When Master Hsin Tao began planning the ambitious and visionary idea of establishing a museum of world religions in 1989, he had done so in the spirit of an Avatamsaka world: “The world of Tenzones is visible when all Buddhas put forth their forces. Like a net of pearls, together they shine and bask in the light of each other. Together we layer ourselves upon each other and there is no end.” That is the spirit behind the establishment of the museum, and is concretely presented as “Respect for all faiths, tolerance for all cultures, and love for all life.” The establishment of the Museum of World Religions is to allow different religions to understand each other under a common platform, to decrease conflicts, and to further enhance the respect and awe of each our differences as we strive towards “love and peace” and “the world as one.”

To celebrate the museum in November 2011, the Museum of World Religions in collaboration with the Beijing Capital Museum will be holding an exhibition entitled: “An Avatamsaka World of Wisdom─ Buddhist Art from the Beijing Capital Museum”. Each and every piece displayed is a classic work of art filled with the seeds of wisdom, like a miniature epitome of the Avatamsaka World. It will be a beautiful celebration of two museums exchanging and exhibiting classic collectibles, and through this, let us decompress and return to the very core spirit of the establishment of this museum and continue to look forward toward the next ten years.

The hundred pieces from the Beijing Capital Museum combined with the heritage of Buddhism include a range of Chinese and Tibetan treasures and collectible luxury pieces in all shapes, sizes, styles and types. Not only does this feat reflect the tolerance of the Buddhism Art of China, it further builds a magnificent world of compassion and wisdom. In 2012, the Museum of World Religions has planned a themed-exhibit that displays local characteristics that will be exhibited in the Capital Museum. By using exhibits as the platform of cooperation on both ends, deep-rooted cultural and artistic aesthetics are wholly displayed. There are also plans to hold cultural seminars, publications and other promotional events to coincide with the theme of the exhibits, and to enhance the interaction between religious culture, arts and museum professionalism.

As Master Guan Taoqi put it, “A world in a single flower; a buddha in a single leaf.” In the view of Avatamsaka (Huayan), the 102 objects of Buddhist art presented in this exhibition are like a single flower or leaf. In addition to their profound religious significance and unrivalled aesthetic value, they also contain a wealth of information about the culture, economics, and history. We sincerely hope that in addition to providing insight into Buddhist history and culture, this exhibition also imparts some of the peace and sacred majesty at the heart of Buddhism.