The Amitabha Buddhist Societies' Political Guidelines

The Amitabha Buddhist Societies around the world function independently of each other.  They adhere to the cardinal principle of "Focusing solely on propagating the Buddha’s teachings through education without engaging in any other activities".  Although functioning independently, they follow the same guidelines regarding non-involvement in political activities:

1. There is to be no participation or discussion of government or political affairs, no joining any form of political parties and no activities of a political nature.
2. There is to be no forming of an association or conducting a meeting illegally.  No mass rallies or demonstrations are to be held.
3. There is to be no sanctioning of any kind of activity, which could disrupt or break up a country.
4. Support the task of unifying a country as well as any actions that create a harmonious relationship among races, religions, cultures and counties.
5. Attend meetings such as ‘The World Conference on Religion and Peace’ and other similar conferences.  Introducing Master Chin Kung’s viewpoints on ‘Buddhism as an Education’ to religious and academic leaders.  No statements opposing any organization are to be issued.
6. Advocate peaceful means to solve the problems among different races, religions and countries though communication, negotiations etc. or any peaceful and non-partisan way.
7. Encourage all people to cooperate in the pursuit of "International multicultural education".
8. Advocate and demonstrate ways of living that respect and protect living beings, the environment and natural resources and that maintain the ecological balance.
9. Advocate that groups preserve, honor and pass on to future generations cultural traditions.  Furthermore races, religions, countries and individuals seek the common ground and lay aside their differences to learn from and help each other.
10. Strengthen and foster rapport and friendship among different groups.

The Independent Management System

There are more than fifty Amitabha Buddhist Societies around the world, all run independently.  Master Chin Kung does not support establishing one general leadership committee to issue orders to others, or to control others’ personnel administration or financial policies.  In contrast, he sincerely hopes that all the Amitabha Buddhist Societies will help and cooperate with each other and to always be Dharma brothers.  He also deeply wishes that all fellow practitioners emphasize practice not theory and serve as a good role model for all.  To do this is to propagate the Buddha’s teachings and introduce the Pure Land method to people around the world.  The following are the management guidelines for all of the Amitabha Buddhist Societies:

1. All societies will organize activities according to local and state laws and policies.
2. All societies will sincerely follow Buddha’s guidelines and teachings.
3. All societies are independent, having no affiliation with any international organizations.
4. All the boards and directors of the Amitabha Buddhist Societies are democratically elected by their own members.  Additionally, local citizens are to hold these positions.  All procedures are to follow local customs
5. Generally, Master Chin Kung is invited to be a permanent advisor to the Amitabha Buddhist Societies.