HANGZHOU, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 6th International Daoism Forum concluded Friday in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, with a declaration calling for greater dialogue among civilizations, responsible use of technology and efforts to promote human well-being.
The declaration urged Daoist communities worldwide to build bridges among different faiths and cultures, promote the ethical development of digital technologies, and draw on traditional Daoist teachings to support physical and mental health.
It also called for upholding simplicity and traditional values, helping those in need, and training Daoist practitioners with international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills.
Yu Zongshi, vice president of the Daoist Association of China, and Fabrice Jordan, president of the Daoist Association of Switzerland, read out the declaration in Chinese and English, respectively, at the closing ceremony.
The forum brought together around 500 Daoist representatives, experts and scholars from 46 countries and regions, providing a platform for discussions on how the ancient Chinese religious and philosophical tradition can address contemporary challenges.
Under the theme "Cultivating Virtue Through the Dao, Fostering Harmony Under Heaven," participants discussed five topics, including the contemporary value and global transmission of Daoist culture, technological development, healthy living and talent cultivation.
Jointly hosted by the World Federation of Daoism and the China Religious Culture Communication Association, the forum also featured an exhibition of treasured Daoist classics and the federation's second general assembly.
The International Daoism Forum traces its origins to a gathering devoted to the Tao Te Ching, a foundational Daoist text, held in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province and Hong Kong in 2007. It has since developed into a platform for exchanges among Daoist communities worldwide. ■
