Museum of World Religions

Master Hsin Tao thinks that a pluralist society needs a diversity of methods for educating and broadening the awareness of people to become more attuned those matters most important in their lives, to enable people to reaffirm life’s worth; therefore, establishing a World Religions Museum is a practical requirement for this era. As Master Hsin Tao repeatedly stresses, a museum of world religions must be different from traditional static displays of cultural artifacts. Essential features must include creating dialogue and interaction with the audience, providing real-life experiences from which to choose one’s religion rather than presenting a comparative criticism of different religions.

The World Religions Museum’s displays must have an international field of vision and, whilst actively attracting audiences, should provide essential information and multiplicity of choice. Entering the museum will be like entering a religious department store. This establishment is not age or gender-specific, but aims to meet the requirements of every category of person on the basis of individual needs and experiences. To be a successful museum, it must be successful in four main areas: technology, information, social education and leisure.

Master Hsin Tao emphasizes the scientific and technological aspects as he feels that young people of the next generation will not automatically be interested in antiquated cultural artifacts. Only by presenting them in the context of modern technology can antiquated artifacts be transformed into something which produce a resonance in young people, and which can hence attract them to visit the museum and receive the benefit of the museum’s educational work. Thus technology can help them to attain a feeling of inner balance, whilst it also allows humankind to recognize the universal truth and gain a world outlook.