From Chimney to Lighthouse
September 21, 2001
Master Ching Hsin, Distinguished participants and guests, ladies and gentlemen:
It is my distinct honor to be here with you today for the ceremony of “Prayer for World Peace,” while observing the second anniversary of the Earthquake. On September 21 1999, a powerful earthquake struck Taiwan, causing a tremendous loss of human lives and property. Just barely three days ago, also in September, Typhoon Nari caused floods and mudslides throughout the island, resulting in the loss of scores of human lives and in incalculable damage to Taiwan’s economy. On September 11, just several days before Typhoon Nari arrived in Taiwan, four commercial airliners were hijacked and intentionally crashed onto World Trade Centers and Pentagon in the United States. This heinous crime showed that a catastrophe could be caused by agents of modern civilization—modern aircraft and trained, skillful pilots.
These recent calamities in Taiwan and the United States have demonstrated that while science may contribute to modern life, it cannot shield us completely from the pain and suffering caused by Mother Nature, nor can it guarantee that mankind acts in a humane or civilized way. Since the age of Enlightenment in the 18th century, the role of religion has taken a back seat to reason and science. Today, the developmental gaps between science and the humanities, between egotism and altruism are growing wider and farther. And, the most dismal effect is a human condition where most human beings can find no good way to salvation, particularly when they suffer from the havoc wreaked by Mother Nature and modern scientific technology.
To say so, I do not mean that humans should forsake scientific spirit and exclusively believe in the panacea of religion. Instead, human beings should understand that religion and science should be complementary to each other and that overweening worship in either science or religion would not be a right why of human life.
It is difficult to find a balanced meeting point between the two. Although science can enlighten the world through controlled experiment, it cannot answer such fundamental questions as “who are we,” “why are we here,” and “What are we supposed to do as human beings?” Here, I believe that religion can serve a very positive function and help humans find the purpose of life and good ways in which to live.
It is not difficult to demonstrate that enlightened religion can serve as a crucial medium of social progress and civilization. In fact, the teachings and cardinal principles of almost all religions, though different in origin and degree, are designed to help each person discover their “inner good,” and the ultimate good of the global community. And, love is the most essential key to attaining these ends.
Hinduism tries to make humans truly human. It is a religion that encourages people to clear up the ills and evils in order to make way for the light of a “loving heart” within to radiate in full display. The YOGA of knowledge vividly reveals that life is powered less by reason than by emotion, the strongest of which is love, the love that lies at the base of every heart.
Confucius teaches the virtue of Zen (仁), which is practically equal to the inclination to love others, the capacity to “measure the feelings of others by one’s own.”
Islam’s preaching tells us that, “there is a means of polishing all things whereby rust may be removed. That which polishes the heart is the invocation of Allah.” The opening of Koran even teaches people to “walk the straight path,” which can mean that people should harbor a good loving heart, and should not be crooked and corrupt.
Buddhism teaches love and compassion for other living things. The essence of Christianity is “philanthropy” and its Gospels are full of accounts that epitomize Jesus’ life.” One inspirational description about Jesus is that “He Went About Doing Good.”
As noted, most religions uphold the ingredient of love, which is substantially demonstrated through altruism, philanthropy, and “doing good to others.” Through love, religions function as soothing bridges and cushions between hard-fact science and spiritual civilization, between the fortunate and unfortunate, and between the rich and the poor.
Science, however powerful and omnipotent, cannot overcome the destruction of natural disasters. Without love, science can be exploited to eliminate not only mankind’s spiritual civilizations, but also human beings themselves. Since the new government of Taiwan came to power last May, I have advanced the idea of “Soft Power,” by which I mean democracy, human rights, high technology, peace and love. The universal values of democracy, human rights, peace, and love are all important factors impelling society toward a state of “co-existence and co-prosperity.” And, I emphasize that the objective of “high technology” in a new era should be aimed at serving, instead of enslaving humans, considering as a vital priority the “symbiosis” between people, and between humans and the environment.
Indeed, Taiwan’s soft power, particularly love and peace, would very much find resonance with the objective of today’s “World Peace through Religious Cooperation.” It is through the practice of love that we witness the influence of soft power. Since late last year, I initiated a series of humanitarian campaigns to help people who are needed in Latin America, El Salvador, Tibet, and India. And just recently, five Nobel Peace Laureates, parliamentarians from around the world, UN-NGOs, distinguished scholars and guests convened here in Taipei to take part in the historic “Global Peace Assembly.” We understand that as long as we harbor a belief of “love without borders” and “peace without boundaries,” and employ the soft power to the advantage of the world, the influence of Taiwan can be extended without limit.
Ladies and gentlemen, all great things that have happened in this world start with a loving and caring heart. It is the willingness to take an extra step and to spend extra time to care for the people around us that makes this world a better place to live. Apathy is the accomplice of all crimes. For the past few days, we have seen religions of different sorts gather and cooperate in the cause of world peace via the passage of love. This very love is much required not only for victims of the earthquake two years ago, but for those suffering from the aftermath of Typhoon Nari or the World Trade Center and Pentagon. With heartfelt love, I believe that we can turn a chimney, full of dust, dirt, and mud, into a lighthouse that always lights for others.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, with a strong faith in cooperation and love, may we, on the one hand, pray for world peace, and pray for those friends and families that suffered from the September 21st Earthquake, the recent Typhoon Nari Disaster, or the terrorist acts in the United States. On the other hand, we humans have to scientifically understand the “Green House” effect that has caused the Nari disaster. On this special occasion, we are also hoping that 18 world religious leaders at present today may employ your wisdom of love, mercy and justice to alleviate the current tensions between the United States and other Islamic nations. Thank you.