SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION OF THE ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS: THE UNITY OF VERITY, BEAUTY AND DIVINITY IN BUDDHA AND RÛMÎ*

WOO-WON CHOI

ABSTRACT

What makes so many diverse Asian peoples and countries sympathize with the notion of
the Asian Community? In spite of the apparent difference of religion, culture, language,
race, etc, we can feel that something spiritual emanating from the bottom of our Being
leads us to share the open mind of the true community. If our academic efforts succeed
to find the self-identity of the Asian Community in this dimension of the Being, the
plurality and diversity will have the celebrating meaning of creativity and richness of
Life. Naturally, this awakening will imply the alliance of civilizations for the World
community. This work of defining the self-identity of the Asian Community is closely
related to the historical and archaeological excavations of the hidden links between the
Asian civilizations. The spiritual link has the significance of giving the meaning and
direction of the community to these various social and cultural links. Our study on the
common spiritual foundation of the Asian civilizations will make it clear that Asia is the
morning land illuminating the verity.