The Deputy director of the Economic Commission at the China Association for Promoting Democracy, Wang Lin explored the role of Mount Wutai in enlightening and inspiring people during a trip to the renowned Buddhist scenic spot in North China’s Shanxi province on Dec 9 and 10.
The inspection visit was organized by the CAPD Shanxi committee. Also in the delegation were Wang Zhiwei and Shi Run, both professors at the Research Center of Modern Management at Hunan International Economics University.
They were briefed by local officials on Mount Wutai’s function as one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, watched videos of its historic relics and held in-depth discussions with representatives of the mountain’s administrative committee as well as Buddhist monks, hotel managers and travel agents.
Among a total of 73 sites of religious activities at Mount Wutai, five of them are under state protection, namely Xiantong Temple, Bodhisattva Top, Tayuan Temple, Bishan Temple, Luohou Temple, and five under provincial protection – Yuanzhao Temple, Shuxiang Temple, Jinge Temple, Nanshan Temple and Longquan Temple.
More than 2,000 monks are permanent residents at the mountain with 240 of them from non-Han ethnic groups. There are usually some 2,000 visiting monks in summer.
Mount Wutai’s administrative committee has spent more than 50 million yuan ($8.14 million) in various charitable activities, such as road construction, financing education and helping in disaster relief efforts.
In addition, lectures are organized each year to boost Buddhist development and young monks are selected to participate in exchanges to improve their understanding of Buddhism.
Wang Lin proposed a series of constructive suggestions about tourism development, unity among different ethnic groups, religious harmony, and political stability, as well as religious development in a socialist society.
The delegation also visited the Buddhist Association of Mount Wutai and such temples as Shifang Hall.
