Buddhist elegance. by Zhang Wang

Buddhist rite observed before and after each meal to pray for the good of all creatures. by Zhang Wang

Gracious to all beings. by Zhang Wang

Respectful procession. by Zhang Wang

Collateral to 17 sub-forums covering a diverse range of subjects, conceived to advance awareness and insight among lecturers and attendees, the Second World Buddhist Forum also featured five cultural exhibitions. These provided a rare opportunity for delegates from around the world to experience firsthand the allure and energy of Chinese culture.

After coming to China from India thousands of years ago, Buddhism gradually merged into Chinese culture, and a Buddhist culture with distinct Chinese characteristics was formed. Due to varying paths of entry, Buddhism in China evolved into eight sects, and is generally categorized into three families: Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Pali Buddhism. While expanding and thriving within Chinese culture, Buddhism has greatly enriched the civilization of China. Many Buddhist terms have been integrated into modern Chinese language, serving people in their daily life and extending the power of expression.

The Forum’s five cultural exhibitions were: Buddhist Conditions in China – Chinese Buddhist Monastic Cultural Relics Exhibition; The Purified Human World – Buddhist Photography Exhibition; Superb Majesty – Chinese Buddhist Ceramic Art Exhibition; Brilliance of Holy Flower – Art Treasure Exhibition of Chinese Industrial Arts Masters; and Chinese Calligraphy and Zen Flavor – Zhao Puchu Calligraphy and Chinese Buddhist Painting and Calligraphy Art Exhibition.

The Cultural Relics Exhibition brought together and exhibited 170 Buddhist objects of past dynasties, including sutra, Dharma and monastic articles. In viewing these objects visitors gained insight into the cultural deposit of Chinese Buddhism and a greater understanding of the propagation and protection of Buddhist culture in China. The Art Treasure Exhibition brought together 150 works of Chinese state-class industrial arts masters in such categories as jade engraving, stone carving, wood carving, porcelain, lacquer ware, cloisonné, and glazed glass. In addition to traditional porcelain art works, the Ceramic Art Exhibition also showcased a dazzling variety of more modern designs, from Pattra-leaf scriptures to Buddha worship objects and temple decorations. The Buddhist Photography Exhibition, themed on “Lofty and Tranquility — Development in Harmony,” displayed 150 masterpieces of modern Chinese Buddhist photography, depicting the lives of the Han, Tibetan and Pali Buddhist faithful. The Calligraphy Art Exhibition featured calligraphy by Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China and a noted calligrapher, as well as the works of other celebrated calligraphers created for the 2nd WBF.

Collectively, these five exhibitions served as a cultural vehicle whereby forum participants and attendees could relish in the brilliance and beauty of Buddhism, and by which diverse cultures could converge and advance in a common good.