The Museum of World Religions, which will open its doors on Nov. 9, will not only collect the sacred texts, art and other materials from faiths around the globe, but will also serve as another attempt to bring religions together in dialogue and cooperation.
The Taiwan-based museum is similar to other recent efforts, such as the United Religions Initiative and the World Congress of Religions, in seeking to foster spiritual unity between denominations, only this time there is definite Buddhist inspiration in this endeavor. The museum is the creation of Zen Buddhist monk Hsain Tao, leader of a Taiwanese Buddhist monastery. Stretching over nearly 86,000 square feet, the $66 million museum will hold exhibits for children and adults, seminars with religious leaders and dance and music performances.
Hsin Tao says “I want this museum to serve as a safe haven and platform to facilitate dialogue, not just be a static place only for exhibitions. It will be a living entity where religious and spiritual leaders from around the world can meet to discuss and try to resolve differences.”
(Source: New Age magazine, November/December)