HONG KONG - The Third World Buddhist Forum opened here Thursday with more than 1,000 Buddhist monks and scholars from over 50 countries and regions to discuss the role of Buddhism in the construction of a harmonious society and peaceful world.

The Third World Buddhist Forum opened Thursday with more than 1,000 Buddhist monks and scholars from over 50 countries and regions to discuss the role of Buddhism, in Hong Kong, April 26, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

At the beginning of the opening ceremony, led by President of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association Kok Kwong, President of the Buddhist Association of China Chuan Yin, the 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, all the distinguished guests, together with thousands of monks and Buddhist believers, bowed three times to the status of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha and chanted he Heart Sutra, one of the most well known Buddhist scripture.