A BUDDHIST monk has blessed Durham city during his interfaith tour of the UK.
Venerable Master Hai Tao, founder of the Compassion for Life Organisation and a highly respected monk from Taiwan, performed a traditional blessing of a mandala artwork of fruit and vegetables in Durham's Market Place.
The Venerable Master Hai Tao
He spent yesterday in the city, visiting St Nicholas' Church, Durham Cathedral and Durham Oriental Museum.
The master, who was accompanied by a number of disciples and newly ordained female monks, said he was praying for the people of Durham and wanted to spread his message of love and positivity.
He said: "It is a great pleasure to be here.
The mandala of fruit and vegetables in Durham Market Place
"No matter what religion you have, we want to share ideas about how we can live with happiness and have a good quality of life. It's an exchange of culture."
His tour includes stops in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Birmingham before he goes to the US.
Coco Ming, who coordinated the visit, said: “This is Master Hai Tao’s fifth visit to the North East, but his first visit to Durham. We are delighted at the warmth of the welcome being extended to him.”
Colin Wilkes, from Durham Markets, who helped arrange the visit, said: "It's a delight to be able to welcome the master to Durham."
"I'm delighted that all the places he has visited have extended such a warm welcome. I hope he really enjoys his time in the North-East."
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