The founder of Toowoomba’s Pure Land Learning College says education can play a part in peace, and hopes to build a new university in the garden city to prove it.
Toowoomba is a city well-known for its educational facilities and culturally diverse population. Eighty-seven-year-old Buddhist monk Master Chin Kung wants to combine the two in establishing what he calls a “multifaith university.”
Visiting Toowoomba this week, and speaking through an interpreter, the Buddhist Master says he has attended “many” UN organised peace conferences around the world.
“Most of the experts and scholars are not confident about achieving lasting peace for the world,” he said.
“I deeply felt we need a point of demonstration so I went back to my home in China, and started an experimental project to promote peace and harmony.
“It was very successful, so now we are in Toowoomba and it is my wish to start something similar here.”
He says dialogue between religious faiths is very important.
“In order for us to facilitate mutual understanding we need to have more forums and conferences,” he said.
“In my vision I hope to see a university, as well as a five-star hotel.
“The hotel will have a big enough space to accommodate guests from overseas and hold forums,”
It’s an ambitious plan, with no set date for construction, but Master Chin Kung believes his model for a multifaith university is different enough to set it apart from existing educational institutions.
“Every religion should be the head of one school,” he said.
“You may belong to a different denomination or faith, but you’ll all be classmates. That’s the ultimate vision.”
Master Chin Kung says Toowoomba is the right city for his vision.
“There are many different ethnic groups in Toowoomba,” he said.
“We have many different major faiths here too.
“It would be wonderful if we can help build a model city of peace and harmony.”
