Introduction to Buddhism

Seeds for a better world

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcomes Chin Kung

* Sri Lanka President emphasizes the need for constant efforts to achieve peace
Sun, Nov 4, 2012, 12:25 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Nov 03, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa emphasized the need for constant efforts to achieve peace today as peace is the basis for sustainable development and harmony in the world. Sri Lanka will host an Inter-religious and Cultural International Conference on world peace from November 3 to 10 in Colombo.
The conference is held with the participation of about 600 foreign delegates including UNESCO General Conference President Dr. Katalin Bogyay and about 25 UNESCO ambassadors.
The President received the foreign delegation including the World renowned Buddhist monk Venerable Master Chin Kung, Dr. Bogyay and other UNESCO members at the Temple Trees Saturday morning.
The President told the delegates that he is upbeat about selecting Sri Lanka, which respects all religions and communities, to host the conference.
Venerable Master Chin Kung, speaking at the occasion said he Sri Lanka which has set an example to the world on achieving peace is the most suitable country to unveil the journey for world peace.
The President and the Chinese prelate exchanged mementos and Master Chin Kung presented several historic books on China to the President. Thereafter multi religious leaders offered a golden shawl to the Chinese Thera.
Ministers Bandula Gunawardena, Jagath Balasuriya, Deputy Minister M.K.D.S. Gunawardena, Secretary to the External Affairs Ministry Karunaratne Amunugama, parliamentarians and clergy of all faiths.
(Photos by Nalin Hewapathirana)
Addressing the attendees to the inauguration of the Inter- Cultural and Inter Faith Peace Dialogue under the theme 'Overcoming Crisis through Education' at Temple Trees this morning, the President said that a moral society will prevail with the existence of peace since peace promotes mental relief and spiritual ideals. Unity of all religions is needed to achieve peace in the world, he stressed.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Master Chin Hung

MELAKA, 13 OCTOBER, 2011: The establishment of the Malaysian Academy of Han Studies (MAHS) will help impart an education concept that not only promotes academic excellence but also positive values which are greatly needed by mankind, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said knowledge without being imbued with positive values could be a dangerous thing.

 

"There is such strong support for an education concept that promotes not only academic excellence but also the practicality of knowledge to bring happiness and peace to people's lives," he said during the ground-breaking ceremony for the academy here today.

 

He cited Admiral Cheng Ho's expedition to Melaka consisting of 317 ships and 28,000 crewmen which could easily have been an expedition to conquer the Malay Sultanate, as done by the Portugese and Dutch, as an example.

 

Najib said Cheng Ho's expedition to Melaka turned out to be an act of friendship, goodwill and cooperation which the Muslim admiral extended to the Malay sultanate and its people.

 

"They (Admiral Cheng Ho's expedition) had the knowledge to conquer the Malay Sultanate, but chose not to and instead cooperate," he said, adding that this  was a clear difference with the Portuguese's and Dutch expeditions to Malacca.

 

"Han" according to Najib, is an ethnic identity that encompasses 94 percent of the population of mainland China, making it the largest ethnic group on earth.
Historically, the Han Dynastic period is considered the "Golden Age" of Chinese history.

 

"Han studies can provide philosophical knowledge on human conduct with a focus on virtuousness and respect among mankind, which to my mind is greatly needed in this day and age," said Najib.

 

Also present during the ceremony were Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ali Rustam, Honorary Chairman of MAHS Prof Chin Kung and Chairman of MAHS Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.