Theme Speech at the Dharma Meeting celebrating
Chinese Lunar New Year and Birthday of Maitreya Buddha
5th February, 2000 -
Chinese New Year Day of the Year of Dragon
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Today, the world is in the twenty-first century. The arrival of a new century signifies the arrival of a new period of development for all mankind. As a new century challenges the age-old Buddhism, it also provides Buddhism with new opportunities for progress. How should Buddhism bring its ancient philosophy into the modern society? How should Buddhist teachings be disseminated appropriately in response to the circumstances, under the new historical conditions? It is meaningful in the long run and forward looking to explore such issues. As early as the fifties and sixties of the twentieth century, there were already Buddhists in Tasmania. By the eighties, different schools from the three Buddhist vehicles of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Tantrayana; as well as various Buddhist organizations from China, Nepal, Thailand, Japan, Tibet, and Sri Lanka; also appeared in Tasmania. They had also organized meetings, ceremonies, and meditation activities. |
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