With the Focolare Movement from Italy visiting DDM, the Abbot President Introduced the Dharma Lineage to Deepen Mutual Understanding

On the morning of March 20^th, Mr. Antonio Salimbeni and Ms. Rita Moussallem, representatives of the Focolare Movement's Center for Interreligious Dialogue (CDI) in Asia, visited Venerable Guo Huei (果暉法師), the Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), at the DDM World Center for Buddhist Education. Accompanying them were Professor Hu Kung-tze (胡功澤教授), head of the Focolare Movement in Taiwan; Professor Brian Reynolds, head of the Focolare Movement in East Asia; Shao Yan-ling (邵燕玲) and Calri Kim, core members of the Focolare Movement; and Fr. Edi Foschiatto, sx (王敬仁神父), Director of St. Francis Xavier Parish. In addition, they visited Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts (DILA) to meet with Professor Chen Ting-ming (陳定銘), the President of DILA; Professor Teng Wei-jen (鄧偉仁), Dean of the Department of Buddhist Studies; Professor Chuang Kuo-pin (莊國彬), Dean for Academic Affairs; Professor Matthew Orsborn, Head of the Division of the International Affairs; Venerable Yan Dao (演道法師), Dean for Student Affairs of Dharma Drum Sangha University (DDSU); and Venerable Chang Ge (常格法師) of DDSU.

The Focolare Movement, a Catholic organization formed by the laity, is highly valued by the Pope and shares a deep connection with Dharma Drum Mountain. In addition to its multiple visits, the Focolare Movement has co-organized interreligious conferences with DILA. This was Mr. Salimbeni's first visit to DDM. After a conversation over tea, the Abbot President gave a guided tour of the Founding History Memorial Hall and introduced the virtues of the founder, Master Sheng Yen, as well as the Dharma lineage of Dharma Drum Mountain.

The accompanying guest, Professor Hu Kung-tze, recalled that when, over ten years ago, he was pondering how to start a interreligious dialogue, he had met with Venerable Guo Yuan (果元法師), the then Managing Director of DDM Chan Practice Center. Later, after attending a conference on interreligious dialogues in Rome, the Venerable had been deeply impressed by the openness of the Focolare Movement, which had further strengthened the friendship and co-operation between the two parties.

During the meeting, both sides discussed global issues and challenges, such as the phenomenon of de-religionization, the application of AI, and extreme weather events. The meeting commenced with Professor Teng Wei-jen explaining that, in the process of modernization, Chinese Buddhism is also trying to actively respond to and participate in the surrounding society. With this intention, DILA has not only begun to plan relevant courses and research, but will also establish a center for Chinese Chan studies in August this year. Its establishment is intended to promote Chan and settle people's minds through incorporating Chan meditation with psychology and neuroscience.

"Religious life and social life should be closely integrated. While holding our religious beliefs, we can also contribute to society. This is the meaning and value of the existence of religion," said Mr. Salimbeni. He indicated that the Focolare Movement has long promoted the Economy of Communion (EOC), and has also facilitated intercultural interaction through student exchange programs, which have, in turn, opened students' horizons and enriched their lives. Therefore, he is looking forward to further educational co-operation with DILA in the future.

Ms. Moussallem, who has been travelling around the world for interreligious exchanges for many years, also mentioned that the modern youth generally do not have religious beliefs, but they long for spiritual sustenance. "All of us here have found the strength to settle ourselves, and this is an opportunity for cooperation. With the joined hands of different religions, the power will be even greater, which will not only help the next generation to find peace in themselves, but also promote harmony in the world".

Besides formal meetings, in conversation over the meal, both sides also took the opportunity to learn about the operation and religious life of each other. The sincere interaction and sharing made both parties cherish even more the opportunities to have interreligious exchanges and co-operation, with the sincere desire this sharing spreads more hope globally. 



Original text written in Chinese by Venerable Yan Wen (演穩法師)
Photos provided by Li, Jia-Chun (李佳純)
Translated by Siang-ling Li
Edited by YKL, Keith Brown