Opening Speech by Dharma Master Hsin Tao

Opening Speech  

Dharma Master Hsin Tao   

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed advisors, professors, and students, greetings to you all! 

Today marks the commencement of the "4th University for Life and Peace Winter School," and it brings me great joy to see both new and returning students coming together online to delve deep into the study and discussion of ecological issues. I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated teachers who are nurturing the seeds of spirituality with wisdom and compassion. I believe that this connection will generate a tremendous positive force to address climate and ecological problems. 

Currently, governments, businesses, and the technology sector worldwide are taking action to combat climate change and ecological destruction. The United Nations' annual Climate Framework Convention (COP) meetings aim to find ways to slow down climate deterioration. However, no matter how many policies, financial resources, and technological advancements are in place, if we fail to recognize that the fundamental solution lies in humanity's spiritual awakening, we will only be addressing the symptoms and not the root causes. Future issues arising from technologies like AI and the metaverse will also need to be confronted and resolved at their core. 

Spirituality is the essence of everything, akin to the DNA that shapes all living things. All life adheres to spirituality, growing and propagating in accordance with the changing seasons, each with its unique characteristics and roles, nurturing one another, and harmoniously composing diverse ecosystems. "Spirituality is ecology, everything is the same spirituality, and spirituality and ecology are one." The relationship between humans and the natural world should be one of diverse coexistence, mutual dependence, and mutual support rather than exploitation. Only by truly understanding the connection between humans and the environment, adhering to the principles of "respecting the value of all species' existence, providing space for each other's survival, and sharing the outcomes of life together," can we find effective methods through spirituality to drive concrete reform actions and restore the Earth's ecology to its natural balance. 

So, during this winter school, we hope that all of you will truly comprehend the relationship between spirituality and ecology and find genuine solutions to the issues at hand. In the previous three courses, we delved into the core concepts of "spiritual ecology" and "life and peace." This year, we will approach the climate crisis and ecological transformation from the practical and professional perspectives of psychology, society, and technology. 

The lineup for this year's winter school is exceptionally strong, with top educators and outstanding students from 11 countries. We owe this to the efforts of Dr. Michael von Brück and his team. Dr. von Brück is a dear friend of mine, and his expertise and commitment to ecological issues are truly commendable. I believe that under his careful guidance, we will generate valuable insights and action plans. 

In early November, I will be invited to attend the pre-COP28 meeting in Abu Dhabi, where I will present my views and call for the spiritual awakening of humanity as the fundamental solution to saving the Earth's ecology. Here, I also hope to inspire all of you with this vision, as we work together towards the goal of "spiritual awakening and ecological transformation." 

In closing, I wish everyone a joyful and enlightening learning experience in the realm of spirituality, may your lives be filled with wisdom and compassion. Gratitude and may all beings be blessed. Amitabha Buddha! 

Dharma Master Hsin Tao 

Founder, Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society 

Museum of World Religions  

University for Life and Peace