Cultural Exchange and Dialogue in China (Hangzhou)
The "Cultural Exchange and Dialogue in China" program,
held from April 17-21, 2019,primarily centered in Hangzhou,
provided an immersive exploration of China’s spiritual, historical, and social landscapes.
Hangzhou is celebrated in ancient proverbs as an earthly paradise, and the itinerary lived up to this reputation by blending ancient wisdom with modern social engagement. Participants engaged in diverse activities, ranging from visiting the Ananda Culture Exchange Center and studying Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism (Zhouyi) to meeting with local NGOs to discuss the current status of women’s public welfare organizations.
A focal point of the journey was the Lingyin Temple and the Feilai Feng carvings. This site exemplifies the integration of tradition and technology, where historical Buddhist carvings are accessed via modern QR code entry systems. The program highlighted the resilience of spiritual institutions, such as the nunnery at Lingyin, which predates the Shaolin Temple and was restored by dedicated nuns to become a center for education. Today, it houses approximately 60 nuns, about 20 of whom are students. Notably, the dialogue emphasized international Buddhist connections, featuring a teacher who graduated from Thailand's Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
The spiritual insights gained focused heavily on Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, specifically the Six Paramitas (Generosity, Morality, Patience, Energy, Meditation, and Wisdom). These virtues are practiced to counteract the "three poisons" of greed, hatred, and delusion. Furthermore, the concept of a Bodhisattva—defined by Great Wisdom (Maha-prajna), Great Compassion (Maha-karuna), and Great Skillful Means (Maha-upaya)—serves as the core of the Mahayana tradition. This "Mahayana for the Masses" approach prioritizes benefiting others and guiding them toward truth.
Beyond religion, the program explored the "New Agricultural Economy" through meetings with young farmers at eco-farms in Longmen Town. This illustrates how traditional cultural values are being adapted to drive sustainable economic growth in rural China.
Analogy: This cultural journey acts as a bridge between two shores; one shore is rooted in the deep soil of ancient tradition and philosophy, while the other reaches toward a high-tech, socially engaged future, with the dialogue itself serving as the sturdy planks connecting them.