Shaolin culture came to UN Headquarters the first time and it was well received
On the evening of October 10, 2013 (local time in America), “The First North American Shaolin Cultural Festival and Shaolin Culture Comes to UN” was held in UN Headquarters, New York, USA. In the welcome dinner, Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin and the delegation were warmly received. After the welcome dinner, Shaolin Kungfu and Police Band in New York gave a brilliant performance together for UN officials, local government officials, the masses and overseas Chinese. Stephen Orlins, chairman of National Committee on United States-China Relations, Wang Yansheng, cultural counselor of Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York, Zeng Xiaohua, first secretary of Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the UN, Tagee Hamar, chairman of International NGO, Zhou Aiming, chairwoman of United Nations Culture and Sports Fund, Marisol and Akan Tana, New York City Councilman and ambassadors from various countries were present.
Ven. Abbot Yongxin happily talked with the UN officials
Mr. Orlins was very happy to receive Shaolin Cultural Delegation and he expressed welcome to Ven. Abbot Yongxin and the delegation on behalf of National Committee on United States-China Relations. Ven. Abbot Yongxin expressed appreciation to UN Headquarters for its praise and support to Shaolin culture. He indicated that “The First North American Shaolin Cultural Festival” was an important station in Shaolin cultural exchange trip and it would open a new chapter in Shaolin cultural exchange. “Every year, more than 200,000 foreign friends come to visit Shaolin Temple and hundreds of foreign disciples come to Shaolin Temple for practicing Kungfu and experiencing Shaolin Chan meditation. Shaolin Temple is world tangible cultural heritage approved by the UN. Shaolin culture and Shaolin spirit are the treasure for all mankind. “The First North American Shaolin Cultural Festival” can make more American friends know Shaolin Temple and understand Shaolin culture.” Ven. Abbot Yongxin said. He also mentioned that through the activity “Shaolin Culture Comes to UN”, the benevolent, equal, peaceful and harmonious philosophies of Shaolin culture will be taken to various countries in the world. Besides, it will contribute to world multicultural development and human peace.
Ven. Abbot Yongxin made an address
Mr. Hamar made an address
At the end of the activity, Ven. Abbot Yongxin presented Shaolin Temple Beneficence Tablets to the related organizations and individuals and hoped them pay more attention to Shaolin culture and Chinese culture. He sincerely invited the friends of various countries to come and visit Shaolin Temple.
Ven. Abbot Yongxin presented Shaolin Temple Beneficence Tablet to the UN
Entrusted UN official to pass the statue of Bodhidharma to secretary general Ban Ki- moon of UN
Ven. Abbot Yongxin presented Beneficence Tablet to Permanent Mission of the P.R.C to the UN
Ven. Abbot Yongxin presented Beneficence Tablet to Mr. Wang Yansheng
At 5:30 pm, the press conference for “Shaolin Culture Comes to UN” was held in US- China Sports Association. World Journal, the China Press, Sing Tao Daily, CCTV and other media attended the conference and had an interview with Ven. Abbot Yongxin.