China's top political advisor on Saturday urged Buddhist circles in different nations to promote dialogue between cultures and religions.
Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), wrote to congratulate the opening of the Fourth World Buddhist Forum held on Saturday in Wuxi City in east China's Jiangsu Province.
In his letter, Yu wrote that Buddhism is an example of two-way learning between cultures and important for peace and development.
Chinese Buddhist circles have contributed to a harmonious society by upholding and practicing the humanist philosophy of Buddhism, said Yu.
He called on world Buddhist communities to work together in interpreting Buddhist tenets and traditions as well as taking social responsibility in a manner that matches the times.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, foreign politicians and leaders of Buddhist organizations also sent congratulations to the event.
Jointly proposed by Buddhist communities in Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao in 2005, World Buddhist Forum was established as a platform for Buddhists to communicate and cooperate. This year's meeting attracted over 1,000 monks and scholars from 52 countries and regions.
