On September 19, 2014, Zhejiang Anti-cult Symposium was held in Hangzhou and the aim of this symposium was to clear up the sources, get to the bottom of problems, rectify the malpractices and preach the righteousness. Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order as well as Buddha’s Light International Association, lectured on the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism, and the Vice-chairman of the Buddhist Association of Zhejiang and Abbot of Lingyin Temple Master Guangquan presided at the symposium.
Deputy Party Secretary-General of Zhejiang Provincial Committee Wang Huizhong, delivered a welcome speech to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s visit to Zhejiang, which highlighted the promotion of righteous religions and social harmony. Venerable Master Hsing Yun remarked that religions needed to clear up the sources and rectify the malpractices while the society called for Humanistic Buddhism. He also pointed out the necessity of utilizing Buddhism to fit the needs of the modern world and to serve the community. The essence of Humanistic Buddhism lies in the belief in righteousness and integrity, family harmony, happy life, and a pure and beautiful mind. Hence, there will be uprightness instead of bias, brightness instead of darkness, and kindness instead of evilness. If the righteous religion gets promoted and broadcast, the cult naturally dies out. The Chairman of the Buddhist Association of Zhejiang and Abbot of Xuedou Temple Master Yizang, and the Vice-chairman of the Buddhist Association of Zhejiang and Abbot of Fayu Temple in Putuo Mountain Master Xinguang, both spoke on the distinction between righteous religions and cults as well as the features of cults. Abbot Guangquan gave a speech titled ＂The Social Practice of Buddhism in Zhejiang Promoting Righteousness and Integrity＂ and he summed up the contribution of Buddhism to Zhejiang since the founding of New China ---- the spirit of being dedicated to Buddhism and the country, and the active role in promoting economic and social development as well as preserving the harmony of the society.
Other venerable guests from Fo Guang Shan included Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s assistant Master Cihui, the Executive Office of Fo Guang Shan Foundation for Buddhist Culture and Education Master Ruchang, and the research fellow of Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism Master Miaofan. About 200 other venerable guests from government departments and organizations, universities and Buddhist temples, also participated in the symposium ---- the Deputy Executive Secretary-General of Zhejiang Provincial Committee Zhang Caifang, the Director of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee of Zhejiang Province Feng Zhili, the Chairman of Zhejiang Anti-cult Association Lou Zhilang, the Director of Zhejiang Provincial Taiwan Affairs Office Qiu Xiaoling, the Deputy Party Secretary-General of Hangzhou Municipal Committee Yang Xubiao, the Chief Librarian of Yangzhou Jianzhen Library Master Huikuan, to name just a few.
 

Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Abbot Guangquan at the symposium

 Abbot Guangquan greeting and welcoming Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Abbot Guangquan hosting the symposium and delivering a summary report

The Deputy Party Secretary-General of Zhejiang Provincial Committee Wang Huizhong delivering a speech

 Venerable Master Hsing Yun lecturing on the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism

 The symposium