¡@¡@I am very happy to be invited to speak at the Third Chung-hwa International Conference on Buddhism, jointly sponsored by the Dharma Drum Mountain Cultural and Educational Foundation and the Chung-hwa Institute for Buddhist Studies, First, let me extend, to the international scholars and religious leaders who have come from afar, a sincere welcome on behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of China.

¡@¡@Master Sheng-yen is a person who is well-admired. He not only presides over the Dharma Drum Mountain Cultural and Educational Foundation, but also, is the founder of the Chung-hwa Institute for Buddhist Studies. In the past decades, he has devoted his life to adhering to the true teachings of the Buddhist sutras and constructing the ideal of Pure Land in this world. He steadfastly guides his followers toward having a correct philosophy of life and has made outstanding contributions to promote a favorable and peaceful society.

¡@¡@With its sweeping constructions these past few years and through the efforts of its people, the Republic of China has forged a new frontier, Not only is our economy flourishing, but our people are prosperous. More importantly, we have realized the ideal of sovereignty of the people, have won international recognition and acclaim for our efforts, and have firmly established a new status for the Republic of China in the world community. With the advent of political democracy, unwelcome problems have surfaced in society. Our citizens enjoy rights of freedom and an open social environment; their free will is fully respected, albeit with some missteps. Specifically, although economic development provided the catalyst for democracy, it has fostered the rise of materialistic cravings. The excessive pursuit of material comforts undoubtedly leads to the deprivation of spiritual life. If we cannot promptly correct this phenomenon, then in time, it will develop into serious social malaise, such as the decline in public morality, and the unsettling of value concepts. These social ailments also obstruct the progress of national construction, thereby, adversely affecting the future development of our country.

¡@¡@The most significant cause for the social degeneration lies in the manifestation of these problems in human spirit. For this reason, the path to salvation must originate from spiritual reform. Therefore, I have promoted spiritual reform in the hope of creating new opportunities for elevating public morality and building a favorable and peaceful society.

¡@¡@Everybody knows that religious belief lifts and gives comfort to the human spirit. The edification of religious doctrines and observances cultivates spirit, affirms humanity, and fully reflects the significance of life. Therefore, the orthodox religions become an important force in society to ensure stability, harmony and progress. I deeply believe that in this day and age, religion is an indispensable impetus for spiritual reform. I would also like to express my admiration and gratitude to Master Shen-yen for his many efforts and accomplishments in this area, and especially for his recent participation in the "Pledge for Spiritual Reform" project.

¡@¡@All participants in and organizers of this international conference on The "Earthly" Pure Land and Contemporary Society deserve to be commended for your eager involvement in rectifying society based upon your embrace of the Buddhist ideal of a pure world. The valuable conclusions drawn from your collective opinions and fervent discussions will have deep and far-reaching influence in propagating the Buddhist spirit and purifying public morality.

¡@¡@Lastly, I wish success to the conference and good health and happiness to all. Thank you.