Thousands of people crowded into the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to listen to Living Buddhas' blessing yesterday morning.

At an event of the week-long "China Tibetan Cultural Week" activities, eight Living Buddhas from remote Tibet, during their first ever visit to the SAR, chanted sutras from the bottom of their hearts to wish for the prosperity and stability of the territory.

Buddhism is deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and has influenced local people very much, said a Hong Kong's Buddhist leader.

"Buddhism has accelerated the development of Tibetan culture. As Buddhism and its teachings spread in Tibet, the Tibetan script was enriched and improved. Buddhist concepts such as the 'six cycles of beings', 'boundless universe', 'the four great worlds', which focus on spiritual enlightenment, have greatly impacted on Tibetan language and culture," said the Venerable Kok Kwong, president of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association.

Kok said the proliferation of Buddhism had also helped to foster the development of art, architecture and sculpture in Tibet.

"With Buddhism becoming popular in the region, Buddhist artworks, sculpture and architecture were displayed in many temples and monasteries, while the Buddihist doctrines had permeated the masses."

The cultural week opened on Friday and features various cultural activities, including a series of Buddhist rituals and exhibitions.

Local academics and Buddhist masters will also discuss with the Living Buddhas the theme of "the construction of a harmonious society", Kok said.

A Buddhist ritual will also be performed by ten Living Buddhas this Thurday and tickets will be free of charge. About 3,000 tickets have already been provided, he added.

During the week, rare Tibetan relics including Tibetan sculpture and scroll paintings will be displayed.

Jointly organized by the Information Office of the State Council, the central government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong and the People's Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the seven-day event includes cultural programmes and various seminars on Buddhism, along with other cultural exhibits.

(HK Edition 07/18/2005 page1)