In the Buddhist tradition, the recitation of a sutra is believed to generate merits that are dedicated or transferred to others. During the opening of the “Sons del Budisme” (Sounds of Buddhism) series at the Monastery of Pedralbes, members of the Shingetsuji Zen Temple in Barcelona recited the Heart Sutra—the most sacred and well-known Buddhist text—offering it for the benefit of all beings and as a gesture of respect and gratitude to the Buddha.
Glòria Puig, president of the Catalan Coordinator of Buddhist Entities, expressed her hope that “Sons del Budisme” would demonstrate how Buddhist values can benefit society as a whole. As Ivan Pere, Commissioner of the Pact for Ciutat Vella from Barcelona City Council, stated, the city is religiously diverse, a land of beliefs and hope. He continued by saying that Barcelona should be a space where different spiritual paths are shared, not merely added together. If we share and understand them, we can recognize others—so they are no longer strangers or threats. We must share, understand, and recognize. According to Pere, these are the foundations of coexistence and civility.
Ramon Bassas, Director General for Religious Affairs of the Generalitat, closed the inauguration of “Sons del Budisme” by noting that the Buddhist tradition has brought wisdom to Catalonia, and that we should share it to discover positive elements of connection and convergence.