Global Buddhist Congregation 2011, New Delhi Organized by the Asoka Mission
Global Buddhist Congregation 2011,
Organized by the Asoka
Remarks by Dr. Tsong-Ming Lin,
Political Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education
Taiwan, R. O. C.
It is a great pleasure and honor for me to be here in this (beautiful and) historic setting—the birthplace of Buddhism—and to be here at this historic time—the anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment twenty-six centuries ago.
Buddhism has had a strong influence on Chinese culture since it was first brought to
Nearly four hundred years ago, settlers from
Historically, the greatest influence on Chinese education has been the teachings of Confucius, who lived in the same period as the Buddha and like the Buddha was concerned with the importance of moral values and living an ethical life. In
In an era in which the equality of all men and women has gained greater emphasis throughout the world, one remarkable feature of Taiwanese Buddhism has been the prominence of women at all levels. Since 1953, a greater proportion of women have been ordained as nuns in
A striking example of the impact that Buddhist ideas have had on the daily lives of Taiwanese people at a grassroots level has been the proliferation of vegetarian restaurants and cafeterias throughout
I personally believe that education and religion have the same goals which are to purify people’s mind and to enhance the spiritual and moral values of human being. On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Taiwan, R. O. C., I would like to take this opportunity to share with you how this Ministry to promote ethics and moral education in schools. In
To emphasize the importance of family ethics, last year
In addition, this Ministry has also defined “May” as “The Filial Piety Month” because the second Sunday in May is “Mother’s Day.” To extend its meaning and significance, May can be the month to remind family members of showing filial obedience or devotion to their parents.
You probably know that September 28th is so called Teacher’s Day, for the sake of Confucius’ birthday. Furthermore, to extend its influence, we named, “September” as “The Respect Teacher Month.” Parents and students should respect and show gratitude towards teachers, while teachers should treat parents and students with respect, talk with parents, show care and understanding towards their students, teaching in accordance with each student's ability, to develop their potential.
The main concern of environmental ethics is the natural ecology, including living creatures and non-biological resources and environments.
Our schools educate students being friendly to others as well as to the nature creature. So we encourage schools implement “One Day No Meat per Week”. Nowadays, 86% schools have joined this policy. Some schools and institutes further this policy to “Two Days No Meat per Week” or “Three Days No Meat per Week”. I am optimistic that its influence has been gradually increasing.
On November 22nd, this Ministry gave awards to 99 schools including 14 universities, 11 senior and vocational high schools and special education schools, 24 junior high schools and 50 primary schools. They are recommended by local education authorities for their successful moral education promotion. These role model schools can share their own experiences with the others.
We all know that education not only establishes the foundation for a country’s development and competitive advantages, but also gives its citizens the power to change lives, transform the world and promise a better life for its citizens. The Ministry of Education has out lined the visions designed to create a better education setting for future generations. In conclusion, education is a pivot which human beings base on moving toward a sublime or a collapsing life. It means that education is the key point to influence people’s life which could be either lifted up or fallen off.
At last, I would like to offer our sincere hope that the Buddha’s teachings will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance to all the people of the world, and that his message can help to bridge the political, economic, ethnic, and religious differences that divide the people of the earth so that together we can sustain the beauty and harmony of our planet in this new century and in the centuries to come.