people-centered education system and its universal healthcare program. His recent visit to LJM offered him a rich encounter with the spiritual and cultural depth of Eastern traditions.
Mountain Meditation and Interfaith Reflection: A Journey into Spiritual Dialogue
In the afternoon, Ambassador Lewis, accompanied by fellow diplomat Mr. Rovin C. Février and other members of the delegation, traveled to the Wu Sheng Monastery of Ling Jiou Mountain in Fulong, New Taipei City. Venerable Xian Yue, CEO of the Museum of World Religions Development Foundation, served as their guide. The visit began with a stop at The Fahua Cave — the secluded retreat where Grand Master Hsin Tao once engaged in prolonged solitary practice. At the Yuan Tong Treasure Hall, the guests experienced a session of meditation that offered a glimpse into the serenity and liberation of Eastern spiritual practice. Standing on the plaza before the Grand Master’s Hall, nestled between mountains and facing the sea, they were immersed in the rhythmic chants of evening prayers harmonizing with the sounds of cicadas and the mountain breeze — a moment that deeply moved and resonated with the visiting dignitaries.
During his conversation with Grand Master Hsin Tao, Ambassador Lewis — a devout Christian — expressed a profound interest in Buddhist culture. His curiosity sparked a lively and respectful exchange, as he posed several thoughtful questions to the Grand Master: Why was there a postcard of the late Pope Francis placed before a statue of the Buddha? What are the similarities and differences between Buddhist prayer beads and the Christian rosary? Why does a strand of Buddhist prayer beads contain exactly 108 beads? What is the significance behind the different colors and styles of monastic robes? And perhaps most intriguingly, what inspired a Buddhist Grand Master to found a museum?
Grand Master Hsin Tao responded to each question with gentle clarity, emphasizing that “we are all sovereigns of our own spirituality. Religion arises from spirituality, and at its core, all faiths share the same origin.” He explained that all forms of life possess spirituality and exist in partnership with one another. It is only through unity and collaboration among religions—working together to safeguard the spiritual well-being of humanity and the planet—that true world peace and ecological sustainability can be realized.
A Button with a Deeper Meaning: Inclusion and Appreciation That Transcend Faith
Ambassador Lewis was deeply moved by the spirit of religious inclusiveness and interfaith collaboration embodied by Ling Jiou Mountain. He expressed sincere admiration upon learning that the Museum of World Religions was founded by a Buddhist Grand Master, is currently led by a Muslim director, and operates with a diverse team of staff from various religious backgrounds working in harmony. The Ambassador praised Grand Master Hsin Tao’s open-mindedness and his boundless compassion that transcends all boundaries.
Deeply touched by the meaningful dialogue and heartfelt hospitality, Ambassador Lewis removed the St. Lucian national flag pin from his jacket lapel and personally presented it to Grand Master Hsin Tao. The gesture symbolized not only the enduring diplomatic friendship between the two sides but also a newly kindled spiritual connection. He pledged to return to Ling Jiou Mountain in the future, bringing his family along for the experience. In return, Grand Master Hsin Tao gifted the Ambassador a piece of calligraphy inscribed with the phrase “Love is like a flower, like a seed”, along with the gentle reminder: “A kind heart brings happiness.” This vibrant interfaith and intercultural exchange planted a seed of love and peace—nurtured through mutual respect and sincere understanding.
The Spiritual Light of the MWR: Inspiring Hearts Across Borders
Earlier that day, the delegation had begun their spiritual journey at the Museum of World Religions in Yonghe District, New Taipei City. Guided personally by Museum Director Ma You-Juan, the visitors walked the Pilgrimage Pathway and explored the Golden Lobby, the special exhibition “LIGHT A LIFE Ｘ LIVE A LIGHT,” the Grand Hall of World Religions, and the Hall of Life’s Journey. Along this thoughtfully curated path, they experienced the universal messages of compassion, forgiveness, and peace embedded in the philosophies of the world’s major faiths—an experience that laid the foundation for the deeper spiritual resonance that would follow later that day at Ling Jiou Mountain.
At the entrance of the Special Exhibition, Museum Director Ma Yu-Chuan presented a commemorative gift to Ambassador Lewis. She noted that within just one week, the museum had welcomed two high-level international guests—Guatemala’s First Lady, Excma. Sra. Dra. Lucrecia Peinado, on June 6, and Ambassador Lewis on June 12—underscoring the Museum of World Religions' growing international stature as a platform for cultural and interfaith exchange. The gift, a symbolic sculpture of the Buddha’s footprints, represents the spirit of the Buddha’s lifelong journey to spread the Dharma on foot and his path of compassion. It also echoes Grand Master Hsin Tao’s vision of “spiritual ecology.” Director Ma expressed her hope that guests from diverse nations and faith traditions would continue to walk together along a shared path of love and peace—an aspiration that perfectly aligns with the message of the “LIGHT A LIFE Ｘ LIVE A LIGHT” exhibition: harmony among all beings through mutual dependence and coexistence.
Ambassador Lewis holds a Ph.D. in mathematics and has made significant contributions to education in Saint Lucia, where he is widely recognized for nurturing generations of students. His distinguished career includes serving as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Education. Now in his third year as Saint Lucia’s top envoy to Taiwan, he has voiced strong admiration for Taiwan’s accessible, people-centered education system and its universal healthcare program. His recent visit to LJM offered him a rich encounter with the spiritual and cultural depth of Eastern traditions.
Mountain Meditation and Interfaith Reflection: A Journey into Spiritual Dialogue
In the afternoon, Ambassador Lewis, accompanied by fellow diplomat Mr. Rovin C. Février and other members of the delegation, traveled to the Wu Sheng Monastery of Ling Jiou Mountain in Fulong, New Taipei City. Venerable Xian Yue, CEO of the Museum of World Religions Development Foundation, served as their guide. The visit began with a stop at The Fahua Cave — the secluded retreat where Grand Master Hsin Tao once engaged in prolonged solitary practice. At the Yuan Tong Treasure Hall, the guests experienced a session of meditation that offered a glimpse into the serenity and liberation of Eastern spiritual practice. Standing on the plaza before the Grand Master’s Hall, nestled between mountains and facing the sea, they were immersed in the rhythmic chants of evening prayers harmonizing with the sounds of cicadas and the mountain breeze — a moment that deeply moved and resonated with the visiting dignitaries.
During his conversation with Grand Master Hsin Tao, Ambassador Lewis — a devout Christian — expressed a profound interest in Buddhist culture. His curiosity sparked a lively and respectful exchange, as he posed several thoughtful questions to the Grand Master: Why was there a postcard of the late Pope Francis placed before a statue of the Buddha? What are the similarities and differences between Buddhist prayer beads and the Christian rosary? Why does a strand of Buddhist prayer beads contain exactly 108 beads? What is the significance behind the different colors and styles of monastic robes? And perhaps most intriguingly, what inspired a Buddhist Grand Master to found a museum?
Grand Master Hsin Tao responded to each question with gentle clarity, emphasizing that “we are all sovereigns of our own spirituality. Religion arises from spirituality, and at its core, all faiths share the same origin.” He explained that all forms of life possess spirituality and exist in partnership with one another. It is only through unity and collaboration among religions—working together to safeguard the spiritual well-being of humanity and the planet—that true world peace and ecological sustainability can be realized.
A Button with a Deeper Meaning: Inclusion and Appreciation That Transcend Faith
Ambassador Lewis was deeply moved by the spirit of religious inclusiveness and interfaith collaboration embodied by Ling Jiou Mountain. He expressed sincere admiration upon learning that the Museum of World Religions was founded by a Buddhist Grand Master, is currently led by a Muslim director, and operates with a diverse team of staff from various religious backgrounds working in harmony. The Ambassador praised Grand Master Hsin Tao’s open-mindedness and his boundless compassion that transcends all boundaries.
Deeply touched by the meaningful dialogue and heartfelt hospitality, Ambassador Lewis removed the St. Lucian national flag pin from his jacket lapel and personally presented it to Grand Master Hsin Tao. The gesture symbolized not only the enduring diplomatic friendship between the two sides but also a newly kindled spiritual connection. He pledged to return to Ling Jiou Mountain in the future, bringing his family along for the experience. In return, Grand Master Hsin Tao gifted the Ambassador a piece of calligraphy inscribed with the phrase “Love is like a flower, like a seed”, along with the gentle reminder: “A kind heart brings happiness.” This vibrant interfaith and intercultural exchange planted a seed of love and peace—nurtured through mutual respect and sincere understanding.
The Spiritual Light of the MWR: Inspiring Hearts Across Borders
Earlier that day, the delegation had begun their spiritual journey at the Museum of World Religions in Yonghe District, New Taipei City. Guided personally by Museum Director Ma You-Juan, the visitors walked the Pilgrimage Pathway and explored the Golden Lobby, the special exhibition “LIGHT A LIFE Ｘ LIVE A LIGHT,” the Grand Hall of World Religions, and the Hall of Life’s Journey. Along this thoughtfully curated path, they experienced the universal messages of compassion, forgiveness, and peace embedded in the philosophies of the world’s major faiths—an experience that laid the foundation for the deeper spiritual resonance that would follow later that day at Ling Jiou Mountain.
At the entrance of the Special Exhibition, Museum Director Ma Yu-Chuan presented a commemorative gift to Ambassador Lewis. She noted that within just one week, the museum had welcomed two high-level international guests—Guatemala’s First Lady, Excma. Sra. Dra. Lucrecia Peinado, on June 6, and Ambassador Lewis on June 12—underscoring the Museum of World Religions' growing international stature as a platform for cultural and interfaith exchange. The gift, a symbolic sculpture of the Buddha’s footprints, represents the spirit of the Buddha’s lifelong journey to spread the Dharma on foot and his path of compassion. It also echoes Grand Master Hsin Tao’s vision of “spiritual ecology.” Director Ma expressed her hope that guests from diverse nations and faith traditions would continue to walk together along a shared path of love and peace—an aspiration that perfectly aligns with the message of the “LIGHT A LIFE Ｘ LIVE A LIGHT” exhibition: harmony among all beings through mutual dependence and coexistence.