A Buddhism Forum jointly organized by Buddhist associations of China, Canada and United States is to be held in Toronto in mid-June this summer.
The Forum will invite Buddhist delegations from the three countries to participate in and focus on the theme of "Harmony and Peace", with sub-topics including "Bodhisattva faith and Human life", "Bodhisattva spirit and World peace", and "Buddhist civilization and Dialogue between civilizations".
The opening ceremony will be held on June 17 at the well-known University of Toronto. A declaration of peace will be issued the following day during the closing ceremonies at the Toronto City Hall. Besides, a "pray for world peace" assembly and the opening ceremony of the Canadian Buddhist Museum will also be held in the meantime.
Hon. monk Dayi, president of the Canadian Buddhist Association, said that since Buddhism came to China more than 2,000 years ago, it has had a profound impact on Chinese society. The year 2017 is also the 50th anniversary of the introduction of Chinese Buddhism to Canada. Thus it is the proper time to hold this Buddhist forum. During the forum, participants will not only be able to look back on the spread of Buddhism, exchange experiences of promoting Buddhism, but also to explore how Buddhist culture can play a larger and more active role in today's society.
The forum is planned to be held every two years. The organizers have expressed their hope that the forum will strengthen the dialogue on Buddhism between Asia and North America and promote peace.
