KIEV, May 22 -- The Chinese and Ukrainian experts on Monday held here a round-table meeting discussing the scientific, philosophical and religious aspects of Buddhism.
The discussion, which was held at the Institute of Philosophy at the National Academy of Science of Ukraine, brought together more than 30 philosophers, religious studies scholars, historians and Buddhist believers from the two countries.
Zheng Dui, the head of Chinese delegation of the Tibetan cultural exchange, said that the main aim of the discussion is to share the rich cultural and historical heritage of Buddhism with Ukrainian people.
"We have organized a delegation for cultural exchanges, which includes the representatives of the local government, scientists, and also a recognized living Buddha, to help Ukrainians better understand the special aspects of Tibetan Buddhism," Zheng told Xinhua.
Meanwhile, Anatoly Kolodny, president of the Ukrainian Association of Religious Scientists, said that Buddhism is gaining popularity in Ukraine as this philosophy is helping people build a harmonious society.
"In Buddhist practices, Ukrainian people have an opportunity to learn how to be tolerant to any person -- with other views, with a different lifestyle," Kolodny told Xinhua.
"There is a rivalry between different religious confessions in Ukraine, but there is no such a thing in Buddhism. The representatives of other religions must learn from Buddhism how to maintain friendly attitude towards everybody," he added.
Buddhism was introduced into Ukraine in late 1980's, when the first Buddhist monk visited Donetsk city in the east of the country.
In 1991, three Buddhist communities were registered in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk, Kharkov and Lugansk regions.
Currently, a total of 58 Buddhist communities are formally registered in Ukraine, but local religious scientists evaluate their actual number at more than 100 communities.
The total number of Buddhists in the East European country is estimated at about 5,000 people.
