CONTENTS

Understanding the Concept of One Living Entity A Multicultural World-Path to Permanent Stability and Peace Picture ............... 2 Profile of Venerable Master Chin Kung ............................................................................... 4 Propagating the Multi-Culture & Ultimate Social Education .......................................... 7 When a Great Animosity is Resolved, If Remnant Hostility Still Exists, How Can This Reconciliation be Positive? .................................... 8 Delication Towards Promoting a Profoundly Peaceful and Multicultural Social Education .................................................. 1 2 Uniting Different Racial and Cultural Groups and Promoting Religious Education 1 3 Master Chin Kung Invited All Religious Leaders to Give Lectures in Buddhist Lodge, Singapore .............................................. 1 4 Frequent Social Activities Between All Religious Followers .......................................... 1 5 List of Activities of Ven. Master Chin Kung During 1999 to 2004 .............................. 1 6 Supporting Education Charities Regardless of Religions and Races ............................. 1 8 Speech Given at the Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution .................................. 1 9 Providing Financial Assistance to Non-Profit Educational Organizations Regardless of Their Religious or Ethnic Origin ................................................ 2 1 Academic Awards Received by Ven. Master Chin Kung ................................................. 2 3 Honorary Awards Received by Ven. Master Chin Kung ................................................. 2 3 Achieving Universal Harmony and World Unity ......................................................... 2 4 Master Chin Kung Sharing his Ideas with Archbishop John Bathersy, Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane & Rev. Dr. Ray Reddicliffe of the Uniting Churing in Australia ................................................. 2 5 Trips to Indonesia - Humanity, Love and World Peace .................................................. 2 8 Put Religious Education into Practice and Turn a Turbulent World into Paradise .. 2 9 Different Religions Share Common View on Promoting Religious Education Together ................................................... 3 0 Education is Essential in Building a Country and in Guiding its People ..................... 3 3 Sanpshots on the Trip to Indonesia ................................................................................... 4 3 Ven. Master Chin Kung Gives Advice to Indonesian Department of Religions and Paints Wondrous Picture for Future .................................... 4 6 The 10th Okayama NGO Summit For International Contribution .............................. 4 7 Talks on Religious Education and Unity ........................................................................... 4 9 The Mind is the Origin of All Things/Everything - Visiting Dr. Masaru Emoto ............ 5 1 Harmony Starts from Within ............................................................................................... 5 2 A Harmonious Universe; The World as One Family - A Journey of Multiculturalism ........................................................................... 5 3 Epilogue .............................................................................................................................. 5 6 Message from New Discoveries in Space Physics ............................................................ 6 0

Understanding the Concept of One Living Entity

A Multicultural World - Path to Permanent Stability and Peace
We hope that all the different races and religions can treat one another equally and live in harmony, and that we hold the same ideals and understanding. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. All the ancient saints and sages are positive that a mans self-nature is good. All living beings have Buddha nature. All things have Dharma nature. We are positive that our true self-nature can see, hear, feel and is all-knowing. We are positive that our true self-nature is pure, perfectly good, compassionate, and grateful. All beings originally were able to live in harmony, and treated each other equally. All beings originally tolerated one another, and were able to love and respect one another. All beings originally trusted each other with true sincerity, and showed concern for one another. All beings originally took care of one another, and co-operated with one another. Our mind give rise to the whole universe, our body fills everywhere transcending space and time. Do what virtue and morality call for you to do, holding sincerity in your mind and do away with all evil. Learn to be a teacher for all and act as a model for the world to follow.

All the sentient beings, including Buddhas, and people, have the same selfnature, and therefore have the capacity to be all knowing; have the same dharma body, and therefore have the potential to achieve the same perfectly virtuous appearance. The only difference between Buddhas and us is that we are deluded while Buddhas are enlightened. Due to different degrees of delusion, our physical appearances are now different. We are but one entity, each with different names. That is the reason why all people of the world should love one another without any differentiation. We are all part of One Living Entity. To people who are older than we are, we should be respectful and caring just the way we are respectful and caring to our own parents. Those younger than we are, we should love and protect just the way we love and protect our own children. We learn, by using sincerity, purity and equality, to practice love and care for every one. We must start by practicing it on ourselves. First, we need to resolve our inner inequality, confrontations and conflicts towards everybody and everything. Once our own body and mind are in peace, that is how we can bring peace to our families, our neighbours, and our town. We can help the town we live in turn into a mutually respectful, loving and peaceful community. Only then can we extend this change to the whole world. Thus, the world as one family can be realized. I sincerely hope that people of vision and virtue, can lead our society and jointly promote this profoundly meaningful social educational work. Most respectfully yours, Chin Kung Christmas 2003

PROFILE OF VENERABLE MASTER CHIN KUNG

Yae-Hong Hsu, better known by his Buddhist name Venerable Shi Chin Kung, was born in February of 1927 in Lujiang County, Anhui Province of China. For thirteen years, under the guidance of three teachers successively, eminent professor Dong-Mei Fang, Tibetan Living Buddha Master Zhang Jia, and well known Buddhist Dharma Master Bing-Nan Lee, Venerable Master Chin Kung studied diligently of Buddhist sutras, history and philosophy. He is well versed in numerous Buddhist sutras, discussions of various Buddhist schools, and also in the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, Catholicism, Islam and other religions. He has spent most of his time and effort in studying, practicing and teaching Pure Land Buddhism in which he attained his greatest achievements. In 1959, Master Chin Kung became a monk at Linji Temple of Yuanshan, Taipei and was given the Buddhist name Chin Kung. After receiving full ordination, he began lecturing and propagating the Buddhas teachings in Taiwan and abroad. For more than forty years, he has continuously given lectures on the Five Sutras of Pure land School, Flower Adornment Sutra, Surangama Sutra, Complete Enlightenment Sutra and many others. To date, at the age nearly 80, he is still happily and tirelessly lecturing daily. Due to the world conflicts and turbulence in the recent years, Master Chin Kung has been busily promoting the value of reintroducing traditional educational system around the world. However, upon every return to the Pure Land Learning College, he resumes his lectures. In year 1998, Master has started to give lectures series on Flower Adornment Sutra, and been sustaining 4 hours teaching daily tirelessly since. As of today, more than 2500 hours of lectures have already given. During his extensive teaching career, Master Chin Kung has held positions as: as instructor at the Tripitaka Institute at Shipu Temple in 1960, a committee member of the Propagating Teachings Committee in 1961, a member of the Planning Committee of the Buddhist Association of Taiwan in 1965, head instructor at the Buddhist Seminar for University Students at the Buddhist Association of Taiwan in 1972, a Buddhist Research Fellow at the Chinese Academia Institute, professor and editor of the association of Buddhist Sutras, Commentaries and Translations of Taiwan in 1973, a professor in the Philosophy Department at the Chinese Culture University, professor of the Spiritual Living Course for East Asian Catholics at Fu Ren Catholic University in 1975, the president of the Chinese Buddhist College in 1977 and the president of the Chinese Pure Land Practice Research Institution in 1979. He is also the founder of various Buddhist education organizations and Pure Land Study Groups: Hwa Zhan Dharma Offering Association, Hwa Zhan Buddhist Audio and Visual Library, Buddhist Education Foundation, and Hwa Zhan Pure Land Association. True sincerity, purity of mind, equality, proper understanding, compassion, see through, let go, attain freedom, accord with conditions and be mindful of Buddha Amitabha are ten main practicing guidance and principles that Master Chin Kung has summarized from more than 50 years of practicing experience. He initiated the use of modern high technology; through TV satellite and internet to achieve 24 hours 7

days a week long distance learning of Buddhism and teachings of saint and sages. Through the implementation of his goal of world peace and unity among religion, races and culture, the Master has shown great compassion and indiscrimination for all. Since 1977, Master Chin Kung has begun to accept invitations to lecture abroad. He extensively promoted the idea of Pure Land Learning Association and Pure Land Learning College, forms of organizations dedicated for practicing, for the distribution of Buddhism books and media products, and for fostering Dharma lecture successors. Over the past several decades, there have been more than 120 such organizations established around the world. Master Chin Kung has printed and freely distributed over ten millions books of sutras, discourses on Buddhism, and other related books. Moreover, there are over 1700 sets of Great Buddhist Cannon printed and freely offered to libraries, universities and Buddhism organizations. For the purpose of training more qualified lecturers to carry on the important work of propagating Buddhism, in 1995,

Singapore Buddhist Lodge and the Amitabha Buddhist Society of Singapore jointly sponsored a Buddhism lecturers training program; in 2001, there was the establishment of Pure Land Learning College Association, Inc in Australia, also as a training ground. Both establishments have since been under the guidance of Master Chin Kung. Carrying the responsibility of learning to be a teacher, acting as a role model? in every place he has lived, Master Chin Kung has always done his best to promote peace and unity among different groups as well as the values of learning moral principles. In 1985, Master Chin Kung immigrated to the United States. During the time he lived there, he won the awards from both city of Dallas and the state of Texas as Honorary Citizen. After two years of migrating to Australia in 2002, he was awarded the Honorary Doctor of University and Honorary Professor by Griffith University, and Honorary Doctor of University and Adjunct Professor by University of Queensland. In April 2004, he was again awarded the Honorary Doctor of University by

Australian Attorney-General, Hon. Philip Ruddock, MP

Australian Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Hon. Gary Hardgrave, MP

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Alexander Downer, MP

University of Southern Queensland. Since 1998, to genuinely put the doctrines of Flower Adornment Sutra into practice, the Master has had the vision of every religion is about education of divine love and kindness, the God from every religion is manifestation of the same One God, an idea of multiculture. In Singapore, he encouraged communication to gain mutual understanding among nine different religious groups, and invites the leaders of the nine religious groups every week to give lectures to the public in Singapore Buddhist Lodge. At the same time, he has also taken the time to participate in Multicultural Forum hosted by Aboriginal and Minority Group of Queensland. As a representative of Griffith University, Master Chin Kung was invited to attend and give a speech in the Network of Universities and Institutions for Asia-Pacific Peace-Building and Conflict Prevention, facilitated by the UPEACE Asia Pacific Programme, in Bangkok, Thailand in July 2003. August of the same year, he was invited by the Australia Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China (ACPPRC) to the Eyes on Tibet Charity Gala Dinner, a charity event that raised money in helping cure cataracts patients in Tibet. In October of 2003, Venerable Master Chin Kung was invited by the Vice President of Indonesia, Dr. Hamzah Haz, to visit Indonesia. During this initial visit, Master shared his thoughts with many officials and religious leaders of Indonesia. In the conversation with former President Mr. Wahid, Master proposed constructive suggestion for the countrys unification and peace, and emphasized the importance of propagating religious education. While in Indonesia, Master Chin Kung received tremendous welcome and was asked to come back to Indonesia for lectures. Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Said Agil, invited Master again to Indonesia in February, 2004. During 6

the speech titled Humanity, Love and World Peace? Master shared his view: that in order to obtain stable society and world peace, it had to be built upon reintroducing the moral teaching of saints and sages. January, 2004, Venerable Master Chin Kung, representing Griffith University, was invited to attend the 2004 Okayama NGO Summit for International Contribution held by Okayama Topia for International Contribution (OTIC) in Okayama to discuss the topic of Education for Sustainable Development. During several days of discussion and knowledge exchange with distinguished representatives from all over the world, Master pointed out an old teaching from ancient saints and sages, To build a country and to guide its citizen, one must start by educating its people. Furthermore, he explained that all religions taught about the education of compassion and kindness. In order to resolve the current problems of social unrest and global upheavals, one had to first resolve his inner conflicts and unrests. Only if everyone would introspect oneself to find peace and purity within, then this world would have a brighter future. With his compassion, Master Chin Kungs sincere speech with easily comprehensible explanation left long lasing impression to his audience who later expressed gratitude and admiration.

Chinese Ambassador in Australia, WU Tao

PROPAGATING THE MULTI-CULTURE AND ULTIMATE SOCIAL EDUCATION

satellite TV every day around the clock. In addition to this long term project of teaching and lectures, Master Chin Kung has helper to print millions of books, CD , VCDs and DVDs for free distribution around the world. These works are not limited to Buddhist books but only have to comply with the teachings of saints and sages. As for his works, there is no copyright so that people can print them freely as they please. He also gave away over a thousand sets of Great Buddhist Canon(Comprising over 150 volumes) to the major libraries, universities and Buddhist organizations around the world. Since 1977, Master Chin Kung has begun to accept invitations to lecture abroad. Over the past several decades, there have been more than 120 Amitabha Buddhist societies established throughout the world. They all regard Master Chin Kung as their spiritual advisor. In 1995, under the guidance of Master Chin Kung, Singapore Buddhist Lodge and the Amitabha Buddhist Society of Singapore jointly established a Buddhism lecturers training programs. In 2001, Pure Land Learning College Association was established in Toowoomba, Australia as another training ground for cultivating Buddhism lecturers.

Master Chin Kung has been strongly emphasizing that all religions are education from saints, who teach people to love and to be compassionate. Buddhism is the teaching from Shakyamuni Buddha to all the living beings. It is the ultimate multi-culture social education which teaches us how to live harmoniously with all other living beings. As master Chin Kung pointed out, it is a common mistake and shame that people nowadays forget this educational essence of all religions. What people practice is only the ritual of religion rather than the teaching of saints. In order to help people to see this common mistake in todays society, Master Chin Kung has been continuously giving lectures. His lectures have exceeded ten thousand hours now, and the contents not only contain different schools of Buddhist Sutras but also contain other saints and sages teachings about morals, ethics and truth of life. Although Master Chin Kung has almost reached eighty years of age, he never stops giving lectures. In 1998, he started lecturing Flower Adornment Sutra which is a Buddhist sutra of great volume. With four hours of lecturing a day, he has now accomplished over 2500 hours and he has only covered one tenth of the volume. Today viewers throughout the world listen to Master Chin Kungs lectures through internet and

Dallas Buddhist Association Activity Centre, USA

Memorial Tower to the Commencement of Flower Adornment Sutra

Dallas Buddhist Association Lecture Hall

Part of the books given to Namking Teachers University

Uninterrupted Lecture schedule

When a great animosity is resolved, if remnant hostility still exists, how can this reconciliation be positive?
Lao Zi (historically, the Spring-Autumn Period of China, Sixth Century B.C.), the founder of Taoism said: When a great animosity is resolved, if remnant hostility still exists, how can this reconciliation be positive? If we know we should quell a great animosity or conflict, but we do not reflect on its root causes, then even though the matter may be justly reconciled, remnant hostility remains unavoidable. Hostility is born out of emotional attachments that can only arise from a deluded self-nature. But since there is no delusion inherent in our self-nature, how can there be hostility? Emperor Tang, of the Shang Dynasty of China, said: No matter how many people are at fault, all faults are mine. The ancient Taoist Master, Zhuang Zi, of the Period of the Warring States of China, said: I only 8 see the good in others and faults in myself. Even though saints are often blamed by others, they blame no one; therefore, they never bear any hostility. Shouldnt we all learn to be as good as Emperor Shun? (Emperor Shun, of the Yu Dynasty of China, was the subject of the first of the 24 recorded legendary stories on model children. He had a very difficult childhood. While he was growing up, both his father and stepmother disliked him and tried to kill him - many times. Despite this, he did not hold a grudge and, with immense wisdom, he remained dutiful to his parents. Finally they were touched by his great compassion and changed their attitudes towards him. Emperor Shun was able to achieve this because he saw faults only in himself and not in others.) May we all encourage each other by these words! Chin Kung at the age of 78

1. Lao Zi said: When a great animosity is pacified, if remnant hostility still exists, how can this reconciliation be positive? When I returned from attending UNESCO Peace Conference in Japan, I thought about the paragraphs Lao Zi wrote in Chapter Seventy-Five of his book containing the sayings of ancient people. I intend to make it a gift to my fellow peace workers at UNESCO. In one of the paragraphs, Lao Zi said: When a great animosity is pacified, if remnant hostility still exists, how can this reconciliation be positive? These words, translated into modern language, are central to resolving big and important conflicts. Today, we encounter such conflicts in families and between husbands and wives; within our society; between nations and tribes; and, per-

haps the most daunting of all, between religions. Each of us has enemies and opponents. How do we resolve these problems? They are major conflicts and they need to be resolved. If they are not resolved, our reprisal can only breed more reprisals. They will continue life after life. As a consequence, we will all suffer. Only when our minds are pure will there be no conflicts. 2. If we know we should pacify the enormous animosity or conflict, but we do not reflect on its root causes, then even though the matter may be justly reconciled, remnant hostility remains unavoidable. We know we need to reconcile our big and important differences and conflicts, but we also need to establish wherein lie the roots of our conflicts. Even though we attempt to mediate through methods that are fair and just, both sides

When a great animosity is resolved, remnant hatred is inevitable. How can we call this resolution positive?
Lao Zi (Founder of Taoism) Trying to resolve enormous animosity or conflict without understanding its root cause, even though peace may have been achieved through justice, remnant hatred will still exist. Hatred is born out of emotional attachments. Emotions are born out of a deluded self-nature. In our original self-nature, delusion does not exist, thus hatred does not exist at all. Ancient Emperor Tang said: All faults of the world belong to me. Taoist Ancient Master, Zhuang Zi said: All gains and glories belong to others, all errors and faults belong to me. Therefore, saints often receive blames from the world but harboring no ill thoughts or anger towards others. Is it not good to learn to be like Emperor Shun? (For three years, Shuns parents and siblings tried to kill him but Shun had never harbored any hatred against them. He felt that everything was his own fault. They were finally moved by his sincerity.) Let us be encouraged by these words.

to the conflict yet harbor remnant hostility. On the surface, problems might seem to have been solved but, in their hearts, the parties involved still feel residual resentments and hatred. It can be seen that it is never easy to mediate a conflict. 3. Hostility is born out of emotional attachments that can only arise from a deluded selfnature. Since there is no delusion inherent in our self-nature, how can there be hostility? Today we want reconciliation without realizing it is more important to rid of the root causes of hostility. Even though outward appearances might suggest people formerly in conflict have found common ground, inside their hearts they have not forgotten. Where do our resentments and hatred come from? They are born out of our emotional attachments. Where do our emotional attachments come from? They arise from our deluded self-nature. But, in our original self-nature, there are no such emotional attachments. Only when we become deluded do we become emotionally attached. Our emotion arises when we differentiate between people and things and our emotional response differs accordingly. Attachment is that when we insist what we perceive as our truth is the absolute truth. In Mahayana Buddhism, we refer to the Eight Consciousnesses and the Fifty-One Attributes of the Mind. The Eighth Consciousness is the Alaya Consciousness. This is the basis from which come all seeds of our consciousness. The Seventh Consciousness is Mona Consciousness, which is the holding on to our consciousness. The Sixth is the Consciousness of the Will that differentiates its perceptions. The seeds of all our past emotional knots, originating over eons of time and stored inside the Alaya Consciousness, are the reason our remnant hostility cannot be resolved. But since there is no delusion inherent in our self-nature, how 10

can there be hostility? In order to untie the knots of our past resentments, we must first reach the spiritual level where we can break through at least one degree of our primal darkness or ignorance, which mistakes illusory phenomena for realities, to help us regain one degree of our spiritual body - the essence of our being. That is the spiritual level where one no longer harbors emotional knots of resentments. That is also the spiritual world of the Buddha Land of Real Reward. This is one way we can have our problems solved completely - but it is a very difficult path. There is another way that can help us solve the problems. That is to choose to be born into the Western Pure Land where we are allowed to bring our past karmas with us. From reading the words of Lao Zi and the commentaries from other ancient scholars, we know that if we cannot be born into the Western Pure Land, we will never be able to resolve our problems. Why? Because we cannot untie the emotional knots stored in our Alaya Consciousness. Thus, we will never be able to end our conflicts. We will continue to suffer life after life. But if I can go to the Western Pure Land, after arrival, I can always return. With great compassion, I can then help all the sentient beings who are still suffering and in pain. Why do they suffer? They are bearing the heavy weight of their emotional knots which are the root cause of all sufferings. I will come back to help them and be their mediator. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifest themselves in the Ten Dharma-Worlds for precisely that purpose - of being mediators. They are here to help us reconcile our differences. Lao Zis words are indeed well said and their meaning profound. 4. Emperor Tang said: No matter how many people are at fault, all faults are mine. The following is about ancient saints, the

attitudes they used in handling matters and in treating people. Emperor Tang, the ancient saint of the Shang Dynasty of China, said: No matter how many people are at fault, all faults are mine. Why did he say that? Because he was the Emperor. If his subjects were guilty of wrongdoing, it was because the Emperor did not teach them properly. Take a look at our own families. In my family, if one person is bad, I am guilty. Why? Because I did not teach that person properly. I cannot put blame on anyone else, not on my siblings or my parents. When we are enlightened, we understand that it is our fault because we have failed to reform our family members. We are the ones who are guilty; therefore, the faults are ours. Saints are different from ordinary people. Ordinary people would put all blame on others and claim all benefits as theirs. But nothing could be worse than this. Emperor Tang said: If a group is not good, it is the fault of its leader because its leader did not do a proper job. The responsibilities of leadership are threefold: be a leader, be a parent and be a teacher. We only need to fulfill those three duties; our merits and virtues will be boundless. To fulfill the first duty of being a leader you need to lead, to plan for and to guide your people. Your second duty is to act like a parent - you need to nurture, to guide and to make provision for your people. Thirdly, your duty is to be a teacher - you need to teach your people well. If you do not teach them well, help them solve the problems of life and guide them properly, that would be considered a very serious fault. What Emperor Tang said does make sense. All the leaders in our society need to understand this. 5. Zhuang Zi said: I only see the good in others and faults in myself.

Zuang Zi was a Taoist Master and a peasant. I used his phrase at the UNESCO Conference in Okayama, Japan. If we want to do peace work, we have to change our attitude to only seeing the good in others and faults in ourselves. I stated: Even when others are wrong, they are correct. When I am correct, I am also wrong. When the conference participants heard these words, they all sighed, pointing out how difficult it would be to effect such a change in attitude. I said: No matter how hard it is, we have to do it. This is our contribution to the work for world peace and stability. If we cannot do it, then we are only shouting for peace and stability; peace and stability will never be practiced. Those who work for world peace should all maintain this attitude: Others are always correct, I am wrong. I am wrong even when I am correct. Even when others are wrong, they are correct. 6. Even though saints are often blamed by others, they blame no one; therefore, they never bear any hostility. Shouldnt we all learn to be as good as Emperor Shun? May we all encourage each other by these words! Lastly, together, let us encourage each other. The ancient people said: Saints are often blamed by others. If you are a good person, if you learn from the saints and sages and follow the right path, many people will be jealous of you. They will slander you and insult you. You will be blamed by all. Then how will you feel? We should neither harbor any resentment or hatred, nor will we blame anyone. Emperor Shun, the Chinese saint, was able to do this. He saw faults only in himself and not in others. He reflected on himself and corrected his mistakes daily, ultimately becoming a great saint! He was able to resolve all his old resentments accumulated over eons of time. He never harbored any resentment. I, therefore, encourage all to learn from Emperor Shun. It will be of great benefit to us all. 11

Dedication Towards Promoting a Profoundly Peaceful and Multicultural Social Education

Following is a list of activities of Venerable Master Chin Kung between 1998 to 2002 1998/05/22 1999/10/22-25 Delivered four hour lectures on the Flower Adornment Sutra daily in Singapore. Invited to give a lecture to over 12,000 and more audience in Kuala Lumpur

2000/06/29-07/03 Invited to give lectures at Kuching, Sarawak, Mlasia. 1998/04/04 1998/05 2000/10/24 2000-2001 2001/04 2002/02/23-24 2002/11 2003/04/12 Delivered lectures on The infinite Life Sutra for the 10th occasion Lectured on The Earth Treasure Sutra in Singapore, with a total of 202 hours for 101 lectures. Invited to give lectures at Penang, Malaysia. Lectured on The Ten Virtuous Deed Sutra in Singapore, with a total of 160 hours for 80 lectures. Gave lectures on Liao Fans Four Lesson in Hong Kong for a total of 44 hours for 22 lectures. Invited to give lecture at Malacca City, to a 10,000 and more audience. Invited to give six lectures on the Eight Major Enlightenment Sutra in the Ji En Temple, Toyko. Lectured to the 1000th chapter on The Flower Adornment Sutra in the Pure Land College, Toowoomba with a total of 2000 hours spent. Gave lectures on the Thrice Yearning Ceremony in the Pure Land College, Toowoomba for a total of 114 hours for 57 lectures. Lectured to the 1269th chapter on The Flower Adornment Sutra in the Pure Land College, Toowoomba with a total of 2538 hours spent Lectured on The Infinite Life Sutra in Singapore for a total of 328 hours for 164 lectures. Will be giving lectures on The Flower Adornment Sutra in Hong Kong, by starting on the 1270th chapter.

2003/05/07 2004/05/24

2004/04/25 2004/07

12

UNITING DIFFERENT RACIAL AND CULTURAL GROUPS AND PROMOTING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
2000, Master Chin Kung started to encourage the nine religious groups in Singapore to take turns to give lectures in Singapore Buddhist Lodge and hold discussion panels. They share what they learned from their religious sutras, discuss with one other and answer others questions. Through these activities, unity among different religious groups was promoted, and the lectures of saints teachings were valued. When interviewed by media, attending discussion panels or giving speeches, Master Chin Kung continuously explains the essence of the multi-cultural social education. He strongly stresses the importance and necessity of reinstating ethics education of saints and sages.

In 1998 when staying in Singapore, Master Chin Kung initiated the communication and cooperation among the local nine different religious groups, and has seen successful results. The achievement is based on the affirmation and acceptance of the following two concepts pointed out by Master Chin Kung: First, The gods of all religions are manifestation of the same greater power. Second, All religions are saints education of love and compassion. Today in Singapore, we can often see the nine different groups of religions get together to exchange their ideas, to cooperate in all kinds of activities such as charity dinners, fund-raising, social visits and so on. They all respect, love, tolerate and sincerely care about one another. Compared with the religious wars and racial conflicts in other parts of the world, they all feel especially grateful and cherish the peace and harmony they enjoy. Master Chin Kung understands that only the teachings of saints and sages can put an end to peoples sufferings and bring true happiness and longlasting stability to their lives. On the other hand, charity work can only temporarily solve peoples problem. Therefore, since the year of

13

Master Chin Kung invited religious leaders to give lecture in the Buddhist Lodge, Singapore

14

Frequent social activities between religious followers of Singapore

Visited the Hindu Endowments Board and made a donation

Sikh Centre in Singapore

Catholic Sisters from 14 countries visiting Buddhist Lodge, Singapore

15

List of Activities of Ven. Master Chin Kung During 1999 to 2004

To promote unity between different Faiths and Ethnic Communities and to propagate Religious Education
1999/02/14 The Singapore Buddhist Lodge (under Master Chin Kungs guidance) hosted dinner at the World Trade Centre for more than 3200 children and retirees from several charitable organizations and retirement homes. Mr. Chan Soo-Sen, Parliamentary Secretary of the Prime Ministes Office and Ministry of Community development was the guest of honour. Interviewed by the most widely read newspaper of Singapore, The Strait Times Interviewed by the North American Satellite TV, Los Angeles Invited to give talks in the Millennium New Year Resolution Dinner in Los Angeles Proactively invited the nine other religious institutions each to give lectures and talks to promote greater understanding and achieve social cohesiveness. Lectures were held at the Singapore Buddhist Lodge on 8 am each Sunday since June 2000. Interviewed by the True Colour of the Famous TV show of The Hong Kong Asia TV Interviewed by the Dialogue with the Famous TV program of The Hong Kong Phoenix Satellite TV Visited the Muslim Converts Association of Singapore upon invitation and held discussions with representatives from several Muslim countries.

1999/05

2000/01

2000/06

2000/06/05

2000/06/09

2000/07/27

Nine religious representatives praying together in New Years Eve Dinner in Singapore

16

2001/01/01

Hosted Cross-Century Charity Dinner, for 7,000 attendees with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. Goh Chok Tong as the Guest of Honour. Interviewed by The Hong Kong Phoenix Satellite TV

2001/02

2001/03/15 & 2001/05/03 Gave lecture on The Rosary at the St Anthonys Canossian Secondary School, Singapore upon invitation. 2001/09 Gave talk on the Fountain of Peace, Happiness and Prosperity Sermon at The Catholic Church of Taipei, Taiwan invited by the University of Queensland to discuss issues on peace and conflict resolution with several professors. Meeting with the Chancellor and faculty members of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Centre Invited to attend discussion organized by the China Newspaper, Taiwan Invited to give talks on the The Filial Ways program of the Taiwan Wai-Lai TV station Interviewed by the China Newspapers, Taiwan on topic of Conflict Resolution, Interfaith Cohesiveness, and Unity of All. Participated on the Social Morality and Religious Virtue Forum organized by Taiwan TV Invited to participate in discussion for the Multicultural and Inter Faith Workshop for the Asian-Pacific Youth seminar organised by Prof Toh, Director of the Multifaith Centre of Griffith University. Invited to talk on topic of The Spirit of Multiculturalism on The Talk Show of the Century TV program of the Beijing Phoenix Satellite TV.

2002/01/21

2002/03

2003/06/03 2003/06/12

2003/06/13

2003/06/14

2004/04/17

2004/04/30

TV Interview by Talk Show of the Century of the Phoenix Satellite TV in Beijing

Master Chin Kung interacting with Professors from the University of Queensland

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Supporting Educational Charities Regardless of Religions and Races

Master Chin Kung grew up in the difficult time of World War II, and like many others of his time in China, his family was in poverty. Today, although thousands of his followers have made offerings to the old master, he still led a very simple life. He has never stopped trying to help and benefit other people. To name a few, he supported and visited Catholic senior homes, helped the Muslim fund-raising activities, erected a monument for the native Australians, donating food and clothes to the needed in disaster areas. He did these works because he believed that other peoples sufferings are his own sufferings. Through these work, he shows us how to manifest Buddhas teachings of love and compassion in our real lives. Master Chin Kung believes that the future work of promoting saints and sages education relies on the younger generation. As a result, he cares very much about their education. In the past ten years, Master Chin Kung has been providing all kinds of scholarships to help students finish their education. He also sponsored multi-culture education in University of Queensland and Griffith University in Australia. In addition, he established funds for scholarships in Muslim University in Indonesia (Syriaf Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta) and University of Southern Queensland in Australia. By helping younger generation to accomplish higher education, the future of our world will be in better hands. Master Chin Kung tells people to learn to be a teacher and to act as a role model. He keeps this mind set as he carries out his mission. No matter where he is, he always makes every effort to unite different groups, to help to stabilize the society and to elevate the moral standards. In 1985, Master Chin Kung moved to the United States and was subsequently awarded the title of honorary citizen. In the year of 2000, he moved to Australia, and was also awarded honorary titles two years later by the universities and government to honor his contributions in multiculture education and in religious unity.

2.

1.

1. Awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree by the University of Queensland, Australia 2. Donation for the Catholic Church on charity and education 3. Autumn of 1998, Yangzhi River and north Shendong province of China experienced severe flood. Master Chin Kung started a donation initiative for this incident. Everyone who has received the disaster-relief resources were warmed by this act of charity

18

Speech Given at the

Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution

8th March 2002 Respected Vice-Chancellor John Hays and professors, I would like to express my appreciation to the university for giving me this opportunity to share and exchange my ideas with you. I have been a Buddhist lecturer for forty-four years. In my understanding, Buddhism is a multi-cultural social education. Today, we would say that Shakyamuni Buddha was the founder of multicultural social education, a true social volunteer. His goal was to help sentient beings understand the true reality of life and the universe, to treat everyone equally, to co-exist harmoniously, and to live in mutual cooperation with all others. In my lectures, I have said that Buddha taught three principles. The first is to treat everyone equally and to co-exist harmoniously regardless of nationality, race, and religion. The second is to regard nature and all existence with a non-discriminatory mind. The third is to treat all spiritual beings with equal respect and harmony. In Buddhism, peace is the core concept for guiding all beings. Whether or not peace can be achieved depends on equality. Only with a non-discriminatory mind, will peace be realized. The Buddha was a humble person who respected, helped, and cared for everyone. He showed us, through his example, the only way to attain peace. When I read the Chinese translation of your report on the Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, I was impressed and greatly moved. I thought of a gentleman, Mr. Jia-Cheng Li in Hong Kong. He and others truly understand the importance of education and are very enthusiastic in their support. After sharing the same report with them, they expressed support for the

centre. Mr. Lee, whom I have met only once before, would like to see me again. He and I agreed that the curriculum (to eliminate conflict and promote peace) offered at this centre is of the utmost importance and needs to be taught as soon as possible. We should do our best to accomplish this project. We hope this centre will have a strong positive influence on society. We must resolve conflict with peace. We need to realize that we can never calculate the true loss and damage from war. We hope this centre can lead us to peace by resolving all human-made disasters and warfare. This will bring infinite merit to the centre. Today, it is very important to help the younger generation set new moral standards and to gain proper understanding of life and the universe. Fame and wealth diminish with time. Only by benefiting society will we receive infinite merits and virtues. Looking back through history, how many of us remember leaders and prestigious people from the past? Consider the founders and leaders of spiritual traditions: Confucius in the Orient and Jesus in the West, Islams Mohammad and Buddhisms Shakyamuni Buddha. They lived lives of hardship and sacrificed their own interests for the well being of others. After hundreds and thousands of years, they still have the respect of those who learn from their examples. This is the true value of life: Life is only valuable and meaningful when we lay aside our own interests to dedicate ourselves to the interests of others. Only a person who can accomplish this will not have wasted his or her precious life. Today, the vice-chancellor and professors of the University of Queensland have generated utmost compassion and are working towards the great goal of world peace. This is a ray of bright light for our world. I have told everyone that you are messengers: Bodhisattvas who are here 19

in this world to accomplish this good work to help save this world. We should all work together to support this great mission. I am just following behind your foot steps with this small contribution. I sincerely offer my best wishes to the University and hope that the Centre will soon accomplish its goal. I truly believe that all those who endure suffering will be very grateful to the University and to all of you, the Bodhisattva professors. Promoting education is a greatest deed. It is said in a Chinese classic: Education is crucial in the establishment of a nation: It trains its leaders and its people. The education of peace is the best and most virtuous teaching among all the teachings of the ancient sages and saints. Lastly, I hope that all virtuous and kindhearted people will work together to support the great task of saving our world and bringing comfort to all people. We cannot afford to lose such a rare opportunity to invest in future world peace. Chin Kung

1.

2.

1 Seeking the sponsorship from Venerable Master Chin Kung, Jamiyah, the Muslim Missionary Society of Singapore cooperated with the Singapore Buddhist lodge organized Jog-a-thon Charity Carnival to raise fund for the establishment of a school for Jamiyah. 2. Organizing Special Interfaith Ceremony of Reconciliation at the Amitabha Buddhist Association of Queensland. Special acknowledgment and gratitude was attributed for the Traditional Owner of this land on which the association now stands. 3. Paid a visit to Hindu Endowments Board and made a donation to The Arasan 4. Venerable Master Chin Kung and 50 monks and nuns visited the Taoist temple, and made a donation to the Taoist Mission for their charity work. 5. Pei Feng Junior High School of Malaysia

3.

4.

5.

20

Providing financial assistance to nonprofit educational organizations regardless of their religious or ethnic origin
Following is a list of activities of Ven. Master Chin Kung during 1998 to 2003.
1998-1999 Supported BuddhaNet -www.buddhanet.net organized by Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc. The Singapore Buddhist Lodge donated to Jamiyah, the Muslim Missionary Society of Singapore Provide financial assistance to support Jamiyahs old folks home. Donation was accepted by Haji Abu Maidin, president of the Singapore Muslim Missionary Society during the Hari Raya gathering. Visited Hindu Endowments Board and donate to The Arasan Encourage and lead followers from the various faiths to visit each religious groups and their leaders to promote racial and religious harmony while serving as a religious advisor to the Singapore Buddhist Lodge and the Amitabha Buddhist Society of Singapore. Presented a cheque to Sister Janet Wang, Provincial Superior of Canossian Missions and donated to several Catholic charities. Lead a group of 50 monks and nuns to visit the Taoist temple of Singapore, and made a donation to the Taoist Mission toward their charity work. Made a donation of 500 hundred sets (84,000 volumes) of the Great Buddhist Canon to Chinese Buddhist Association of China. Donation was presented in Bejing. Led a group of 50 monks and nuns to visit three Methodist Welfare organizations in Singapore. Donation was made to each group. Led a group of 40 monks and nuns to visit the Sikh Temple of Singapore and a donation was made.

16/12/1998

27/01/1999

09/03/1999 11/05/1999

20/07/1999

27/09/1999

20/10/1999

14/11/1999

09/02/2000 & 15/07/2000 Donated to the Murri School, Queensland to assist education for the Australian indigenous community. 18/06/2000 Supported Jamiyah, the Muslim Missionary Society of Singapore with the assistance of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge to organise a Jog and Walk Charity Carnival to raise fund for Jamiyahs educational trust. Over 1 million dollars had been raised during the carnival. Donate to the Canossian International Voluntary Service, Africa. Funds were for the support of the African childrens education and for the construction of a centre to help provide and promote womens education. 21

06/07/2000

17/10/2000

Donate to the Canossian International Voluntary Service to purchase an ambulance for the use in rural Malawi, Africa. Sponsored the International Conference For the Asia Pacific Region for their Religion & Culture in Asia Pacific: Violence or Healing seminar. Conference was held in the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia. Donation made to the Griffith University, Queensland in supporting the Multi-Faith Centre project. Donated to the University of Buddhist Education Foundation, Sydney to sponsor Buddhist Studies in Australian universities. Donated to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Queensland. Donated to the University of Queensland in sponsoring the construction of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Donated to the Leukaemia Foundation, Toowoomba Queensland. Donated to the University of Southern Queensland to provide scholarships to student from low-income families. Gave a lecture on Vesak day Celebration (Celebration for Buddhas Birthday) to the Buddhist and Hindu community in Singapore. Donation was made to the Hindu community to fund their educational trust. Organizing Special Interfaith Ceremony of Reconciliation at the Amitabha Buddhist Association of Queensland to specially acknowledged and gave thanks to the Traditional Owners of the land on which the association now stands. Donated to the Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus to sponsor the Centre for Bio-molecular Science and Drug Discovery. Donated to the Sunrise Way Therapeutic Centre to assist in the establishment of the Therapeutic Centre. Donated to support the Eye on Tibet Medical Team which services to cure cataracts for the Tibetan people. Donated 10 sets of the lastest Cataracts Curing equipment on behalf of the Queensland Government to China. Such gesture is to encourage fostering friendship between Australia and China. Provide annual donation to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Set up a monthly donation to the Toowoomba Hospice Donated scholarship funds to Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta, Indonesia.

22-25/10/2000

14/12/2000

08/04/2001

17/01/2002 08/03/2002

1/03/2002 21/03/2002

24/05/2002

15/07/2002

15/11/2002

21/11/2002

06/2003

08,09/2003

07/01/2004 07/01/2004 04/2004 22

Academic Awards received by Ven. Master Chin Kung

1974-1978 Appointed as a Visiting Professor of the Philosophy Department in Chinese Culture University, China. Appointed as a Visiting Professor in the Anhui University, China. Appointed as an Honorary Professor of the Griffith University, Australia Appointed as an Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies of the University of Queensland, Australia. Granted the Honorary Doctor Degree of the Griffith University. Appointed as an Honorary Professor in the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies of the University of Queensland, Australia. Awarded the Honorary Founding Patron of the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies in the University of Queensland, Australia Granted the Honorary Doctor Degree of University of Southern Queensland Granted the Honorary Doctor Degree of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta Indonesia

1997 23/05/2002 09/06/2002

01/07/2002 30/06/2003

16/12/2003

17/04/2004

06/2004

Honorary Awards received by Ven. Master Chin Kung

25/08/1995 25/08/1995 Award an Honorary Citizen of Dallas, Texas by Mayor, R K K Granted the Commissioned Honorary Texan from the State of Texas. Award presented by Governor of Texas: George Bush. Awarded the Best Compliment from the State Government of Malacca Historic City, Malaysia. In recognition of Masters contribution to the advancement of the community, Toowoomba City Council bestow upon Master Chin Kung, the title of the honorary citizen of Toowoomba by Mayor: Dianne Thorley. Awarded Good Citizen Award by the Mayoress Community Benefit Fund of the Gold Coast City Council. 23

23/02/2002

17/06/2002

6/9/2003

Achieving Universal Harmony and World Unity

n recent years, Master Chin Kung has been invited for several times to attend interna tional peace conferences as a representative of Griffith University. In these confer ences he met with religious leaders and scholars from all over the world to discuss solution to conflicts among people. Master Chin Kung pointed out that one has to first resolve his inner conflicts in order to dissolve outside conflicts and to eventually achieve world peace. With his wisdom, broad mindedness and sense of humor, Master Chin Kung, at the age close to eighty, gained broad admiration and respect in various meetings he attends, whether it was with peace specialists in United Nations Conferences, scholars from universities, or the youth in the discussion panel of Asian Pacific regions. People were inspired by Masters brilliant views and unexpected answers. Although people nowadays are immersed in the materialized world, on the other hand, people feel puzzled and scared under the threat of terrorism, disasters, and epidemic diseases that is occurring in our world. As a result, everyone longs for peace and social stability. More and more people realize the importance of Master Chin Kungs teachings when he advanced the idea of Universal Harmony and World Unity. In recent years, Master Chin Kung has been traveling in Australia and many other Asian countries, attending international peace conferences, and promoting multi-cultural education. However, as soon as he returned from these trips, he resumed his lectures and he never takes a rest. Once again, he sets a good example for all people to follow and carries out the well-known Buddhist saying, Never seek comfort for yourself but only pray for others freedom from sufferings.

Australian Minister for Citizenship & Multicultural Affairs, Hon.Gary Hardgrave, MP

Indonesia President, Megawati Sukarnoputri

24

Master Chin Kung Sharing his Ideas with Archbishop John Bathersby, Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane & Rev. Dr. Ray Reddicliffe of the Uniting Church in Australia
13 June 2002
Archbishop of Brisbane John Bathersby

Religious education is critical for the world. If we observe the global situation in the past halfcentury, many countries have been disrupted by increasing conflicts and disasters. People are afraid of these crises and have been looking for solutions. Yet, to save our world from grave disasters, there is no solution other than religious education. It is the teachings of God and sages that will help to save our world. If human beings cannot abide by the teachings of sages and instead attach to their own viewpoints and opinions, we will create grave mistakes. Todays education only focuses on science, technology, and financial benefits but has neglected morality, ethics, and love. This neglect has brought grave disturbances and catastrophes to society. Scientific and technological advancements, without guidance from teachings of God and Holy Sages, will only be harmful to living beings and eventually destroy the whole world. Therefore, many compassionate people have begun to search for solutions to save the world, minimize negative influences on society, and purify our minds and hearts. They have thought of many possible ways, but unfortunately, most have overlooked religious education. In fact, recent conflicts in the Middle East were also due to peoples neglect of Islamic teachings and exploitation by those with selfish

purposes. The sacred book of Koran does mention the Holy War. Holy War refers to self-defence - not invasion. It is absolutely not to attack others by using violence. Chinas Eight-year Resistant War to the Japanese invasion is an example of a holy war, because it was self-defence, definitely not invasion of others. The term Islam means peace and harmony. How can someone attack others with military force or violence? If everyone understands the true meanings of their religious teachings, people can certainly live and work together in harmony. With many years of studies in Buddhism and other religions, Master Chin Kung believes there is only one true God, who possesses perfect wisdom, perfect ability, and perfect appearance. This Holy Being takes on various identities with 25

numerous means to help people of different regions, cultures, and races. His forms and ways of education may be different but they all lead to one goal. From this, we understand that all living beings throughout the whole universe, not just one region, are children of God. God would wish that every living being in the universe can accept and uphold the teachings of saints and sages. We should not follow our own views, as they always lead to mistakes. The difference between sages and people is that their concerns are always for the benefits of others. People only care and look after themselves. As religious workers, we must learn from God to broaden our minds and hearts. We should be concerned with the welfare and happiness of all beings but not our own. Selfishness creates munclane people. Altruism creates real disciples and messengers of God. We must harbour the sincere, pure and nondiscriminatory kindness to help all beings and not to discriminate against others race, religion, or nationality. Chairman Mao of China, once said, We should serve people with all our heart and strength. For the well being of all people, we should serve people with all our heart and strength. Today, we need to sincerely practice this principle. Master Chin Kung feels very much indebted to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Honorary Philip Ruddock who wished him to remain in Australia. He hopes that Master Chin Kung could contribute more assistance and endeavours in the works of Multiculturalism. Master Chin Kung is very grateful to his invitation, thus he is now here in Australia. Australia provides a very good environment for multicultural development. It is the first country to pioneer a multicultural department by the government. 26

While in Australia, Master Chin Kung attended the Multi Faith Forum and he met with Mr. Uri Themal OAM, Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs in Queensland. This forum was organized by Griffith University. In Australia, the government and universities take the lead in promoting multicultural harmony. Master Chin Kung believes that multiculturalism will take flight in Australia. He feels Australians are very fortunate, pure, and kind people. He believes that God will take special care of this land and her inhabitants. While Master Chin Kung is in Australia, he has had a chance to meet with government authorities, religious leaders, professors, and chancellors of universities. In his view, all of them are Messengers of God, and are indeed very outstanding and precious. He is very honoured to be in Australia to have the opportunity to join in this multiculturalism work to save the world. He has discussed with the professors and lecturers of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Institute at the University of Queensland that this work is very urgent, and has to be carried out without delay. This is because disasters are imminent and people are worried about a World War III, nuclear warfare. The ultimate principle of religious education, the teachings of God and Holy Sages is to harbour sincere, pure and non-discriminatory love. If everyone could spread this love to all beings throughout the whole universe, this shall be the brightest light of the universe, and the light of God. In Buddhism, it is the wisdom of our True Nature and the light of compassion. He hopes that this light could shine on the whole universe and help resolve the sufferings of all beings. The love of God and Holy Beings is sincere, pure, and unconditional. Every religious leader, clergyman or clergywoman is a representative of God, and must spread and foster Gods love.

Religious education shall be propagated not only to people in one city, or one region, but also to people in the whole world and universe. Master Chin Kung wishes that in the future, universities would have a specialized channel on satellite TV station to broadcast religious teachings. This channel can transmit the gospel of God, teachings of the sages without interruption on a twenty-four hour basis. He hopes that the university could organize a multi-faith educational committee to carry out the plans. This committee would invite religious leaders from each religion to teach on this channel. Once the facilities are set, each religion could provide a one-hour program daily. And these programs will continue for twenty-four hours every day and throughout the year to let everyone constantly immerse themselves in the teachings of God and the sages. Even though there are many other program channels today, Master Chin Kung believes that people have a kind conscience. They will compare different channels and make a wise choice. As the number of people watching this channel increases, their hearts will change towards goodness, and the social morality will improve. This is why they hope to work on the project of a satellite TV station and the Internet. Moreover, he feels people need to continue to keep in touch, have dialogue sessions with prominent statesmen or stateswomen and religious leaders as well as eminent professors and scholars in academic circles, who are Messengers of God, and have a great impact on society. They should work together to save the world. Talking about communication and exchange-visits, in the year 2000, Master Chin Kung had helped to organise a delegation of leaders from nine religions in Singapore, two from each religion, to visit Chinas religious organisations for two weeks. The trip was a great success. Master Chin Kung wished that through this experience, they could organize a delegation

with Australian religious leaders as the host delegates to visit countries in Asia, North and South America, and Europe. At least, we will organise one or two trips a year. As a Chinese proverb says, when people meet, closer ties will develop between them. It is necessary for all religions to foster closer ties, with a common goal, to pray for world peace. Hopefully, global religious followers will interact with each other in mutual respect and loving kindness, non-discrimination, harmony and peace, and work together with a common goal to save this world from nuclear warfare. There are many kind-hearted people in our world, who want to do something good, but they do not know how. This deed is the best and foremost important thing to do in the world. People must put in their best efforts to carry out this task. There will be many people as well as many more Holy Beings who are willing to support this project. In the past five years, Master Chin Kung has been pessimistic and worried for the future of our world. After coming to Australia and meeting the religious leaders, scholars in academic communities, and officials in the government, he sees a ray of hope that this world can be saved for the saviours are in Australia. He hopes the Most Reverend will take the lead in this work and they will do their best to follow. Master Chin Kung appreciates the hospitality of the Most Reverend.

27

Trips to Indonesia

- Humanity, Love and World Peace

n October 2003, invited by Dr. Hamzah Haz, the Vice President of Indonesia, Venerable Master Chin Kung visited Jakarta, Indonesia. On 28th October, Master gave a speech in the nation wide event, Youth Day Ceremony, hosted by the Vice- President. During the six day visit, Master Chin Kung met with the Minister of Religious Affair, Prof. Dr. Said Agil, former President Mr. Wahid, various religious leaders and different news media. Master expressed with each party his vision and the practical plan for building harmonious relationships for all religious groups and establishing a more stable society for the country. This visit made positive contribution towards the betterment of inter-faith dialog and unity. In February 2004, Minister of Religious Affair, Mr. Agil Said invited Master to come to Indonesia one more time, for a week long visit. Master was asked to give a keynote speech on the grand opening ceremony of the MultiFaith Building. Master shared with everyone his thoughts on the subjects of Humanity, Love and World Peace. He also visited main religious organizations in Jakarta and held dialogs with their leaders. Master Chin Kung was later invited to attend the International Conference of Islamic Scholars. The day before his return to Australia, Ambassador of China, Mr. Shumin Lu and his wife invited Master to a lunch meeting at his residence.

Ambassador of China in Indonesia, Mr. Shumin Lu

Former Indonesian President, Mr. Wahid

28

PUT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION INTO PRACTICE AND TURN A TURBULENT WORLD INTO PARADISE
- Minutes of the meeting of Venerable Master Chin Kung with the Vice President of Indonesia 27th October, 2003

government overcome its dire economic difficulty. Venerable Master Chin Kung: You are absolutely correct, Mr. Vice President. What you have said is exactly what we were taught in Buddhism (putting the teachings into daily practice). The world is in turmoil Mr. Hamzah Haz, the Vice President of Indonesia welcomed everyone: Welcome to Indonesia and we hope your visit will be beneficial to our country. Our country is currently experiencing difficulties in the areas of economic and social stability. Eightyfive percent of the population is Muslim. However, it is also a national policy that all religious groups be respected and protected, especially minorities. If all Muslims in Indonesia can follow the true Islamic teachings, the country will become a peaceful place and the issue of social instability will be solved. As the Vice President and as a Muslim, I take every opportunity when speaking publicly to persuade all Muslims to follow Islamic teachings and put them into practice in their daily lives. I also hope that Buddhists will be able to advocate Buddhist education and practice it in their daily lives. The economy in Indonesia has many problems, resulting mainly from the 1997 Asian economy crisis. The country is now heavily in debt. I hope Venerable Master Chin Kung will be able to make full use of your influence to encourage Buddhists and Chinese entrepreneurs here to work together and help the Indonesian and people are suffering greatly. We must rely on education to confront our immediate dangers. If we look at why China has been a peaceful, united nation for thousands of years, we would have seen that it was the result of proper education - family education, school education, social education, and religious education. We have brought some videos on the teachings of ancient Chinese sages, on how the Buddha educated people to resolve conflicts, and on how to cultivate virtues and morality. As Mr. Vice President has just mentioned, the most important way to help this world is to put religious teachings into practice. Buddhists should not only pursue the Buddhas teachings but also study the teachings of Allah, as well as other religious teachings taught by both ancient and contemporary sages. So long as we have tolerance, respect, humility, compassion, care, and the willingness to cooperate with one another, the world can be harmonious. If each of us is able to follow Gods teachings, our world will become Paradise! In Singapore, I collaborated with nine religious groups and together we worked for mutual benefit. For example, an Islamic organization wished to establish a school. To do so, they needed Singapore $750,000. Initially we were 29

only able to collect about $100,000. So we contacted Buddhist and Islamic associations and organized a walkathon event in which we collected over one million dollars in a single day. Another example was a Christian priest who made a donation of Singapore dollar $100,000 to an Islamic organization. Inter-religious cooperation is extremely successful in Singapore. We believe that communication between groups is crucial. This requires that those who are committed to their respective religions not only work in coordination within their own groups but also collaborate with other religious organizations. I believe similar success can be achieved in Indonesia. I will definitely share what we have

talked about today with my colleagues and Buddhists around the world. At the end of the meeting, Venerable Master Chin Kung presented gifts to the Vice President: a piece of calligraphy with the Chinese ideogram Love written by the Master himself, and a paper fan, also with Chinese calligraphy. Venerable Master Chin Kung opened the fan and read to Mr. Haz, The only God in each different religion in this world teaches all living beings to be humane, benevolent, honest, harmonious, and impartial, thereby to be liberated from suffering, and attaining happiness.

DIFFERENT RELIGIONS SHARE COMMON VIEW ON PROMOTING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TOGETHER

On the 30th of October, 2003, Venerable Master Chin Kung, Honorary Professor of both Griffith University and the University of Queensland, hosted a dinner party for leaders from five different religions - Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Confucianism - at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jakarta. Sitting together, they discussed how to promote inter-religious equality and harmony based on mutual respect, mutual learning and cooperation, with the goal to stabilize society through religious education. A harmonious and joyful atmosphere permeated through the entire dinner party. All the religious representatives freely expressed their ideas and together they formed common views on promoting religious education. At the close of the dinner, Venerable Master Chin Kung presented each religious representative with a gift, including a framed picture Living in A Grateful World. The main content of their discussions is summarized below. Islamic leader, Prof. Dr. M. Din Syamsuddin, Vice President of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, asked about the purpose of Venerable Master Chin Kungs visit to Indonesia at this time.

Islam Elder

30

Venerable Master Chin Kung : I was invited by the Vice President of Indonesia to give a keynote address at the 75th Youth Day Ceremony and also to have a meeting with him in his office. In our meeting, the Vice President mentioned the two major problems facing this country. The first is the economic. The second is the problem of social instability problem. He wished for us to offer him some assistance in resolving these problems. In fact, the economic problem should be the second concern. The problem of social instability ought to be the No. 1 problem. A stable society will naturally attract investors and business people to infuse capital into the country, causing the economy to grow. To stabilize the society, we have to rely on religious education. The Vice President said Muslims should practise what Allah has taught, and he wished that we Buddhists also practise the teachings of the Buddha. This is exactly correct. Mr. Theophilus Bela, General Secretary of ACRP Indonesian Committee on Religion and Peace, expressed his gratitude to Venerable Master Chin Kung for inviting him and his family to the dinner. Venerable Master Chin Kung : Different religions should be united. The foundation of unity is to treat each other with equality and to live together in harmony. This is based on the Confucian idea that the intrinsic nature of all human beings is kind. It is also based on the Buddhist belief that all living beings and Buddhas are equal in nature. Thus, different ethnic groups and religions are equal in nature. How do we practise it? Religions should encompass each other, respect each other, trust each other, be modest and love each other, and care for each other. This is the idea that I have in mind when working on inter-faith harmony in Singapore and Australia. The most important aspect of this work is our sincere mind. It is said that utmost sincer-

Director of Hinduism, Mr. Adi Seoripto

ity can crack open the hardest gold and stone. So if we are not successful, it implies our sincerity is not enough. A Confucian representative asked Venerable Master Chin Kung: I heard that Confucius theories were adopted by Buddhism as the teaching materials in China. Why? Venerable Master Chin Kung : Buddhism is the education that helps enlighten people, and there can be many teaching methods. As long as the teaching method is effective, no matter if it is Confucianism or one of the other religions, it can be adopted. Confucianism is the foundation of Buddhism. This is because Buddhism reveres teachers and their teachings, and Confucianism values the filial piety the most. Revering teachers and their teachings is built upon filial piety. When Buddhism was introduced into China, it was well accepted by the Chinese scholars, because Chinese scholars already had a good foundation in Confucianism. 31

Most important to learning is wisdom. To obtain wisdom, one has to first broaden ones mind and see further into the future. No matter whether one chooses to study Buddhism or to study Confucianism, one needs to learn all relevant subjects. I am learning Buddhism, but I also study Confucianism and other religions in order to enhance my learning. In our learning efforts, we should have our own main subject of focus and learn other subjects to aid our main study. For example, Christians should major in the Old and New Testaments and, at the same time, also should learn other religious scriptures. To do so is to avoid bias and prejudice. We should not think that our teaching is superior to other teachings. Indeed, every subject is good. While Buddha Shakyamuni is my teacher, Jesus is also my teacher. We should respect all religious saints. For this reason, I did not hang the Buddhism couplets on the front wall of our Ten Thousand Ancestors Memorial Hall in Toowoomba, Australia. Instead, we hung the selected verses from different religions scriptures. By broadening our minds we can live a very comfortable life. Hence, we will be always young; we will not get old. And God and all saints will bless us. Pastor Dr. Mattheus Max Djayasaputra: I am very happy to come to tonights dinner. We religion followers should not just believe God in mouth, but we should believe God in heart. The belief has to arise from the deep heart and is reflected in ones speech and action. Venerable Master Chin Kung reaffirmed his words by saying, This is exactly right.

Venerable Master Chin Kung said with a humorous tone: These individuals never received any education. At best, we can say that they have received training in advanced technological knowledge and skills. Authentic education lies in moral cultivation and in how to conduct our lives. The ancient educational system started in the elementary school with teachings of rules and disciplines, teachings people on how to do housework, how to communicate with people, and how to be an upright person. Now, PhDs, knowledgeable as they surely are, may not even know how to conduct themselves wisely. A lady who represented Islam I have attended some conferences on religion and peace but I feel that tonights gathering with the different religions is particularly good. I hope that Venerable Master Chin Kung can come to Indonesia again to propagate inter-faith communication. Islamic representative Dr. H. Amidhan, Chair of Sub Commission for Mediation, The National Commission on Human Rights I am very happy to meet Venerable Master Chin Kung tonight. We can accept his thoughts very well. Indonesia is a multi-ethnic group country. We all should strive to promote interreligion harmony, peace and democracy. Venerable Master Chin Kung Indonesia is a country of thousands of islands. To promote religious education is not an easy task. Australia has a vast territory and faces a similar situation. So Australia pays particular attention to distance learning using the Internet and TV networks. This practice is very effective and can be a good example to follow.

Attendance: Some individuals are fond of wars. They are highly educated people. How can they do such cruel things? 32

EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL IN BUILDING A COUNTRY AND IN GUIDING ITS PEOPLE

Only the Sacred Teachings of Sages Can Put Humanity, Love and World Peace into Actual Practice
By Venerable Master Chin Kung At the Joint Secretariat Building for Inter-Religious Communities Jakarta, Indonesia 22/2/2004 Respected President, Vice President, Ministers, and distinguished guests, I am honoured to be invited by your Department of Religious Affairs to share my views on the topic of Humanity, Love and World Peace at the Opening Ceremony of the Joint Secretariat Building for Inter-Religious Communities. I strongly feel that this is the most solemn topic for the 21st Century. The cause of social disorder and upheaval in the world - the lack of emphasis on the teachings of the ancient saints and sages Look at the turmoil and the instability of the world today: many people are searching for the reasons and hoping to find a solution. The United Nations is also trying to seek a reconciliation, to find a resolution for the conflicts and to promote peace. Numerous people have asked me how to achieve these aims. I believe this is a question about education. The ancient Book of Rites, the Confucius Scripture says: Education is essential in building a country and in guiding its people. Education is about teaching people to be fully aware of the

facts about life and the universe. The facts about life and the universe cover three topics: firstly, the relationship among people; then, the relationship between people and their environments; and thirdly, the relationship between people and the spiritual world. The ones who can truly understand the three relationships, we call them Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Those who cannot understand we call them ordinary people. If we do not understand the facts, it is natural that we will treat people, matters and things according to our wondering minds, differentiations and attachments. How can this not cause problems for us? Thus, this is the root of our social disorder. It turns our living environment into a Saha world, The World of the Ultimate Misery. When we become clear, understand and are fully aware of the facts, this world is the World of the Ultimate Bliss, the heaven. Therefore, this is a question about education and about teaching. The source of current upheaval in the world is the lack of emphasis on moral self-cultivation in all levels of education, especially the teachings of ancient saints and sages. Chinese people, seriously impacted by Western culture, lost their self-confidence as a nation, doubt the teachings of the ancient saints and philosophers, and distanced themselves from the teachings of Confucius, Mencius, and Shakyamuni Buddha. Owing to advances in scientific technology, people of our world now doubt the validity of religious education. They no longer believe in the teachings of the Bible. Religious followers cannot truly follow and practice the true and the sacred teachings of God. These are the root causes of our natural and man-made disasters. Last October we were invited by your VicePresident, Mr Hamzah Haz, to visit Indonesia. After we got off the plane, we went directly to the presidential palace and were received by the 33

Vice-President. He told me that Indonesia currently experienced two serious problems - one economic and the other the stability of society. He said that if all Muslims could put the teachings of the Koran into actual practice, it could bring stability and peace to the country and to the region. He also very much hoped that Buddhists could live up to the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. This kind of belief is absolutely correct. The Vice-President believes that if religious followers can truly put the religious teachings into practice, it can bring stability and prosperity to a country. In the following days I paid a visit to the Minister of the Department of Religious Affairs, the Director of the Bureau of Religious Affairs in Charge of Buddhism and Hinduism, Chairman Amien Rias of the Peoples Consultative Assembly of Indonesia, the Minister of the Department of Interior, former President Mr Abdurrahman Wahid, and representatives of the leaders of the six religions in Indonesia. The centre of our discussion was how to reach unity in religions, to find a resolution for conflicts and to promote stability and peace. Many of us met for the first time but we felt like old friends, treating one another with true sincerity. We were all positive that if we could truly put religious teachings into actual practice, surely it could resolve conflicts to put stability and peace back in to the society. Then the country would have a chance to thrive and prosper. In January this year, I was invited to attend the UNESCO Asia NGO Network Summit on the topic of What Should Be Done for Education in the Next Ten Years for a Sustainable Future. We reached a consensus: the most effective way to reach stability and peace is to spread and popularize religious teachings. The Guest of Honour of the Summit, Mr. Gustavo Lopez Ospina, Director of UNESCO in Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office, also accepted my proposal: to gather and concentrate our 34

manpower, material resources and financial strength to expand education to the global mass of people. There are four essential parts to an education. They are all parts of a complete education and should never be separated. The first part is the family education. The second part is the formal school education. The third is the social education. The fourth is religious education. Of these four parts, family education is the foundation, and religious education is what makes an education complete and perfect. When all four parts to an education are working, the world will be at peace, society will be stable, and people will be happy. If we neglect any part to an education, the world will undoubtedly become chaotic. These four parts of an education were what the ancient Chinese taught their descendents education on moral principles. All the teachings of saints and sages past and present, including all the religious scriptures, are in accord with the rules of nature. They all talk about education on moral principles. The rules of nature are the sacred teachings of God. God is not about any particular person. God is about the rules of nature and about the truth. All religions including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism etc., teach the sentient beings virtues and moral principles. We should know that we need to put them into practice, to clearly explain them and be models for other people. This is very important. Therefore, since ancient times how did the Chinese rule the country? They did not rule the country by military power, police force, economics or scientific technology, none of which can solve problems. They used education. Education is essential in building a country and in guiding its people. The method employed by all the ancient Chinese emperors was education. And the teachings of the saints and sages are very simple and to the point.

How the ancient Chinese taught their descendents - they believed in the five ethical normal human relationships and valued education Yao and Shun, the ancient Chinese emperors, taught their people the following five principles of education: 1) Parents should love and care for their children, and children should love and be dutiful to their parents; 2) the ruler should be benevolent to the subjects and the subjects should be loyal to their ruler; 3) there should be conjugal love between husbands and wives; 4) siblings should live in harmony; and 5) friends should be trustworthy. The natural and ethical human relations of parents and children, ruler and subjects, husbands and wives, and friends are called Dao which in English means the Way. Those relations are not invented by any particular person. They are the products of the natural formation of human relationships. The rules of nature are called Dao or the Way. The closeness between parents and children comes naturally. There should be benevolence and justice between the ruler and the subjects. Husbands and wives are different. Each should carry out and fulfil his or her own separate duties. There are orders among the siblings. The older siblings should befriend the younger siblings; and the younger siblings should pay respect to the older ones. There should be trustworthiness among friends. Those are the five virtues and five natural relationships among humans. Each has his or her own mission and separate responsibilities which are called De which, translated into English, means virtues. Thus the ancient Chinese saints and sages taught us that to follow the rules of nature equates to the education of Dao De which in English means education in virtues and moral principles. There are methods and sequence to learning. The ancients taught us to be learned, to examine, to think carefully, and to clearly differentiate. They taught us to clearly understand the facts,

the regular pattern and the rules of nature and to put them into practice. If we live our lives, work, attend to business, receive a person and handle a matter by following the regular pattern of nature, we are fulfilling our virtues. If we go against the rules of nature, we will end up with problems and we will suffer. Therefore, sufferings - what we today refer to as natural and manmade disasters - the man-made disasters are caused by man. But do we know if there is a connection between natural disaster and mans thinking and actions? Yes, they are very closely connected. Therefore, there can be no sudden natural disasters or man-made disasters without a cause. They are the results of mans karmas. Man creates all the negative karmas and is being so rewarded. To practice the rules of nature, it can be divided into three subjects. The first is to cultivate ones moral character; the second is the way we attend to business; and thirdly, the way we receive people. Cultivating ones moral character is the very foundation of this practice. In the Book of Great Learning, Confucius said: From the emperor down to the subjects, the root of their practices starts from cultivating ones moral character. Therefore, to resolve conflicts and to promote peace, we must first cultivate our moral characters. We start by resolving our inner conflicts, contradictions, confrontations, and we should do so diligently. In cultivating our moral character, our words must be loyal and trustworthy; we must act respectfully. When we attend to business, we do what is proper; we must not do it because it is profitable. We do what is morally right not for its merits. When we receive people and attend to matters, we must first treat others the way we wish to be treated. We do not do unto others what we do not want others to do unto us. When we encounter contradictions, we must first examine ourselves. Thus are the rules of nature. Therefore, to go along with the rules of nature is 35

to follow the Way. By so doing, we can truly resolve all sufferings and be rid of natural and man-made disasters forever. When we encounter contradictions, we must first examine ourselves. This is to teach humans that they should sincerely repent and mend their ways often. I regularly teach my fellow practitioners that when we attend to business, receive people or attend to a matter, if conflicts arise, we must always admit that we are in the wrong and that the other is right. We must constantly try hard to change for the better. The ancient book Spring-Autumn of Lu said: The root of all things starts by first curing oneself. We must first help ouresleves before we can help the world. We must first cure ourselves before the world can be cured. If we want to help the world, it is not the world but ourselves that need to be helped first. Therefore, just as both Shakyamuni Buddha and Confucius were very accomplished before they could teach others to do the same, we too must first do it ourselves. Only then there is hope for peace. All the above are the teachings of the ancient saintly emperors. Later teachers such as Confucius and Mencius also adhered to their teachings making them the basic principles of education and the guiding policies for China for the past four thousand years. Confucians say that true self-nature of human was originally good. Human nature turns bad because of the bad influence the environment has on him or her. Therefore, the saints and sages highly valued the process of education. They believed that only proper education could protect and even enhance our original goodness to keep them away from evil. Education can change people from being malevolent to being good, turn hostility into friendship, resolve conflicts by turning hatred into brotherliness, and transform ordinary people into saints. All the ancient Chinese saints and sages understood this 36

principle. This is why it was said, Education is essential in building a country and in guiding its people. In order to build a country or a government and to properly guide and teach the people, education is the most important factor of all. When the four types of education are not clearly present, the world will be in turmoil Let us look at how societies are formed today. Ranging from the basic family unit to the formation of a country, of our world, almost all are tending towards competition for either rewards or profits and the teachings of how to fight in competition. Families no longer care about moral principles. Many couples are busy either getting divorced or making money. They have neglected to educate their children and fail to act as their role models. Therefore, children today do not listen to their parents. Formal education values and teaches only how to compete in the fields of scientific technology and economics and has neglected the teachings of moral principles and the subjects of humanities. Therefore, the students do not listen to their teachers. Currently social education is severely contaminated. Just look at the daily newspapers, magazines, TV programs, movies, and materials supplied by the Internet. Much of their content teaches how to kill, steal, lie, and encourage people to have indecent yearnings. They have neglected the teachings of the principle of causality. People are concerned only about their own interests. There is little kindness, gratitude, or loyalty in human relationships. As for religious education, it has become a formality. It only puts emphasis on rituals. People read the sacred texts but do not understand their true meaning. Without actual knowledge and understanding of the sacred texts, how could anyone put the texts into practice? Today all four

types of education have deteriorated. How could this world not be in turmoil? Religious education can turn us back to the education of moral principles taught by the saints and sages - the world can still be saved Most family education, social education and formal education today has deserted the moral teachings. Only religious education still talks about kindheartedness, peace and respect for God. So the world still has a thread of light; it depends on religious education. Religious education teaches us to believe in God and in His teachings, to believe in the principle of causality. People with lofty ideals, who want to save the world from pending disasters, have no other choice but to immediately return to religious education. If we can believe in God, believe in causality, believe in the teachings of the saints and the sages, if we can let religious education lead us back, to put greater emphasis on ethics and moral principles in family education, formal and social education, this world can still be helped. The end of the world is not here yet. Happiness in a family depends on parents being role models for their children The family is the fundamental unit of society. When all family members can live together in harmony, all will prosper. All here includes the society, the country and the world. When families live in harmony, how could the world not be at peace and the society not be stable? Happiness in a family depends on parents being role models for their children, when each parent can fulfil his or her duties to keep from doing anything wrong or evil, and to cultivate good deeds. In the past, parents understood this principle; therefore, in front of their children, the parents were bound by proper etiquettes. They would not risk leaving a bad impression on their childrens minds. The parents respected the teachers and acted respectfully towards them in

front of their children. When the children saw how respectful their parents were to their teachers, it strengthened the childrens confidence in their teachers and helped them to listen to their teachers. This is called family education. The teachers, on the other hand, acted as role models for the students and taught the students to be dutiful to their parents, to respect their elders and people who had virtues. From this we can understand why children at home and the students at school do not listen today. Who is responsible for this? Mencius said, It is the parents fault when children are raised but not taught. When teachers are not strict with their students, teachers are being lazy. This happens when both the parents and the teachers are not exemplary in their behaviour and do not properly fulfil their duties. Religious education is an education all about loving-kindness and compassion, about people living in harmony and treating one another with sincerity and respect Now let us look at religious education. All the sacred texts emphasize family education. For example, Islams Koran says: Allah is indeed loving and merciful to all people in this world. It also says: You ought to be dutiful to your parents, to live in harmony with your kinfolk, and to speak only kind words to people. It is said repeatedly in the New Testament that God loves all people. The Buddhists say: Loving-kindness and compassion are the basis for all relationships, and are also our driving force to accommodate all people and to make sure they can benefit. Thus all the religious teachings in this world are based on unconditional loving-kindness and compassion. They teach people to respect one another, to live in harmony, and to treat all equally without differentiating between nation37

alities or races. Therefore, all religions are really about the education of peace and selfless compassion. They teach people to love one another and to love all living beings. All the religious texts are broad-minded. The Buddhists say: The mind encompasses all. If we are concerned only about ourselves and look down on others, this is not Gods will, nor is it the aspiration of religious teachings. Rather, it is only the will and the wish of a certain individual or a group of people. Therefore, if religious followers do not delve deeper into the meaning of their sacred texts and practice them accordingly, then their religions while not in themselves superstitious - could be perceived as superstitious. The nature of a religious education is beneficial to all and it can truly save people. All religions are forms of multicultural social education Originally all religions were forms of multicultural social education. We call Buddhism the multicultural social education because Buddha taught people without differentiating between nationalities, races, cultures; no matter who they were, their social positions and whether they were rich or poor. As long as they were willing to accept Buddhas teachings, Buddha accepted them as his disciples. All were treated equally and studied together. Therefore, Buddhism is called the multicultural social education. But other religions, such as Islam and Christianity, also teach people without differentiating between nationalities, races, and whether they are rich or poor. The Islamic religion in China has about 80 million followers. Considering the number of people in China who have religious faith, it has a considerable following. When we look at all the religions, we find their teachings are not limited to just people of one country or one race. They propagate their religious teachings to the whole world. Therefore, 38

all religions are forms of multicultural social education. Different religions are created by the same God - there can be unity and co-operation within the religions Everyone asks the same question: How did the universe come about? Where did life come from? How was the world created? Buddhism talks about space, the dharma realms, all the lands and the sentient beings. Where do they come from? Who created them? The teachings of all religions say that God created them. The creator is God. The universe has only one true God. Even though the name of the God who created the world that every religion talks about is different, the universe is created by the same God. In Buddhism, we do not refer to God but to the nature underlying all things. In the Flower Adornment Sutra, it says: All are created by the mind and changed by its consciousnesses. Buddha dharma talks about the mind and the consciousness. The mind and the consciousness are our true self-nature. The true self-nature, Allah and God of other religions are of the same facts and principles. This is the fundamental condition and belief we must have in learning, studying and accepting a religious education. Thus we firmly believe different religions are created by the same God in different forms and taught by different teaching methods. The different manifestations of God are for the convenience of teaching and accommodating people from different areas, cultures and levels of understanding. We have researched all the religious texts. The principles they teach are the same, heading in the same direction and towards the same goal. They all teach people to stop doing all that is evil and to do all that is good, to be enlightened not deluded, to change from being ordinary to being a saint. If we can observe and understand from these points of view, we will come to realize that there is only one true God

(our true self-nature). All religions have their similarities. Therefore, there can be unity and cooperation within the religions. They should teach people together. They can teach the followers to be sincere, pure, equal and compassionate. They should accept one another, respect and love one another, trust one another, be humble and tolerate each other, be concerned for the welfare of one another, care for one another, co-operate with one another. Together, we can change the earth and this world into a place of Heaven, the World of the Ultimate Bliss. This is our mission when we become a teacher of religion. We should put our hearts into it and direct our best efforts towards this aim. Thus, the pending world disasters can be resolved. Stability, peace and happiness will come upon us all. Everyone has the mission to be a ruler, a parent and a teacher The sacred texts of the saints and sages tell us that in a society, no matter what profession we are in, we all have roles as a ruler, a parent and a teacher. Anyone who wishes to achieve high moral standards or to succeed in a career within this lifetime needs to follow this principle. Here ruler refers to a person in a leadership position. The leader shows the way and the people follow. He will lead the people onto the right path so the people following him will not go astray. Therefore, the leader must have wisdom, virtue, moral conduct, and the knowledge to assist people so they will benefit. Parent refers to the giving of kindness and care. We should love and care for others in the same way that we love and care for our own children. As an employer, we should treat all our workers as our children. As a result, would the employees not remain loyal to us? A teacher is a person who teaches and guides people. We are like teachers loving and protecting our students. We

should become role models for all. Everyone has those three missions. To fulfil those missions, we must rely on and live by the virtues and the moral principles taught by the saints and sages. Only then will everyone have a happy family. Our society will be stable and our world will be at peace. Propagating religious education on a large scale to all citizens We know that the teachings of all the ancient saints and sages of every country, and all the sacred religious teachings, are recorded in scriptures. They contain such an abundance of knowledge. As long as the teachings of these scriptures are closely adhered to, the four types of education can be restored. Therefore, it is very important that we restore the teachings of the saints and the sages because the result will bring forth peace and prosperity to Indonesia. Accordingly, I humbly offer you my suggestions: (1) To let the government lead in the propagation of religious teachings to all citizens via satellite television and the Internet The majority of Indonesias population have religious faith. It is through religious teaching that the hearts of people can be purified, thus bringing law and order to society. It is not an easy task to set up schools in more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, to cover the running costs and to find enough teachers. Therefore, it is suggested that a religious teaching committee be formed, comprising two to three highly respected, virtuous teachers chosen from each of the six religions in the country; considering there are more Muslims than any other religious followers, there would be a few more Muslim teachers on the committee, which would then have more than 20 members. Alternatively, within the Department of Re39

ligious Affairs, a bureau for religious education could be set up to assemble a group of outstanding teachers from different religions, to let them explain in detail the sacred teachings of their respective religions. These lectures should be recorded, properly filed away and made available for future use. The bureau would need to vet the contents of these records, keeping in mind that words and implications of racism and discrimination should not be allowed. Hence, equality among all, peace and harmony within the community can be reinforced. After passing vetting, the recorded teachings could be made available for broadcasting on the Internet and the government-owned satellite television. Every religion would be allocated three two-hour lessons a week, making a total of 6 hours, to be broadcast from Monday to Saturday. Sundays would be reserved for the leaders of the country like the President, the Vice-President and the Ministers to give talks on the countrys religious policies and the spirit of a religious education. The above task could be managed by the bureau for religious education within the Department of Religious Affairs. This would allow all the citizens in the country to receive a good religious education. But with todays wireless technology, there are no boundaries in communication. Thus, people from every other country could also receive the religious education offered in Indonesia. The results of such a program would be apparent in 6 months; and within a year, great achievements could be observed. So it is not impossible to achieve law and order in a society and peace in the world! (2) Setting up a National University of Religions to nurture preachers of various religions to have proper and correct understanding The Government of Indonesia could set up a National University of Religions where each religion would have a school on campus. This would allow the students in the schools to re40

ceive the sacred teachings of all the saints and the sages from all over the world, to reach the same understanding, not going against morality and rules of nature. These principles are known as the right teachings. The Islamic Koran, the Old and the New Testaments, the Buddha Dharma and all the scriptures from all other religions are all parts of the right teachings. Practicing with reference to these right teachings is equivalent to learning from the ancient saints and sages. It is important to purify ones own mind first. When the mind is in the right, the body will follow, then followed by ones speech and actions. All the students should learn to truly respect and love all people, matters and things, regardless of nationality, race or religion. No confrontation is allowed. When there is no confrontation, we can live in peace and harmony and in mutual cooperation. There is no confrontation in the nature and the universe. Starting from here and learning from these observations, true wisdom can be attained. Our body is a miniature universe. Inside the body there are many internal organs, just like the different ethnic groups and races, different countries, different cultures and religions forming the earth and the universe. The body organs originally coordinated well together. They do not confront each other. If anyone of the organs inside our body fails to function and refuses to cooperate, there will be problems. When the condition of malfunctioning becomes too severe, the person will get sick and die. Death occurs not because one organ dies but because all cells will die as the result. When one lives, all live; when one dies, all die. If we accept and understand the truth of the observation above, naturally we will then be happy to accept the teachings of the saints and the sages. Our wisdom will grow as the result of learning from these teachings. When we have

wisdom, naturally we will coordinate well with each other. The foundation of being able to live in harmony is when there is equality for all and when we can acknowledge that all matters in the universe come from the same living entity. In order to gain wisdom, one needs to be magnanimous and look at the long term. In learning, one must not be opinionated, thinking that one school is superior to the others. One should regard all schools as equally good. Prophet Muhammad is my teacher, Jesus Christ is my teacher, and so is Shakyamuni Buddha. We should respectfully learn from all the religious saints. If all religious teachers were nurtured from this kind of learning environment, every one of them would become magnanimous and possess superior wisdom. They would all recognize that all matters in the universe come from the same living entity. Henceforth, unity and cooperation among religions could be achieved. (3) Holding a quarterly religious interactive event for all religions There is a need to have a continuous interaction among different religions and ethnic groups and to treat all people truly with sincerity. Miscommunication often comes from lack of understanding and interaction. When I was in Singapore, I took the opportunity to visit the nine major religions and helped them with their charity work. One of the religions wanted to build a school but was short of S$750,000. Its representatives asked me for help. As this amount was way over our capability, I took the initiative, along with the other religions, and organized a charitable walkathon and a charity bazaar. In one day we raised more than one million dollars. In 1999 together we organized a charitable dinner: 3800 people from the nine different religions participated. In 2000, a total of 8000 people attended. In 2001, there

were 7500. Today the nine major religions in Singapore are very closely knit. This demonstrates that, in order for us to reach religious and racial harmony, people must interact with each other and be true friends. Therefore, I suggest to all the major religions in Indonesia to organize a large-scale interactive event four times a year. This will enhance mutual interaction, communication and understanding; and thus strengthen the friendship and cooperation among the religious groups. If it is not possible to organize it on the quarterly basis, it should be held at least twice a year. What I have said above is only my humble opinion offered to the generous organizer for the event. Any comment will be greatly appreciated. I have been propagating the teachings of Buddha Dharma for 46 years. For the past two decades, with the help of many civic supporters, I have circulated numerous lectures on sutras recorded on cassette and video tapes, CDs and DVDs. In addition, for the past six years I have used the Internet for long-distance religious education. Since last year I have used satellite television for broadcasting my lectures. These modern technologies have resulted in positive influences for many students all over the world. If the Government of Indonesia can also utilize the modern technologies to conduct longdistance education, I believe the positive result after just one year will surpass those resulting from our efforts over the past 20 years. I believe that after six months, the stablility of the Indonesian society will greatly improve. Furthermore, within one year, peace and harmony will prevail and people will be more honest and kind. When a society is stable, its economy will surely prosper as well. Other countries will also follow the footsteps of Indonesia and then there will be peace in the 41

world. These approaches are really the answer to save Indonesia and the world from pending disasters. If the leader of Indonesia can really put these approaches into practice, he is truly the messenger of Allah, the saintly saviour of this world. Within our limited resources, we will help and give you our support for this great undertaking. We deeply believe that peace-lovers throughout the world will, too, extend their firm support for this project. Finally I would like to give my blessing to the success of your religious education and to prosperity in Indonesia. To the President, VicePresident and all Members of Parliament, Ambassadors of respective countries, Ladies and Gentlemen, may you all be happy, healthy and enjoy the best of good fortunes! Thank you! Picture 2

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Snapshots on the Trip to Indonesia

On the October of 2003, Venerable Master Chin Kung was invited by the Vice President of Indoensia, Dr. Hamzah Haz, to visit Indonesia. On February 2004, Minister of Religious Affair, Mr. Agil Said invited Master to come to Indonesia one more time, after Masters NGO Peace Conference in Okayama of Japan, for a week long visit. Master was asked to give speech on the grand opening ceremony of the Multi-faith Building. Master shared with everyone his thoughts on the subjects of Humanity, Love and World Peace. Master visited main religious organizations in Jakarta and held dialogs with their leaders. Master Chin Kung was later invited to attend the International Conference of Islamic Scholars. The day before Master returned to Australia, Ambassador of China, Mr. Shumin Lu and his wife invited Master to lunch at his residence. 18th of Feb: The Grand Opening Ceremony for the Multi-Faith Building (picture 1) Master Chin Kung, under invitation from the Minister of Religious Affair, Prof. Dr. Said Agil, attended the Grand Opening Ceremony for the Multi-Faith Building in Jakarta. Master Chin Kung spoke on Humanity, Love and World Peace. With a broad universal view, he talked about how social unrest had come about in Eastern and Western societies. He firmly acknowledged that only the teachings of saints and sages could truly bring resolution to this most sever of all problems of our 21st century. People living in this new age longed for this ideal to come true. He also said that all religious education is based on compassion, love, harmony and sincerity and different religions are all founded by the same Saint or Sages. When religious education brings about a renewed sense of morality and virtue to people, then this world would still be full of hopes and possibility. Thus, all religions could

and should work together in unity. Relying on the morality and virtue of the saints and sages, fully promote religious education, to resolve all conflicts and war of our world. Visiting Former President Mr. Wahid (picture 2) This is the second meeting between the two parties. During the one and half hour conversations, both had mentioned again that all the saints and sages that religious followers worshiped in this world, are the manifestation of the One True God of this universe. Mr. Wahid humorously said that all modern religious followers were interested in the Clothing of God and totally ignored the essence of God. Master mentioned the Water Crystal Experiment conducted by Dr. Emoto in Japan. Combining science and Buddhism, Master said that our will could change matters. With sincerity, purity, compassion and love, we could restore our health. 19th of Feb, Visiting Headquarter of Hinduism (picture 3) Director Mr. Adi Soeripto talked about how Hindu followers leaded life in Indonesia and he stressed that Master Chin Kung should visit Bali and attend activities there in the hometown of Hinduism. Master said that he would love to see more communications and contacts between all religions. Understanding, harmony and equality would be realized from doing so.

20th of Feb: Accompanied by special assistant, Drs. H. Rohadi ABd. Fatah from the Ministry of Religious Affair, Master Chin Kung visited Islamic, Catholic and Christian Headquarters (picture 4)

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Visiting Islamic Headquarter, Majelis Ulama Indonesia, (MUI) (picture 5) Elder Drs. H.A. Nazri Adlani and a director of the board received Master Chin Kung. The Elder and the director emphasized that Islamic faith did not represent terrorism and men and women were treated equally in accordance to their own culture.

ize his teaching, could we hope to resolve numerous misunderstanding and conflicts.

21st Feb: Visiting Islamic University Director of Multi-Faith Centre of Griffith University, Prof. Toh Swee Hin and Senior Lecturer in University of Queensland, Dr. Maosen Zhong represented Master Chin Kung, had visited the world renowned university, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University. Professor Azra and twelve Deans welcomed Prof. Toh and Dr. Zhong. Dr. Zhong made an announcement that Master Chin Kung would like to donate $200,000 Singapore dollars scholarship to Islamic students in need. 4:00 PM: Invitation by Vihara Mahavira Graha Pusat (Buddhist Temple) Abbot Venerable Shi Hui Siong invited Master Chin Kung and Catholic representative for a meeting. Master Chin Kung gave a speech to over 600 followers of the temple. 22nd of Feb: Visiting Guan Hua One Vehicle Zen Temple (picture 8) Abbot Venerable Ding Sang warmly welcomed everyone and asked Master Chin Kong to give lecture to over 1000 followers of the temple. Master used One Vehicle as the topic and talked about the secular and the gradual teaching methods of Buddha. International Conference of Islamic Scholar Welcoming Dinner Master Chin Kung was invited to attend this conference which was held by Indonesian government, Ministry of Foreign Affair and Nahdlatul Ulama. Islamic scholars and various organization representatives from over one hun-

Visiting Bishops Conference of Indonesia, (BCI) (picture 6) Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja and three other bishops warmly received Master Chin Kung. They had specially prepared vegetarian lunch for everyone. Master Chin Kung mentioned that he had taught classes in the Catholic College, Thomas Monastery in Taiwan. A high percentage of the population of Indonesia has religious faith. If only the religious education could be more pronounced, then Indonesia would see a stable and prosper society soon. Cardinal said that leading a religious life should not be superficial. Teachings should be realized in real life, as long as we hold a just mind, and practice the holy scripture of any our own religion, then peace would truly come to this world. Visiting Christian Churches Conglomerate of Indonesia, Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja Di Indonesia (PGI) (picture 7) Chairman of PGI Dr. Nathan Setaibudi warmly welcomed Master Chin Kung. Master Chin Kung talked about how to promote and facilitate mutual cooperation between different religious groups. Two reporters who had attended the meeting asked questions on the topics related to modern Indonesian society. Master explained that only by practice Gods love with our sincere mind and use our own words and deeds to real-

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dred countries had participated. Master chin Kung was invited to give a 45 minutes speech to all scholars during this welcoming dinner. 23rd of Feb: Attending the International Conference of Islamic Scholar Opening Ceremony (picture 9) Director of Multi-Faith Centre of Griffith University, Prof. Toh Swee Hin and Senior Lecturer in University of Queensland had attended this ceremony. They had also attended the rest of the conference which started on the 22nd of Feb and ended on the 25th of Feb.

Picture 7

Master Chin Kung received representatives from Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (picture 10) Four representatives were sent by Chancellor Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra to visit Master Chin Kung in Hotel Mulia.

Picture 8

Picture 9 Picture 5

Picture 6

Picture 10 45

VENERABLE MASTER CHIN KUNG GIVES ADVICE TO INDONESIAN DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS AND PAINTS WONDROUS PICTURE FOR FUTURE
On 31 October, 2003 afternoon, Venerable Master Chin Kung, Venerable Master Sri Pannyavar, Venerable Hui-Xiong, Venerable Ding-Sheng and their associates visited Prof. Dr. H. Said Agil Husin AI Munawar, the Minister of Indonesian Department of Religions. This was the second time Venerable Master Chin Kung met with the Minister Munawar. The first time was two years ago in Singapore, when Venerable Master Chin Kung hosted a large inter-religion harmony party which the Prime Minister of Singapore attended. At that time, Dr. Munawar was not yet appointed Minister. After greeting each other, Venerable Master Chin Kung started the conversation: We are very concerned about insecurity in society and the ever-increasing crime rate and divorce rate everywhere in the world. I mentioned in my meeting with the Vice President two days ago that only religious education can help purify peoples hearts and keep society safe. I myself have conducted teachings on Buddhism for nearly 50 years. I feel that the education via the Internet and through satellite TV is very effective. Leaders of this country may consider developing in this direction. Firstly, select a group of excellent teachers from each religion who will interpret the teachings of religions. Then make audio or video recordings and subject them to assessment before they are broadcasted on TV. The Department of Religious Affair may establish a Division of Assessment that will assess the content of the teachings and prohibit extremist speeches. If this can be carried out for one year, society will become more stable, people will become honest and kind, and the economy will naturally 46

improve. Then after seeing this result, other countries will want to follow Indonesia and thereafter regional and eventually world peace and prosperity will be attained. The second advice given by Venerable Master Chin Kung was that in order to unite religions, communication and contact is of vital importance. Without communication both ways, doubts could arise, which in turn will cause conflicts. The best way of dialoging with each other is to form groups that are comprised of different religions. Such a view of close contacts can be extended to other countries by visiting them. Not only will this practice encourages communication among different religions but it can also spread the idea and practice of religious unity around the world. Religion carries a lot of weight in Indonesia. This country has an openreligion policy and therefore has a better environment than many other countries. The task of inter-religious dialog may preferably be carried out by universities, because universities are academic entities and intrinsically more convenient to conduct such events. Indonesia possesses rich resources and her people are pure and honest. If religious education can be truly implemented, then its society will undoubtedly be stable and thriving.

THE 10TH OKAYAMA NGO SUMMIT FOR INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTION

The 10th Okayama NGO Summit for International Contribution was held by the Okayama Topia for International Contribution (OTIC) in Okayama, Japan on 23-25 January, 2004. The main theme of the Summit is Education for Sustainable Development which is principally hinted from the United Nations - 2002 resolution and the forthcoming 10-year program of UNESCO beginning 2005. After the keynote speech by Mr. Gustavo Lopez Ospina of UNESCO emphasizing and elucidating the meaning of the theme, four independent yet collaborative discussions - Environmental Issues, Religions and Peace, Human Rights and Gender Equality, and International Understanding - were carried out. Attending this Summit were representatives from all over the world, including Japan, U.S.A., France, Australia, Korea, Indonesia, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, etc. The participants ranged from Japanese government officials, UNESCO representatives, professors from universities and worldwide Non-Government Organizations (NGO). Venerable Master Chin Kung was invited to present a paper to the Summit and his paper was read aloud by Dr. Maosen Zhong of the University of Queensland in the Religions and Peace session. The main theme of Masters talk is that we need to carry out four types of education in order to solve the current global issues and sustain future development. All sages in ancient China knew that Education is essential in building a country for a regime and its people. The education system is complete only when all types are present: the first is family education, the second is school education, the third is social education, and the fourth is religious education. Of these four types, family education is the main foundation, and religious education is what makes an education complete and perfect. When all four types of education are implemented, the world will be at peace, our society will be stable and people will be happy. If we neglect any one of them, our world would undoubtedly become chaotic. The content of the education consists of five principles: 1. Parents should love and care for their children, children should have love and devotion to their parents. 2. The ruler should be kind to their subjects. The subjects should be loyal to the ruler. 3. Husbands and wives should love one another. 4. Siblings should live in harmony. 5. Friends should be trustworthy to one other. They have also taught people to discipline themselves, to be loyal and credible in their spoken words, and to be sincere and discreet in their behaviors. When dealing with daily matters, people were taught to question their own actions to make sure what they did were done with kindheartedness and justification, not for what they could profit from it; They were taught to endeavor to the best of their ability to make everything fair and reasonable, and not to be concerned with their own contribution. When it came to interactions with others, they did not do to others what they did not want others to do to them. When they encountered obstacles and could not get the results they wanted, they reflected on themselves to search for the reasons why they had failed. All religions are multicultural education about peace and selfless compassion. They teach people to love one another and to love all living beings. All the religious scriptures are broadminded. If we are only concerned about ourselves and not the others, this is not the Gods will, nor is it the purpose or the goal of religious 47

teachings. That is only the will and the wish of a certain individual or a group of people. Religious followers must deeply study their own scriptures and practice the teachings of their saints and sages. Otherwise, religions would become superstitions. How would we achieve it? Master suggest that UNESCO establishes a University of World Religions for the 21st Century. Each religion establishes a school within. Let the religious education push the four types of our education forward to make it work and last. Only then will the world of the 21st Century see a beam of light, and our world would be saved. During the three-day Summit, participants not only had formal discussions in the meeting hall but also had free and cozy conversations in restaurants. For instance, Master Chin Kung mentioned in his chat, To put an end to conflicts and attain peace, we must first resolve our own self-contradiction and confrontation against all people, affairs and things. I often remind my students: when contradictions arise, we must admit that we are always wrong and others are always right. We should unceasingly correct our faults and change for better. Master Chin Kung introduced to Summit participants the practice of inter-religion harmony and race unity in Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia, as well as the concept and practice of the long-distance education through the satellite TV and Internet.

Participants agreed to Masters visions and praise his accomplishments. Mr. Gustavo Lopez Ospina, Director of UNESCO in Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office, said, we should use the Venerable Masters method to carry out large-scale educational projects in order to attain our (peace) goals. Master Chin Kung presented a framed Chinese calligraphy Love and a gift to each Summit participant. He showed a huge painting The Forms of the Hells to all participants at the end of the Summary Meeting and called for education of cause-and-effect and teachings of God and Saints. At the conclusion of the Summit, Master Chin Kung jointly with the President of the Summit invited all participants to dinner. Every one was very happy and wished that Master could come back to the Summit again next time.

Mr. Gustavo Lopez Ospina, UNESCO

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TALKS ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND UNITY

During the breakfast on Sunday, 25 January, Master Chin Kung and his followers met other Summit participants, including Mr Gustavo Lopez Ospina, director of UNESCO in Latin America and Chairperson of this Summit, Mr Matt Weiner, director of the Inter-Faith Center in New York and Professor Swee-Hin Toh, Director of the Multi-Faith Center of Griffith University. They were all very interested in Master Chin Kungs approach towards world peace by promoting religious education. They all sat around Master Chin Kung exchanging ideas and were able to talk freely for an hour. Master CK: Religious education is very important to world peace. In order to implement religious education, I give lectures on Buddhist Sutras and have them recorded, copied and have an enormous number of audio and video cassette tapes, CDs and DVDs made for world-wide free distribution. Now my lectures are broadcast via Satellite TV. There are many audiences. Today the President of Hwazan Satellite TV, Ms Judy Chen, is also here with us. Ms Chen: Hwazan Satellite TV is Master Chin Kungs temple on television. It propagates Buddhism 24 hours a day. It has already broadcasted for a year. Currently it covers Asia, the continent of America and the Pacific. Recently we integrated Hwazan Satellite TV into the Internet, so people who get on line all over the world can also watch Hwazan Satellite TV. Mr.Weiner: How many Dharma masters are giving lectures on Hwazan Satellite TV? Master CK: So far there is only me. I already have about 20,000 lecture hours recorded on audio and video tapes. If broadcast continuously for 24 hours a day, these materials would last for two years. Prof. Toh: Plays and operas that are meaningful and educational can also be broadcasted. Master CK: Yes, we plan on doing that, such as the movie version of Liaofans Four Lessons and the Buddhist cartoon stories etc. Mr Ospina: Currently, disasters abound all over the world; our environments keep on deteriorating; and there are endless conflicts everywhere. UNESCO also has started to realize the importance of teaching ethics and education about virtues and moral principles. Master CK: This is very important. Each religion should set up its own special channel of broadcast, TV or otherwise, inviting 20 to 30 lecturers of morality to explain their own religious scriptures or teachings and have them broadcasted 24 hours a day to their followers and students, to remind them daily that they need to purify their minds. I believe the social trend of peoples behavior will improve substantially within 3 years and when people are in harmony, 49

the world disasters will also be reduced significantly. Mr Ospina: In order for us to achieve world peace, we should use the same method Master Chin Kung uses to concentrate our manpower and material resources to conduct education on a largescale. Another question, how to unite the religions? Master CK: All religions should visit and communicate with each other often, treating each other with true sincerity. They all have to make an effort. When I was in Singapore, I donated S$100,000 to each of the nine major religions. I helped them with their charity work. One of the religions wanted to build a school but was short of S$750,000. They asked us for help. Since this amount was beyond our capability, we have the other nine major religions joined with us to raise funds for the project by holding a charity walkathon. In just one day, we raised one million dollars. In 1999 together we organized a charity dinner: 3800 people from the nine different religions participated. In 2000, a total of 8000 people attended. In 2001, there were 7500. Today the nine major religions in Singapore are very closely knit. Mr Ospina: If all religious leaders could establish a common ground, unity among the religions can be easily achieved. Master CK: That will not be difficult. Just organize a world cruise for all the religious leaders. This way all the religious leaders get to see each other and interact with each other everyday. They can freely communicate with each other. Thus all contradictions and misunderstandings can then be resolved by this personal interaction. Take our Singapore experience

for example. The representatives from nine religions in Singapore didnt even want to talk to each others. Only after a few trips together, they are all good friends now. Furthermore, all their scheduled activities can be broadcast on satellite TV to the world. This would be a very effective way to unite all the religions. Mr Ospina: T h i s i s a v e r y g o o d i d e a . UNESCO already offers a similar activity. In Paris, every year we organize a one-month Mediterranean cruise to promote the project of Education for Sustainable Development. This activity has gone on for five years and has proved to be quite effective. Master CK: I have discussed the possibility of having UNESCO holding its future peace Summit in Queensland with the Griffith University vice-chancellors in Australia. If it can be done, we welcome all of you to attend. P.S. Another Summit participant, Dr Primitivo Chua from the Philippines, subsequently joined in the conversation. He told Master Chin Kung that the broadcast of Master Chin Kungs lectures can now be received on cable TV and satellite TV system in Manila. His father watches it everyday.

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The Mind is the Origin of All Things/Everything - Visiting Dr. Masaru Emoto
minute particles (electrons, quarks, or even smaller elementary particles) take their physical shapes in accordance to our mind. Another word, the causes of physical phenomena is the very thought everyone has at this moment. Everything manifested from our mind. Just like what the Diamond Sutra stated, a singularity , it means that every matter is made up of the same basic particle. The original ability of our mind includes sight, hearing, awareness and all-knowing consciousness. Hence, every living being, plant and mineral that is created from our minds is able to have sight, hearing, awareness and allknowing consciousness. I hope that Dr. Emoto will be able to use scientific methods to prove that the teachings of the Buddha is true as well as to extend his research to other matters. He will definitely gain a deeper understanding that all matters not only have sight, hearing, awareness and all-knowing consciousness, but also possess morality. Morality contains all that is perfect and all the energy of the universe, also including form, sound, smell, taste and texture. Now from the pictures of the water crystals, we are seeing its form. If we can extend the research, we should be able to prove that water has the ability to sense and perceive smell, taste, texture and mind object; all are created from our minds. Throughout these years, the gist of my teachings has been true sincerity, purity and compassion. This is in accordance with the spirit that Dr. Emoto has maintained in his research. Compassion is love, it is loving-kindness arising from a rational mind. During my practice of Buddhism, I come to realize that everything in the universe belongs to one entity. I hope that this principle can unite everyone in the world regardless of his or her faith or race. After these years of hard work, we found that many people 51

In the year 2002, Venerable Master Chin Kung learnt about Dr. Masaru Emotos The Message from Water. The results obtained concluded that the crystalline structures of water changes according to our thoughts. This result coincides with the Buddhas teaching that everything is created from our minds and is changed by our perceptions. This scientific research is beginning to prove that the profound Buddhist teachings that Venerable Master has lectured for years is true. Venerable Master invited Dr. Emoto to Australia to give lectures on his work in Griffith University, University of Southern Queensland and Pure Land College. In January 2004, Venerable Master attended the Okayama NGO Summit for International Contribution and while in Japan, he also visited Dr. Emotos laboratory in Tokyo. Venerable Master was invited to give a speech: A year ago, I was very happy when I saw the research on the crystalline structures on water from the Internet. For many years, I have lectured in many places on the Buddhist teachings but my constant regret was that I was unable to provide scientific proof for these teachings. Therefore, I was delighted when I read these experimental results on water. At that time, I quoted a passage from the Surangama Sutra: All phenomena of our universe, all the causes and their effects, numerous worlds (different galaxies), all

could accept this belief and that we are beginning to obtain results in achieving harmony and uniting people. The effort that Dr. Emoto and fellow colleagues are putting in this research work is helping to prove the fact that everything in the universe is one entity is true. I believe that this is a great contribution towards social stability and world peace. Dr. Masaru Emoto has presented his results in slides. Amongst the pictures taken, there are those of water crystals with words or photographs of religious nature pasted on the water jars. All these water crystals showed beautiful designs. Besides, the principle that strong faith can change a situation can be seen in his research: the case where water crystals taken from a lake was very ugly, but after a Venerable has recited prayers and sutra for an hour, the water crystals taken from the lake become very beautiful and the water became clearer. The water crystals showed the symbol of Zhen Yen School.

1. Relationship between fellow human beings, including the relationship between men and society, nation and ethnic groups; 2. Relationship between human and natural environment; 3. Relationship between human and their ancestors and the spiritual world. When these three relationships had been managed well, we could then reach true peace among ourselves. Master used an example: The Forbidden Palace has three Great Halls. They are called Tai Ho Hall(Universal Peace), Chong Ho Hall (Within Peace), and Pao Ho Hall (Keeping Peace). The names of the three Halls have deep implications. The phrase Tai Ho is expressing the whole universe as harmonious and peaceful. This is describing what this universe is like in essence. Inside this universe, there are many types of relationships. When these relationships are equally harmonious and peaceful, it is then called Chong Ho. This phrase describes the universe on its appearances to an outsider. Pao Ho is describing how the universe works which means all relationships are properly treated, kept in harmony and associated with inner wisdom. This is what old scholars said when they were talking about morality and virtue. Morality and virtue are simply the natural way of everything. Morality is the natural laws, while virtue is something we gain when we follow the natural laws. Master followed on by saying: in order to achieve Ho (Peace), we must start from within ourselves first. Erase our inner conflicts and inequality and then we could start to truly reach outside and help the world, the society and the whole universe to attain peace. Lastly, Master wished everyone good health. As long as our minds are pure and full of goodness, our body will surely be healthy. Only when we are healthy, can we contribute to the world. The speech ended with thundering applauses.

Harmony Starts from Within

Speech at Summits Farewell Banquet
On Sunday, 25th of January 2004, The NGO peace conference held at Okayama, Japan has concluded successfully. President Mr. Okigaki Tohru and Master Chin Kung jointly invited all the conference participants to a dinner party near the Okayama Castle. At the end of the party, President Tohru invited Master Chin Kung to give a speech. Master gladly obliged and said I am honored to be here to meet up with so many devoted peace workers. In 70s of the last century, a famous British historian Dr. Toynbee and a famous Japanese scholar had an in depth discussion. Dr. Toynbee said that we must rely on the Chinese culture to help solving the problems of 21st century. Chinese culture contains numerous aspects that could take years to study. The education aspect of Chinese culture could be broadly classified into the following three types of education: 52

A Harmonious Universe; The World as One Family - A Journey to Multiculturalism

25/02/1999 Venerable Master Chin Kung participated in the Religious Forum in Brisbane 05/03/1999 Invited to give a speech at the World Conference for Religious Peace in Sydney 11/05/1999 Master Chin Kung and 50 monks and nuns visited Archbishop Gregory Yong at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Singapore 20-07/1999 Participated the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Inter Religious Organization in Singapore(IRO). 19/08/1999 Invited by the Islamic Fellowship Association, Singapore to present a talk on the topic Building Religious Harmony 24/08/1999 Attended a meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops Committee for Ecumenical and Inter-Faith Relations with leaders of other Faiths. 22/08/1999 Invited to attend the New Year Dinner of the Parsi Association, Singapore and gave an opening speech to the Parsi members. 1/11/1999 More than 40 Catholic sisters from 14 countries paid a visit to the Singapore Buddhist Lodge. 24/12/1999 Venerable Master Chin Kung and 50 monks and nuns were invited to attend the Christmas Eve Ceremony at the Holy Family. 23/11/2000 Inter-Faith Communication - the Religious Centre in Sydney: Master visit Wong Tai Zin Temple-Taoist and Buddhist, Cao Dai temple, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Mosque and Sikh Temple. 01/2000 Inter Religious Organization (Nine different religions) work together for a 5000 people Millennium New Years Eve Prayer Offering Dinner. Singapore President Mr. Nathan, Ambassadors from many countries in Singapore, Representative from Division of Religious Affair of China, Leaders of nine different religions and representatives from various Buddhist Associations had all attended this event. 11/1999 Invited to attend the Hariraya Puasa of the Islamic faith. 03/2000 Ambassador of China, Mr. Chen, in Singapore visited the Buddhist Lodge. Buddhist Lodge held The End of New Year Celebration 02/05-17/05/2000 Inter-Religious Organization, Singapore visited China. Invitation from State Administration for Religious Affairs, PRC; Master organized a delegation comprised of leaders of 9 religions in Singapore to visit the 5 major religions in China. 11/2000 Inter-Faith prayer for the millennium and Charity dinner, Over 8,000 people attended this event. The President of Singapore, Mr. SR Nathan was the guest of honour. Deputy Director-General of State Administration for religious affairs of PRC, Mr. Yang, Tong Xiang attended this event.

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06/2002 02/2003

Visited Archbishop of Queensland John Batherby. Visit Papa New Guinea. Master visited the Catholic community and supported their charity work and education. He donated to the Canossa School of Life and to the Missionaries of Charity. Master also gave lecture on Religion and Life at the Crowne Plaza in Port Moresby Saturday. Many Catholic fathers and sisters and Muslim community leaders were present in the lecture seminar.

18/07-28/07/2003 Visit Thailand to attend the Network of Universities and Institutions for Asia-Pacific Peace-Building and Conflict Prevention, which was facilitated by the UPEACE Asia Pacific Programme, in Bangkok, Thailand in July 2003. Master was also invited as guest to the residence of General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Deputy Prime Minister. Both Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense warmly welcomed Master Chin Kung. Master made a significant donation to the Sangh Hospital.

Japan
First Trip 02/04/2002 04/03/2002 visited Japan and attended the Welcome Function organized jointly by all Pure Land Organisations of Japan Interviewed by the China Foreign Daily Newspaper Visited Kuan Shi (Observing the World)Temple Visited West Mountain Kuan Ming (Shining Light)Temple Visited Sheng Kuan (Light of Goodwill) Temple Conducting Praying for World Peace Ceremony in Shan Sheng (Great Goodness) Temple in Osaka Visited Ji En Temple, Japan Buddhism University and invited to attend the Dinner Function at the Japan Buddhism University Master invited all Pure Land organisations and schools to a Thank you dinner party.

04/04/2002 06/04/2002 08/04/2002 09/04/2002

Second Trip 25/10/2002 05/11/2002 07/11/2002 08/11/2002

Interviewed by reporter Mr. Yamata Shigeo from China Foreign Daily in Beng Jue Temple in Ka Ya Mountain. Dinner function at the Prince Hotel in Otsu NHK Interviewed by Asashi Daily Newspaper and NHK reporters TV Interviewed by Father Ishii in Tokyo Film and Recording Studio

Thrid Trip 23/01-1/25/2004 Attending NGO Okayama Summit 30/01/2004 TV Interview with Lulu TV Station in Tokyo.

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Korea
First Trip 27/10-02/1/2003 Invited by Indonesia Vice President Mr. Hamzah Haz to visit Indonesia. Where Master met with various government officials and religious leaders 25/10/2003 Speech at the Indonesia Youth Declaration Day Ceremony 30/10/2003 In Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, Master held a dinner function, inviting Islam, Christian, Catholic, Hindu and Confucian representatives to discuss promotion of religious education and world peace 31/10/2003 Invited to give lecture in Da Chun Temple Visited Minister of Religious Affair Farewell Party for Master Chin Kung held in Shangri-La Hotel. Over 300 people attended including former President Mr. Wahid and representatives from government and business sectors. 01/11/2003 Visited Peoples Assembly Chairperson Dr. Amien Rais. Second Trip 02/2004

Invited by Minister of Religious Affair, Mr. Said Husin to attend the Opening Ceremony for the Multi-Faith Centre. Visiting the headquarters of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, and Christianity. Attended the Prayer Offering Ceremony of five different religion for the May 1998 Riot. Speech at the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University

Third Trip 12/5-15/5/2004

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Epilogue
After more than fifty years of practicing Buddhism, Master Chin Kung has summarized Buddhas teachings into ten terms. These important ten terms are sincerity, purity, equality, proper understanding, compassion, seeing the truth, let go, attain freedom, in accord with condition, and being mindful of Amitabha Buddha. These ten terms are the central point of all Master Chin Kungs lectures, while saints and sages teachings are the standards. As Master Chin Kung has long realized and has been emphasized all along, the only key to world peace and human happiness is education - the education of morality and ethics, and the education of compassion and kindness from all saints and sages. Throughout his life, Master Chin Kung has been through many difficulties and obstacles. However, he has always lived in gratitude as he teaches us to do. He did prove what his teacher Professor Dong-Mei Fang once promised him that nothing can bring greater enjoyment to our life than Buddhism. Moreover, he now stays in this greatest enjoyment in each and every moment of his life, because he has become one with the universe. His life mission is to carry to all beings, the saints teachings of love and compassion, and to enjoy the universal harmony and world peace with all living beings. This mission is the same mission of all saints and sages. As long as we are willing to make our mind to, this mission can be ours.

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MASTER CHIN KUNGS ONLINE CLASSROOM

Pure Land College of Australia

- Live lecture broadcasting - Latest download and listening of new lecture series (Flower Adornment Sutra, Infinite Life Sutra, Ten Virtuous Deed Sutra, Earth Treasure Sutra, Latest speeches and announcement, Special reports, Events..etc (MP3/ WMV/WMA formats)

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Collected Talks of Ven. Master Chin Kung

- All the latest lectures on document files. - Past lectures download and listening (MP3/WMV/WMA formats, under construction)

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Dallas Buddhist Association

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Buddhist Education Online College

- Nine years training program on-line. - Enroll with on-line registration. - Scheduled classes will help all to keep on learing.

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- Dedicated to broadcasting Ven. Master Chin Kung lectures 24 hours a day. - Synchronized broadcasting of both Hwazan Satellite TV and Hwazan Internet will conveniently help all to tune in to Masters lectures wherever you are.
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www.hztv.org

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Peace & Harmony Among Beings of Diverse Religions & Nationalities

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Love