From Zen to Tibetan Buddhism to the Thevarada tradition: the Buddhist universe is complex and variegated, formed of different rites and traditions, each of which has its own schools with different positions of faith and practice. In view of its complexity, Buddhism has a need for expert interlocutors. The point was stressed by some thirty delegates of 16 European Episcopal Conferences at the second Consultation on Buddhism in Europe held in Strasbourg in September on the initiative of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the CCEE (Council of the European Episcopal Conferences). “Dialogue said Msgr. Felix Machado of the Pontifical Council, in addressing the seminar forms part of the mission of the Church. And this mission must be reflected in the local life of the Church”. But dialogue he said requires “a particular effort of preparation”: and that preparation comprises both “formation in the Christian faith and formation in dialogue”.
