To the Taoist Association of China and the China Religious Culture
Communication Association
My Dear Taoist friends,
I send my warmest congratulations to you on this special occasion
celebrating the Fifth International Taoism Forum. It is hard to believe how
quickly the years have passed since I first discovered the profound wisdom
of Taoism. Yet here I stand today, nearing the century mark, filled with
gratitude for the guiding light it has been.
I can still vividly recall my first encounter with Taoism in 1979 during a
visit to China’s Taiwan. I was introduced to the thinking of Lao Zi and
Zhuangzi and had the honor of visiting the Longshan Temple, where I stood
before a magnificent statue of Guanyin. Her compassionate presence has
stayed with me to this day. Even now I have a beautiful wooden Guanyin
statue at my home in Amsterdam, continuing to watch over me in silence.
From that initial spark of connection, my relationship with Taoism slowly
but profoundly deepened over the decades. As I learned more of its
teachings on unity, compassion, and harmony with nature, Taoist philosophy
became embedded in my spirit. When the economic miracle of the Far East
threatened ecological balance, I felt called to take up the mission of
harmonizing economy and ecology. The Taoist principles of unity between
heaven, earth and humanity illuminated the path towards ecological
awareness and action. This inspiration led me to publish “The
Transformation Factor” in 1986, with the aim of spurring ecological
consc10usness.
It was a gift from above when in 2004 I was invited by the Alliance of
Religions and Conservation to participate in reviving the Tiejia Taoist
temple and building an ecological education center on Taibaishan. That
same year, when my eldest daughter Anneke passed away from cancer at
just 49, I was granted the honor of donating the temple’s incense bwner in
her memory. Seeing the inscribed vessel with her name at my hotel in Xi’an
for the first time brought me to tears. In the years since, I have visited the
temple site with family, cherishing those meaningful moments.
My bonds with the Taoist community deepened. Beyond the personal solace
it provided, Taoism also contains an ethical framework that could help
restore balance between humanity and nature. With this belief, my
foundations – the Ecological Management Foundation and Valley
Foundation – became involved in supporting the groundbreaking effort of
creating a Taoist Ecology Temple Network. Through the Taoist community’s
efforts, temples become hubs for ecological education, sustainable
agriculture, conservation, and spiritual nourishment. Taoism’s ascendant
place in China also means this call for ecological awareness can spread far
and wide.
I was delighted to learn that building ecological temples has become
national policy. As one of the largest and most influential nations, China’s
initiative to integrate Taoist ecological teachings into policy sets a bold and
innovative global example. It gives me great faith that with shared
dedication, we can walk the path towards a sustainable and harmonious
future.
In closing, I wish to express my deep gratitude for the privilege of working
alongside my dear Taoist friends Master Ren Farong( deceased), Master
Zhang Gaocheng, Master Yang Shihua, Master Ren Xingzhi, Professor Fan
Guangchun and many others who made Taoist harmony with nature a
movement and moral compass. As ecological crises mount worldwide,
China’s leadership and the Taoist community’s role have never been more
crucial. I sincerely hope your efforts in the years ahead help steer humanity
towards a sustainable and ecologically sound future. Please know an old
friend walks with you in spirit on this journey.
My very best wishes as you gather to celebrate the achievements thus far
and strengthen our collective dedication to advancing ecological awareness
and sustainability, moving forward together in the years ahead!
Sincerely yours,
Allerd Stikker,
Founder of EMF and Valley Foundation