1996 Keynote Speech: Equality and Peace By Venerable Master Hsing Yun (The Founder of Fo Guang Shan) 10/1/1996 Distinguished Guests and Members of the Buddha's Light International Association, first, let me welcome all of you to the 5th General Conference of the Buddha's Light International Association held here in this wonderful city. Paris is a symbol of peace and civilization. I am deeply grateful that so many of us have gathered here to take part in this very important convocation. Lasting peace has been the dream of civilizations throughout human history. In this violent and troubled century, which has produced so much war and fear, the dream of forging a lasting peace in the world has grown even more urgent. Our tragedy has been that those of us who are alive today continue to "use war to stop war." War does not stop war; it only brings more violence and pain into the world. There are many problems in the world today: the strong exploit the weak, some people are wealthy while others are poor, the world's races and religions are often at odds with each other, and throughout most of the world, both men and women are not treated equally. These conditions only lead to strife. That is why we say, "Discord arises out of unfair treatment." When people are not treated equally, there will always be complaints and conflict between them. For this reason, we have chosen "equality and peace" as the theme of this conference. I hope that everyone gathered here will take the twin ideals of equality and peace back to their communities with them. Through our concerted efforts, I am
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