Abstract:
Zhao Puchu (趙樸初,1907-2000), a Buddhist layman (居士), was a leader of the Buddhist Association of China(中國佛教協會, BAC) since the 1950s. He had been active in Buddhist social welfare activities beginnng the 1930s and became one of the founders of the BAC in 1953. Zhao was also a poet and calligrapher of considerable renown. By the 1980s, he was much involved in international diplomacy, primarily in Buddhist countries in Asia, especially Japan; and in social and political reform in China, including the revival of Buddhism. Through his participation in Chinese social and political life, Zhao became strongly committed to enhancing the policy of religious freedom, strengthening religious participation in social service, and advocating social reform more generally.
Speaker:
Prof. Philip Wickeri
Brief Bio:
Professor of the History of Christianity and Advisor to the Archbishop on Theological and Historical Studies, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican-Episcopal) Church.