www.koreanbuddhism.net, October 24, 2006

Beijing, China -- Ban Ki-moon, the next Secretary-General of the United Nations visited Ven. Zhiguan at the meeting room of Memorial Hall of Korean Buddhism. Ven. Zhiguan, the chairman of Korea Buddhist Association welcomed Ban warmly.

 

Ven. Zhiguan said: "A Korean can be elected as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations by supports from all sides is a great honor to the Republic of Korea." Ban Ki-moon replied: "By grace of the best wishes and prayers from my motherland, I could eventually take the high position." He also said he is extremely grateful to Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism for its support and welcome.

 

As everyone knows, Ban Ki-moon is a devout Buddhist. His mother is an adherent of a Korean Buddhist temple for 50 years; his deceased father's name panel is placed at that temple; and his wife usually visited the very same temple to learn and practice Buddhist Dharma.

 

Ban Ki-moon recalled: "My dear mother went to temple everyday for all her life. I was influenced by her; I came close to Buddhism from my childhood, and I learned the valuable moral principle of accumulating merits through charitable deeds."

 

Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon pointed out: "Launching dialog amidst different civilizations and religions will surely make an enormous contribution to world peace."

 

Ven. Zhiguan agreed with Ban's opinion.

 

After their conversion, Ven. Zhiguan presented precious Buddhist gifts to Ban Ki-moon, and Ban said: "I will enshrine and worship Buddha in official mansion, and eagerly introducing the marvelous culture of Korean Buddhism to foreign distinguished guests."   [Translator: Wang Xinyu   News in Chinese]