Source: CNTV    Published: 2015-10-5

You`re watching The Silk Road to the Future, our series on the `One Belt, One Road` Initiative, China`s project to revive the ancient trade routes. Today we examine the role that Buddhism plays. Liu Yang has this report from Xi`an, the capital of Shaanxi province, the starting point of the ancient land route. She tells us how religion has been practiced along today`s paths.

Indian student Ajay spent four years in China studying Chinese history and language. He often visited Daxingshan temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in China, where Indian monks translated Buddhist sutras and promulgated Buddhist doctrines. It’s also the birthplace of Chinese Tantric Buddhism.

"As an Indian student, I am able to understand Pali, Hindi, English and Chinese.I can see the cultural links between China and India. China and India need to know more, and I can be a cultural bridge to let more people know about the two countries," Ajay said.

Professor Li Li`an is Ajay’s supervisor. He’s also one of the leading scholars on Buddhism in China.

"We need to respect different cultures of all countries along the Silk Road, to enhance communication and understanding, absorbing the fine parts of other countries. Only through culture equality and mutual respect can we achieve complementarity and common prosperity. These are conducive to full economic and political development," Professor Li Li`an said.

In the seventh-century, the famous Chinese monk and traveler Xuan Zang stayed in India for 16 years to translate 1111ures and spread Buddhist thought.

Professor Li says this shared past is deeply relevant to present efforts to rebuild the Silk Road.

"Building the `Belt and Road` Initiative needs to consider different factors and their historical significance. The history of the ancient Silk Road can be traced in one continuous line. Today`s Silk Road represents exchanges of political ideas and cultural exchanges, it’s a full opening up to the outside world," Professor L said.

The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road aims to inject strong impetus in enhancing political trust, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges among relevant countries. Efforts which will have a lasting impact on students like Ajay, and generations to come.