Bhagavan Zhi Ji Vimalakirti Patriarch Master's Revelations

Theme Speech at the Dharma Meeting celebrating
Chinese Lunar New Year and Birthday of Maitreya Buddha

How Should Buddhism Enter Modern Society

5th February, 2000 -
Chinese New Year Day of the Year of Dragon

 

Buddhist Organizations

 

         For a Buddhist organization, in terms of modern societal needs, in terms of the "revolution" in the ideas of Buddhism, and in terms of the sublimation of a Buddhist's life and character, we can study the five areas of "quality of faith", "scope of organization", "quality of culture", "structure of concepts" and "appropriateness for society".

         Being wise and rational but not drifting to the fashionable secular world;
         Being solemn and sacred but not drifting to black magic or superstitions;
         Having a pure and an unadulterated faith but not drifting to following blindly;
         With a noble and virtuous quality but not drifting to acting just for the sake of pleasing others.

         In its contributions to the society, culture, and civilization, it should await people's acceptance, for the purpose of transforming and guiding the world.

         Within the world of Buddhism, the various Buddhist organizations should initiate multi-channeled, multi-leveled, multi-faceted, multi-angled, and multi-subjected scholarly and religious exchanges and cooperation among themselves.  They should shoulder and share the sacred historical missions of the new century with all Tasmanians and all Australians in assisting the society, benefiting sentient beings, spreading the teachings, enlightening humanity, cleaning the environment, and defending peace.

How Should Buddhism Enter Modern Society
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Historical Heavy
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