The lecture given by Master Shi Benxing [Photo/ptnet.cn]

The 8th Cross-Straits Guoxue Lecture, themed “Cultural Integration and Mind Conjunction: New Realm of Exchanges for Zen Studies across the Taiwan Straits in the New Era”, was given by Master Shi Benxing, standing council member of the Buddhist Association of China and president of Fujian Buddhist College on Feb 25 in Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, Chinese mainland’s closest neighbor of Taiwan.

The scene of the 8th Cross-Straits Guoxue Lecture [Photo/ptnet.cn]

Live streams of the lecture on social media platforms attracted more than 1.8 million viewers online.

Master Shi Benxing expounded his perspective on the Zen culture. Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism as the three core elements of Guoxue, or traditional Chinese studies, should play their due roles in merging together.

“The Five Precepts in Buddhism are in parallel with Benevolence (仁), Righteousness (义), Manners (礼), Wisdom (智) and Credit (信)in Confucianism. No killing is Benevolence. No stealing equates with Righteousness. No sexual misconduct is equivalent to Manners. No drinking is up to Wisdom. No lying is equal to Credit .”

He believes that Buddhism across the Taiwan Straits shares the same root in doctrine, patriarch, and ancestral temple.

“For example, the style and function of the monastic architectures from across the Straits can be traced back to dozens of Bodhimandas in Fujian and Jiangxi provinces built by the Zen master Matsu.”

How can cultures and minds come together effectively across the Taiwan Straits? For Chinese mainland and Taiwan, Master Shi Benxing feels that both sides of the Straits have a lot in common in Guoxue. Pingtan should give full play to advantages in its unique geographical location and preferential policies, coupled with the enthusiasm of Pingtan natives, so as to promote the academic, cultural and religious integration across the Taiwan Straits. He also suggested that a cultural exchange base for Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism be created in Pingtan.

Master Shi Benxing answering questions from audience [Photo/ptnet.cn]

Following the lecture, Master Shi Benxing  took a few questions from netizens and audience.

One netizen sought Buddhist solutions to calm mind amidst stressful living tempo because he believed most people are suffering from simmering anxiety.

Master Shi Benxing  responded with the right life values. By purifying our body and mind, staying in awe, and rediscovering a symbiosis which is harmonious, compassionate, hardworking and thrifty, we can live in a peaceful state of mind.