XI'AN: High-ranking officials have called for China to adopt the wisdom of ancient Taoism to build a harmonious society.

Tao Te Ching, or the Classic of the Way and Virtue, was written by Lao Zi about 2,500 years ago, around the time when Buddha was expounding the Dharma in India and Pythagoras was teaching in Greece.

"It is not only a precious gem in the treasure house of Chinese culture, but a common spiritual wealth for mankind," Jia Qinglin said in a message to the International Forum on Tao Te Ching, which started on Sunday in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province.

The principle of being modest and peaceful in the book provided an inspiring reference to China's ongoing construction of a harmonious society, said Jia, who is chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Tao Te Ching has influenced Chinese people for generations, as well as people of different countries, races, nationalities and languages, she said.

Liu Yandong, vice-chairwoman of the CPPCC National Committee, said: "Today, in the 21st century, the ancient concepts and views of Tao Te Ching still have value."

As one of the important classics of Chinese traditional culture, Tao Te Ching manifests a great profundity of thought contained in pithy remarks.

The book, consisting of only 5,000 characters, is a reflection of the lofty aspirations the Chinese nation has for amiability, happiness and harmony, said Liu.

The forum, jointly sponsored by the Chinese Taoism Association and China Religious Culture Communication Association, runs until Friday in Xi'an and Hong Kong.

Source: China Daily - Xinhua