China to Build Harmonious Society with Wisdom of Taoism

April 22, 2007

Source: CCTV

http://www.cctv.com/english/20070423/103799.shtml

XI'AN, April 22 (Xinhua) -- China's high-ranking officials have called for adopting the wisdom of ancient Taoism to build a harmonious society.

Tao Te Ching, or the Classic of the Way and Virtue, was written by Lao Zi about 2,500 years ago, around the time when Buddha was expounding the Dharma in India and Pythagoras was teaching in Greece.

"It is not only a precious gem in the treasure house of Chinese culture but a common spiritual wealth of the mankind," said China's senior official Jia Qinglin at a congratulatory message to the International Forum on Tao Te Ching, which started Sunday in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The principle of being modest and peaceful in the book would provide an inspiring reference to China's ongoing construction of a harmonious society, said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).