Zhao Puchu 赵朴初 | |
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| Born | November 5, 1907 |
| Died | May 21, 2000 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Occupation(s) | Religious and public leader |
| Known for | President of theBuddhist Association of China, vice chairman of the 9th National Committee of theChinese People's Political Consultative Conference, calligrapher |
| Political party | China Association for Promoting Democracy |
Zhao Puchu (November 5, 1907 – May 21, 2000) was a religious and public leader who promoted cultural progress and religious tolerance inChina.[1][2] Zhao was best known as president of theBuddhist Association of China and also one of the most renowned Chinesecalligraphers.[3][4]
Zhao also served as vice chairman of the 9th National Committee of theChinese People's Political Consultative Conference and honorary chairman of 10th Central Committee of China Association for Promoting Democracy.[1]
He began his work in the 1930s, serving as secretary of the Buddhist Association of China. Zhao also worked to foster relations with Japan, serving as vice president of theChina-Japan Friendship Association from 1958 to 1989, and working as an adviser to the association after. He led a Chinese religious delegation to Japan in 1992, meeting with then prime ministerKiichi Miyazawa and receiving theGrand Cordon of the Order of the Secret Treasure of Japan.[5]
He was awarded theNiwano Peace Prize on April 9, 1985.[6]
Zhao was outspoken againstFalun Gong and supported its ban within China.[7]He died in Beijing, aged 92, in May 2000.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)| Buddhist titles | ||
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| Preceded by | Venerable Master of theBuddhist Association of China 1980–2000 | Succeeded by |
