Recently, I read with interest from newspapers that a meeting was called by the Buddhist fraternity to discuss reforms needed with a view to unifying all the Buddhist schools in Taiwan.

Amongst others, the topic discussed centered around forming a "Quan Guo Fo Jiao Zong Hui" - (National Buddhist Association.)

It was proposed that Buddhism in Taiwan should adapt the Vatican system by electing a Pope, empowering a Holy See and appointing Bishops to deal with all the religious matters.

If the plan is implemented, the image of unified Buddhists will be enhanced. Buddhists in Taiwan had created an infamous impression of infighting and parochialism over the past one hundred years .

Apart from many other Dharma masters, the following also spoke on the forum and gave their views:

Jin Xin , the elderly monk from Zhong Guo Fo Jiao Hui (The Chinese Buddhist Association)
Dharma Master Hong Yin from Fo Qing Wun Jiao Hui ( Young Buddhist Society on education and publication )
Dharma Master Jing Yao from Fo Qing Hui (Young Buddhist Society )

While rejoicing, I wanted to find out what the heavy weights in the Taiwan Buddhist Fraternity have to say about the proposals. I was sad to note that :

Xing Yun , the venerable master from Fo Guan Shan
Zheng Yan, the venerable mistress from Ci Ji charitable organization and,
Wei Jue the elderly monk from Zhong Tai Zan Si (Mid-Taiwan Zen Temple - which caused a furore lately ) were absent from the meeting; and they did not send any representatives to the forum.

In other words, the meeting was attended by a few vociferous unknowns .

Obviously the Chinese Buddhist Association has lost its influence after the attack by Fo Guan Shan ( Mount Buddha Light); and many other Buddhist organizations are still recuperating .

To me, the unification meeting was a waste of time as the key players did not participate.