Providence University, General Education Center sponsored a dialogue between two distinguish religious leaders: Roman Catholic Cardinal Shan Kuo-Hsi and Buddhist Master Hsing Yun, on the topic of caring for the world and transcending death.
In his opening remarks, President Matthew Yu stated that through the wisdom and rich life experiences of these two prominent leaders, students will be inspired with their reflections on the value and dignity of life, natural disasters, death penalty abolishment, and economic recession. From this dialogue students can learn about social consciousness and vigilance.
Cardinal Shan, a cancer survivor, 88 years old, is still energetic in community service, and empowered with the true meaning of life and the practice of charity. Master Hsing Yun strongly advocates belief of the basic truth, gratitude and compassion. He said we need to “retreat” to empty one’s life and listen to the music of life.
People should be like a basketball in withstanding pressures- bounce back high. He called forth the young people to love life, and face challenges, for without some setbacks, they might not appreciate the wonderful things in life.
Cardinal Shan encouraged students to value the dignity of hard work. Students don’t have to wait until graduation to do something worthwhile. The can develop healthy personal relationships, seriously consider volunteer services and, uphold positive attitudes for all these opportunities. Master Hsing Yun reminded students to have a vision of what needs to be done. Good attitude and expertise combined will help to cope with the company’s demands.
Dr. Long Huang Yanjun, Vice President of General Affairs, who was the moderator of the dialogue, also asked about the death penalty issue. Master Hsing Yun believes that God would want us to cherish life and hopes to abolish death penalty and replace it with other methods.
Cardinal Shan expressed that respecting life without breaking the law, the government could establish complementary measures such a providing work for the inmates to earn money, make up for the victims or their families, education for respect of life as a gift. Recently, we have been faced with natural disasters: global warming, storms, typhoons and floods.
Cardinal Shan urged us to plan ahead carefully, recycle and have a greater awareness of protecting the environment. Master Hsing Yun reminded students that people are the largest source of pollution. Contemporary Buddhism is concerned not only the physical environment but also places importance on the spirit‘s environment of love, compassion, patience, wisdom, human respect and tolerance.
To wrap up the dialogue, Master Hsing Yun declared that in the Buddha’s heart is God. Buddha is not an ordinary person. He rescues us and guides. Buddhism is rational and promotes world harmony. Everywhere is a practice of paradise.
Cardinal Shan concluded by saying that God is the best teacher, with the universe and humans as records of God’s love, helping humankind to make a better world. |
