Macao Foundation
Golden Eminence: Treasures from the Palace Museum and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is being hosted at the Macao Museum of Art (MAM), providing an opportunity for Macao residents and tourists to better understand Tibetan Buddhism. The Macao Foundation is delighted to be a part of this event.
The Qing dynasty aimed to strengthen and consolidate the unification of the country’s multi- ethnic groups. Therefore, the court advocated a strategy of ruling the outer regions, which involved ‘rectifying the political systems and religions of the outer regions without changing their customs and ways of life’. According to this strategy, Emperor Qianlong even introduced the policy of ‘appeasing the Mongolians by advocating the Yellow Hat sect (the Gelug lineage)’. The court highly respected the Gelug lineage, leaving a profound historical impact. This approach promoted the country’s stability and peace among ethnic groups.
In the 21st century, amidst turbulent international affairs, the world is facing significant changes that are rarely seen in a century. While the Chinese nation is ushering in an era of rejuvenation, we must remember the theory advocated by our General Secretary, Xi Jinping, which emphasised ‘forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation’. It lays the foundation for the unity and national spirit of the country’s multi-ethnic groups. Tibetan Buddhism is one of the pillars of Chinese culture, serving as an important part of the Chinese Buddhist system. It has formed a distinctive cultural character through the development of its lineages, the succession of tantric practices, the rituals and etiquettes, the reincarnations of living Buddhas, the education in monasteries and temples, as well as the scriptures and documents. According to our General Secretary Xi Jinping, all ethnic groups have contributed in the development of our vast territory and written our history. All ethnic groups have also created our splendid culture and cultivated our great spirit. Thus, understanding Tibetan Buddhism through cultural relics is the foundation for understanding the eclectic and inclusive nature of Chinese culture. It also helps us to comprehend the unity of multi-ethnic groups within the Chinese nation and builds a solid sense of community for our nation.
Macao Foundation continuously supports and promotes cultural exchanges between Macao and Tibet, seeking to establish connections between their respective art circles. In 2011, the Foundation organised a cultural exchange trip for Macao artists to visit Tibet. Through visiting exhibitions and observing local customs, the participating artists brought the art of Macao, a coastal city in the South, to the beautiful mountains and plateaus in Tibet, fostering intercultural friendships with the fellow artists. Since then, numerous art and photography exhibitions have been organised in Macao and Tibet, vitalising the creative atmosphere and strengthening friendships. The Foundation will continue to promote China’s excellent culture and the national spirit, upholding fundamental principles while breaking new ground and passing on historical connections to future generations.
Wu Zhiliang
President of the Administrative Council of the Macao Foundation