Zhu Weiqun, deputy head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, reads the congratulatory letter sent by Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, at the opening ceremony of the Third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong, south China, April 26, 2012. The Third World Buddhist Forum opened here Thursday with more than 1,000 Buddhist monks and scholars from over 50 countries and regions discussing the role of Buddhism in the construction of a harmonious society and peaceful world. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu delivers a keynote speech at the Third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong, south China, April 26, 2012. The Third World Buddhist Forum opened here Thursday with more than 1,000 Buddhist monks and scholars from over 50 countries and regions discussing the role of Buddhism in the construction of a harmonious society and peaceful world. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
President of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association Kok Kwong (3rd R, front), President of the Buddhist Association of China Chuan Yin (2nd L, front) and the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu (1st R, front) bow three times to the statue of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha at the opening ceremony of the Third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong, south China, April 26, 2012. The Third World Buddhist Forum opened here Thursday with more than 1,000 Buddhist monks and scholars from over 50 countries and regions discussing the role of Buddhism in the construction of a harmonious society and peaceful world. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Monks and nuns attend the opening ceremony of the Third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong, south China, April 26, 2012. The Third World Buddhist Forum opened here Thursday with more than 1,000 Buddhist monks and scholars from over 50 countries and regions discussing the role of Buddhism in the construction of a harmonious society and peaceful world. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
