法界佛教總會（以下簡稱「法總」）在萬佛城內東邊，預備建立「國際哲學倫理研究院」，目前正準備向當地住眾與曼都仙諾郡計劃委員會提案。本研究院將是佛教由印度傳中國，再傳西方的三千年旅程中一個延續站。
關於這塊預定工程地，本會第一次在一九九一年提出「環境影響報告」，為當時關切農業者與鄰居所反對。曼都仙諾郡監督董事會要求法總能有所妥協，此後幾次會議中上人對此計劃作了大幅度調整，包括建築物的高度與面積，預定地也由東邊馬路向裡退，終於與鄰居農友們達成了協議。
不幸，協議達成後不久上人人涅槃，在傳統的三年喪期間，這項計劃的後續工作因此暫停。這次在經過兩年與政府部門共同準備，法總現在很高興再次積極投入這項工作，來實現上人的理想——創造一所國際性的哲學倫理研究院。
希望在今後半年內本計劃能得到許可，法總曾經花了一番功夫尋找一家合適的建築公司，不但要有技術有能力來承包，並且要瞭解我們的目標與理想，來設計這個工程。政府許可本計劃案後，下階段就是建築計劃的詳細設計了。
目前校園預定為卅三萬平方呎，包括容納萬人的佛殿兼講堂、小型教室與講法室、行政辦公室、圖書館、齋堂、教職員學生宿舍、僧團寮房，包括方丈室。
以上人的國際宏觀，與法總國際性的成員，這所研究院預期將是佛教在西半球最重要的里程碑之一，不過還須靠大家支持合作，工程才能順利完成。
工程第一階段——地點的通過，將近完成，萬佛聖城為此特地舉辦了一次與鄰居的預備會議（一月二十二日星期一晚，客房），約五十人出席。會中展示許多像片圖表等物，藉以說明並回答問題。我們希望和鄰居們還會有幾次會議，以便工程的計劃發展能和諧進行。 |
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Dharma Realm Buddhist Association's new Environmental Impact Report on the proposed site of the International Institute for Philosophy and Ethics, which is slightly east of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, is now ready to present to the public and the Mendocino Planning Commission. The International Institute will be a continuation of Buddhism's three thousand year journey from India to China to the West.
The first Environmental Impact Report on the proposed site, prepared in 1991, was opposed by those with agricultural concerns and others in the neighborhood. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors asked Dharma Realm Buddhist Association to work out a compromise. In the subsequent meetings held for that purpose, the Venerable Master worked with those neighbors and friends of agriculture to reach a consensus that included a significant reduction of the height and size of the buildings and a relocation of the proposed site further back from the eastern road.
Unfortunately, the Venerable Master fell ill soon after those compromises were agreed upon, and, with the Master's nirvana, further activity on the project was suspended during a period of traditional mourning that lasted three years. Now, after two years of preparation in conjunction with appropriate government departments, members of this association are happy to once again be actively involved in realizing the Master's vision for an International Institute of Philosophy and Ethics.
Hoping to gain approval within the next six months, Dharma Realm Buddhist Association has done extensive searching for an architectural firm to design the project, with emphasis on seeking someone who demonstrates not only skill and competence, but also who understands our goals and vision. With approval the project will enter its next phase of detailed planning and design.
The present proposal calls for a 330,000 square foot campus, which will include a Buddha Hall/Lecture Hall having a capacity of 10,000; smaller classrooms and lecture halls; administrative offices; a library; dining facilities; faculty and student housing; and living quarters for sangha, including the Abbot's residence.
Given the international scope of the Master's vision and the Association's membership, this institute could well become one of the most important Buddhist landmarks in the Western hemisphere, however, it will take the support and cooperation of us all to successfully complete the project.
Since the first phase of this project, that of site approval, is nearing completion, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas hosted an initial neighborhood meeting (on Monday evening, January 22, at the Guest Building), which was attended by about fifty people. Using many visual aids, we gave an introductory presentation and addressed questions. We hope to have several more meetings and to work closely with our neighbors so that harmony will prevail as plans and development progress. |
