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2007-2016

Life of Following Fate

2007 (Age 81)

2008 (Age 82)

2009 (Age 83)

2010 (Age 84)

2011 (Age 85)

2012 (Age 86)

2013 (Age 87)

2014 (Age 88)

2015 (Age 89)

2016 (Age 90)

September 27, 2007

Receiving the "Contribution Award" from the Bayswater City Council, Western Australia

Bayswater City Mayor Terry Kenyon presented the "Contribution Award" to Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Western Australia received the award on his behalf.

October 6, 2007

Venerable Master Hsing Yun Presides Over the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Nan Tien Institute, Australia

On October 6, 2007, the groundbreaking ceremony for Nan Tien Institute was held. Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Australia Gary Lin Song-Huann, and Wollongong City Council general manager David Farmer and other distinguished guests broke ground.

Venerable Master composed a verse: "Nan Tien is the Name, where youths are learning to be saints; East meets West at cultural exchange, it is the place for all races and religions to embrace peace." Over 1,000 people witnessed the ceremony.

2008

Emphasizing the Sustainability of Education

Venerable Master Hsing Yun donated all his royalties and proceeds from One-Stroke Calligraphy from various regions. His disciples established cultural, educational, and charitable foundations in Taiwan, mainland China, Australia, the Philippines, and elsewhere, sponsoring various education, culture, and public welfare awards, and promoting the "Three Acts of Goodness School" initiative.

2008

Completion and Opening of "Jianzhen Library"; Establishment of "Yangzhou Forum"

Concurrent with the completion of "Jianzhen Library," the "Yangzhou Forum" was established, held twice monthly, inviting renowned scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States, including Eryue He, Yu Qiuyu, Yi Zhongtian, Yu Kwang-chung, Charles Kao, Lin Ching-hsuan, and Henry C. Lee, to give special lectures. Continuing to this day, it has earned the praise "In the north there is Lecture Room*; in the south there is Yangzhou Forum."

*The show's (Lecture Room) title is literally translated as The Hundred Schools of Thought Forum.

January 1, 2008

"Jianzhen Library Opening Ceremony" and "Yangzhou Forum Inauguration"

On January 1, 2008, Venerable Master Hsing Yun presided over the "Jianzhen Library Opening" and "Yangzhou Forum Inauguration" ceremonies. National Religious Affairs Administration (formerly as the State Administration for Religious Affairs) Director Ye Xiaowen, Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the CPPCC Deputy Secretary Zhang Lianzhen, and Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Jiangsu Province Deputy Director Li Mingchao cut the ribbon for the Jianzhen Library and Jianzhen Library Art Gallery openings.

The Tang dynasty was called a golden age, and today China's achievements in various fields are comparable to those of the Tang period. In the Tang golden age, two eminent monks became world-renowned, one was Master Xuanzang, who traveled west to obtain scriptures despite countless hardships; the other was Master Jianzhen, who crossed east to Japan to spread culture. In both masters they see the spirit and courage of "for great endeavors, why begrudge one's life." The completion of Jianzhen Library, the opening of Jianzhen Library Art Gallery, and the inauguration of Yangzhou Forum all provide platforms for promoting their long history and culture, facilitating international cultural exchange, and contributing to building a harmonious society.

September 19, 2008

Electronic Edition of Fo Guang Tripitaka: Prajna Canon Published

The electronic edition of Fo Guang Buddhist Canon: Prajnaparamita Canon, produced by Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Electronic Texts, was published. The content includes the essence and summaries of Prajna and Sanlun (Three Treatise) school texts, totaling 266 works.

2009

Proposing the Establishment of "Three Acts of Goodness Sports Association"

Promoting nationwide sports for physical and mental health. Through various sports competitions including basketball, football, baseball, and gymnastics, guiding the public to form connections with Buddhism and increasing the Buddhist population.

March 2009

Venerable Master Attends Completion Ceremony of Avalokitesvara Shrine and Groundbreaking of Main Shrine at Fo Guang Ancestral Temple Dajue Temple

The Yixing Municipal Bureau of Religious Affairs issued the "Yixing Dajue Temple" temple registration certificate "Religious Site Certificate (Su) F020150029."

March 28, 2009

Hosting the "2nd World Buddhist Forum"

On March 28, 2009, the "2nd World Buddhist Forum," co-hosted by Buddha's Light International Association, The Buddhist Association of China, Chinese Cultural Exchange Association, and The Hong Kong Buddhist Association, opened in Wuxi and closed in Taipei, writing a new page in religious exchange across the four regions of both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Venerable Master Hsing Yun gave an address at the opening ceremony.

2010

Beginning This Year, Invited to Hold "Venerable Master Hsing Yun's One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition" at Major Art Museums Worldwide

The One-Stroke Calligraphy was exhibited at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, the first monastic to exhibit calligraphy works there. Subsequently exhibited at the National Museum of China, and art museums or museums in Hainan, Tianjin, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Gansu, Guangdong, Yunnan, Xiamen, Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Shanghai, Dalian, Shandong, Zhejiang, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Chongqing, and elsewhere.

May 13-14, 2010

Meeting With Mainland Leaders

On May 13, 2010, Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to Beijing's Great Hall of the People to meet with Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits Chairman Chen Yunlin.

People often ask what wishes he has after propagating on five continents. Actually, what he sincerely hopes for is peace across the Taiwan Strait, well-being of the people, and that everyone enjoys freedom, safety, and happiness. Therefore, in various activities, he continuously promotes a life of Three Acts of Goodness and Five Harmonies.

For example, in March 2009, at the invitation of Phoenix Television President Liu Changle, he spoke at the "Phoenix 15th Anniversary Celebration Gala" held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

June 12, 2010

Presiding Over the "Grand Celebration of the Buddha's Parietal-Bone Relic Returning to Light" at Nanjing Qixia Temple

On June 12, 2010, Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to attend the "Grand Celebration of the Buddha's Parietal-Bone Relic Returning to Light" held at Nanjing Qixia Temple. Together with 108 eminent monks from all four regions across the Taiwan Strait, he welcomed the only existing authentic Buddha's parietal-bone relic, jointly officiating the ceremony with The Buddhist Association of China President Venerable Chuanyin and Qixia Temple Abbot Venerable Longxiang, and delivering an address.

Ancient masters said: "When Buddha was in the world, I was lost in delusion; after Buddha entered nirvana, I was born. I repent this body of much karma; not seeing the Tathāgata's golden form." Today the Buddha's parietal-bone relic has reappeared before all, allowing everyone to pay homage and worship, truly "fortune from three lifetimes. Henceforth may the Buddha's sun shine again, Buddha's light illuminate all, national fortune flourish, and people be at peace. Especially now when society needs moral reconstruction and spiritual purification, Venerable Master hopes people spread this to each other, coming together to pay homage and worship. May all pray for the Buddha's compassion and wisdom to protect us, increasing auspiciousness and peace.

November 22, 2010

"One-Stroke Calligraphy" Exhibited at United Nations Vienna

On November 22, 2010, at the invitation of the Ambassador of the Gambia's UN mission in Vienna Professor Gyorgy Suha, the "Venerable Master Hsing Yun One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition" was held at the United Nations in Vienna under the theme "Cultural Encounter with Friends from The Gambia," displaying 40 One-Stroke Calligraphy works from various years' BLIA General Conference themes, Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, Five Harmonies, and Chan. Venerable Master could not attend in person but recorded a brief message, helping everyone understand the meaning of the calligraphy and the conditions for the exhibition, offering sincere thanks and blessings, hoping everyone would practice the Three Acts of Goodness: "Do good deeds, speak good words, think good thoughts. Gambian Minister Counselor Dr. Gaspar Gulyas and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Austria Chen Lien-Gene were among 6,000 visitors.

The exhibition later moved to Vienna's largest Albertina Museum for a joint exhibition with Michelangelo and Picasso special exhibitions, symbolizing the union of Eastern and Western cultures. Most Venerable Hsin Ting and European General Superintendent Venerable Man Chien represented Venerable Master at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

2011

Fo Guang University, Department of Buddhist Studies Approved to Establish Doctoral Program

Fo Guang University, Department of Buddhist Studies was approved to establish a doctoral program, becoming the first university to add a doctoral program in Buddhist studies.

December 25, 2011

Completion of Buddha Museum

The Buddha Museum held completion ceremonies and activities, including the "Opening of Exhibition Halls and Prayer for World Peace and Cross-Strait Harmony Ceremony." Over 100,000 people from all sectors across five continents gathered at Bodhi Wisdom Concourse to witness this historic moment.

The following year, the Buddha Museum received the "National Golden Award For Architecture—Golden Lion Award for Culture and Education." In its third year of operation (2014), it received International Council of Museums (ICOM) accreditation, becoming its youngest official member, as well as winning the ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums and ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification.

The Buddha Museum has successively signed cooperation memoranda and cultural exchange agreements with the British Library, the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and other institutions. It has received certificates of excellence from TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel website, year after year and entered its Hall of Fame. It has received international recognition for its art exhibitions, educational promotion, cross-strait cultural exchange, Underground Palace collection of contemporary artifacts, and permanent public service.

March 1, 2012

Founding the "Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism"

On March 1, 2012, Fo Guang Shan established the "Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism. Disciples nominated Venerable Master Hsing Yun as president, with Venerable Tzu Hui serving as executive vice president. The hope is to record the historical contributions of Humanistic Buddhism in their era, making clear that Humanistic Buddhism is the light of salvation and the hope of humanity.

The "Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism" is located in the Fo Guang Shan Sutra Repository Building completed in 2016. Adhering to the principle of "propagating the Dharma through culture and nurturing talent through education," it is dedicated to promoting the Buddha's teachings, cultivating advanced Buddhist talent, spreading Humanistic Buddhist thought, and preserving contemporary Humanistic Buddhist historical materials.

The Institute has a Center of Research Affairs and Center of International Affairs, with academic activities including:

1) Education: Fostering talents in Buddhist academic research;
2) Research: Hosting international academic conferences on Humanistic Buddhism;
3) Publication: Establishing the ideological system of Humanistic Buddhism;
4) Institutional Repository: Building a contemporary Humanistic Buddhism repository;
5) Globalization: Translating works and cultivating international Dharma propagation talents;
6) Exchange: Supporting the operation of Buddhist studies research centers.

April 27, 2012

Opening Ceremony of the First "Cross-Strait International Vegetarian and Green Products Expo" in Yixing, China

In April 2012, the "2012 International Vegetarian and Green Products Expo," hosted by the Yixing Municipal Government in Jiangsu Province and co-organized by Fo Guang Ancestral Temple Dajue Temple, was held for the first time at Dajue Temple. Venerable Master Hsing Yun attended the opening ceremony.

Vegetarianism promotes environmental protection, helping the earth conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions, while also nurturing compassion and the merit of protecting life. Over 200,000 visitors came during the five days, with excellent order and zero safety incidents, earning government recognition and media praise. It has been held annually since, greatly promoting vegetarian environmental protection and cross-strait exchange.

At Fo Guang Ancestral Temple Dajue Temple in Yixing, Venerable Master was interviewed by Phoenix Television about the significance of holding the Vegetarian Expo. He stated that jointly holding the Vegetarian Expo across the strait can further promote cross-strait friendship. Over 100 types of snacks from both sides of the strait and around the world, including the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Chile, Korea, and Hong Kong, participated.

Vegetarianism greatly benefits health, nurturing a kind heart and building endurance. It is a beautiful aspect of Chinese culture and precious to the Chinese heart.

June 24, 2012

Completion of Fo Guang Shan's Largest European Temple "Fo Guang Shan France"

On June 24, 2012, Fo Guang Shan's European headquarters "Fo Guang Shan France (Fahua Temple)" was completed, with a consecration and purification ceremony. Venerable Master Hsing Yun specially recorded a video message for the assembly from Fo Guang Shan. Venerable Master stated that many young people from overseas studied at Fo Guang Shan Tsung Lin University and, after graduation, went abroad to propagate the Dharma and benefit beings, contributing greatly to the development of Buddhism in Europe. Most importantly, the devotees who economized and sacrificed to support Buddhism are truly remarkable. The Buddhist scripture Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra is also called the Lotus Sutra; wonderful Dharma is like a flower. It is hoped that Fo Guang Shan France will match the Lotus Sutra, developing a new horizon for Buddhism in Europe. Fo Guang Shan France is located in the religious district of Bussy-Saint-Georges near Paris, combining religious, educational, cultural, and recreational functions, with a main hall accommodating 400 people. Bussy-Saint-Georges Mayor Hugues Rondeau called this emerging religious-cultural zone the "Religious Plaza. Fo Guang Shan France was the first building completed in this district. Also planned are a Lao temple, mosque, Jewish cultural center, and Armenian cultural center.

September 2012

Publication of oral history, Buddhist Affinities Across 100 Years

In September 2012, at the invitation of the Academia Historica, Venerable Master Hsing Yun's oral history, Buddhist Affinities Across 100 Years was published by the Academia Historica in a four-volume set, recounting his connections with Buddhism and various circles, hoping to provide traces of Buddhist historical development over the past century. The following year, Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise Co., Ltd published an expanded edition, a complete set of 16 volumes, 1.6 million characters, 1,600 photographs, and 48 foldout pages. On April 2, a new book launch and related images and books exhibition was held at the National Central Library in Taipei.

Venerable Master was invited to attend and speak. Attendees included Deputy Minister of Education Huang Pi-twan, National Central Library Director Tseng Shu-hsien, Academia Historica President Lu Fang-sang, National Sun Yat-sen University Emeritus Professor Yu Kwang-chung, and Global Views—Commonwealth Publishing Group Founder Charles Kao, along with nearly 500 readers. Although his eyes are blurred and he cannot see clearly, and his hearing and memory have declined with age, he still encourages himself to never retire, and not to slacken in propagating the Dharma and benefiting beings despite aging.

September 4, 2012

"Religious Affairs Committee Eighth Term Fourth General Assembly" and Ninth Term "Religious Affairs Committee Election"

On September 4, 2012, Fo Guang Shan convened the "Religious Affairs Committee Eighth Term Fourth General Assembly" and held the Ninth Term "Religious Affairs Committee Election," electing the ninth-term committee members. The committee nominated Venerable Hui Chi (Most Venerable Hsin Bau) as the ninth-term Religious Affairs Committee Chairman. Before the meeting, Venerable Master Hsing Yun addressed the assembly on the fourth floor of the Tathāgata Hall: In the Buddhist community, Fo Guang Shan can be said to be the first democratic religious organization to elect a successor abbot by vote. The election process involves only the Dharma, only the community, without personal relationships, all Buddhas and bodhisattvas can attest to this. Over 1,300 disciples and Buddhist college students from home and abroad attended. This election chose Venerables Hui Chuan, Chueh Pei, Hui Chi, Ru Chang, Hui Rang, Chueh Ju, Miao Shi, Miao Fan, and Hui Zhi, as well as alternate members: Venerables Miao Le, Chueh Yuan, Miao Lian, Chueh Yu, and Hui Ping. Venerable Master was gratified that Buddhism has successors to transmit the lamp, and encouraged emulating the ancient sages, working for the Dharma and Buddhism, continuing the Buddha's wisdom life.

September 8, 2012

"Religious Community Memorial Service for Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-Hsi"

On September 8, 2012, Venerable Master Hsing Yun attended the "Religious Community Memorial Service for Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi," hosted by Fo Guang Shan and jointly initiated by various religious communities, held at Fo Guang Shan's Tathāgata Hall. Cardinal Shan's sister Shan Ai-yun, Minister Without Portfolio Yang Chiu-hsing, Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Liu, Shyh-Fang, and representatives of various religions, nearly 3,000 people, attended.

Venerable Master stated that over more than 40 years, he and his good friend Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi had no religious barriers. The two cherished their friendship, promising that in future lives the Cardinal would still be a cardinal and he would still be a monk, working together for world peace. The service expressed remembrance for Cardinal Shan, hoping that all religions would pursue peace and exchange as common goals.

September 11, 2012

Delivering Keynote "The Value of Faith" at "Summer Davos Forum"

In September, Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to attend the Sixth "Summer Davos Forum" held in Tianjin and delivered the keynote "The Value of Faith," the first time in the forum's 42-year history that a Buddhist was invited to speak on "faith." Premier Wen Jiabao and seven heads of state, representing 86 countries and over 2,000 people, attended.

Venerable Master stated that after high economic development, people began valuing spiritual peace and elevating their spiritual lives, so he was happy to attend and form connections. Besides focusing on economic issues, more important is one's own "treasure within the heart."

Venerable Master said that true wealth is not in banks but in the heart, wisdom, optimism, and such are all treasures in the heart. With faith in life, one possesses the highest value. Faith is mined from within and becomes inexhaustible. For everything in the world, enjoying wealth is better than possessing or occupying it. Possession cannot increase happiness; enjoyment brings more joy. He hopes everyone has external wealth and internal wealth; personal wealth and public wealth. Everyone should be their own benefactor; finding oneself leads to success and happiness. Universal equality is public happiness.

2013

Publication of 20-Volume Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts in Traditional Chinese and English

The Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts, directed and supervised by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, was published in simplified Chinese by Hunan Fine Arts Publishing House in 22 volumes.

2013

Receiving "Light of China—Lifetime Achievement Award for Influential Chinese Worldwide"

Phoenix Television, together with over a dozen influential Chinese-language media outlets from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong, jointly hosted "You Bring Charm to the World Award Ceremony." Venerable Master Hsing Yun received the "Lifetime Achievement Award for Influential Chinese Worldwide."

2013

First Public Release of "An Honest Revelation—An Open Letter"

Venerable Master Hsing Yun publicly released "An Honest Revelation—An Open Letter" for the first time, encouraging monastic and lay disciples to take spreading Humanistic Buddhism as their aspiration and continue the Buddha's wisdom life.

February 25, 2013

Meeting With Ccp General Secretary XI Jinping and Others

On February 25, 2013, Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to join a Taiwan delegation led by KMT Honorary Chairman Lien Chan to meet with General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Venerable Master was designated as the first of three speakers, proposing that cross-strait exchange could include more cultural and educational interaction beyond politics and economics. He presented his One-Stroke Calligraphy "Climbing High to See Far" as a gift.

The delegation also met with mainland President Hu Jintao; not long after, Venerable Master also met with former President Jiang Zemin in Yangzhou. Venerable Master's heartfelt wish is that leaders on both sides give more attention to Chinese culture and Buddhism's function in purifying hearts, bringing harmony and well-being to the nation, society, and people.

March 12, 2013

"Fo Guang Shan Ninth Abbot Installation Ceremony and Linji School 49th Generation Dharma Transmission Ceremony"

On March 12, 2013, Venerable Master Hsing Yun presided over the "Fo Guang Shan Ninth Abbot Installation Ceremony and Linji School 49th Generation Dharma Transmission Ceremony" at Fo Guang Shan's Tath?gata Hall, witnessing the handover from eighth abbot Most Venerable Hsin Pei to ninth abbot Most Venerable Hsin Bau, with Venerables Hui Chuan, Hui Lun, Huei Kai, and Hui Chao serving as deputy abbots. The ceremony also transmitted the Dharma to 72 Dharma heirs, including Taipei Buddhist Association Chairman Venerable Ming Guang and Chunghwa International Merits Society of Buddha-puja and Sangha-dana Chairman Venerable Jing Yao. Over 10,000 fourfold assembly members attended.

Venerable Master gave a Dharma talk: Fo Guang Shan's lineage descends from the Linji school; he is a 48th generation disciple. Today's Dharma heirs are both second-generation Fo Guang Shan disciples and 49th generation Linji disciples, bearing the dual mission of inheriting the Linji lineage and spreading Fo Guang Shan's Humanistic Buddhism. Venerable Master encouraged everyone: "Today you are sons and daughters of Linji, also joining Fo Guang Humanistic Buddhism. I hope the Fo Guang disciples spread across five continents."

March 30, 2013

First "Academic Conference on the Theory and Practice of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Humanistic Buddhism"

On March 30, 2013, the first "Academic Conference on the Theory and Practice of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Humanistic Buddhism," hosted by Nanjing University's Chinese Culture Institute and co-organized by Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, was held at Yixing Dajue Temple. Venerable Master was invited to attend and delivered a keynote speech on "Humanistic Buddhism. Venerable Master explained that the Buddha was born in the human world, practiced in the human world, attained enlightenment in the human world, and taught in the human world, the Buddha's entire life embodies the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism. Ancestral masters throughout history, such as Huineng, Taixu, and Yinguang, were all practitioners of Humanistic Buddhism. Humanistic Buddhism represents the Buddha's original intent, responds to sentient beings' needs, and advances with the times. He hopes everyone will together promote and practice Humanistic Buddhism, restoring Buddhism to its original nature.

Attendees included FGS Institute of Humanistic Buddhism Executive Vice President Venerable Tzu Hui, Nanjing University Chinese Culture Institute President Lai Yonghai, Professor Cheng Gongrang, over 40 scholars from both sides of the strait, and over 200 students from Nanjing University's Chan and Chinese Studies class.

April 20, 2013

"2013 Venerable Master Hsing Yun One-Stroke Calligraphy—Mainland Tour Beijing Exhibition"

On April 20, 2013, Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to the National Museum of China in Beijing to attend the Opening Ceremony of "Venerable Master Hsing Yun One-Stroke Calligraphy: Mainland Tour Beijing Exhibition," presided over by National Museum of China Deputy Director Chen Lusheng. Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party member Yu Zhengsheng, National Museum of China Director Lu Zhangshen, Vice Minister of Culture Zhao Shaohua, and National Religious Affairs Administration Director Wang Zuo'an attended. Venerable Master stated that although he became a monk and encountered many hardships, he learned "reverse thinking," even hardships were viewed as a kind of happiness.

Later, he was invited to meet with Yu Zhengsheng, Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party member and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, at the Great Hall of the People. Venerable Master stated: Compatriots on both sides of the strait are one family, all Chinese. Mainland China's development achievements in recent years have attracted worldwide attention, providing broad cooperation space for compatriots on both sides. Yu Zhengsheng stated that over the years, Venerable Master has always cared about China and made many important contributions to promoting cross-strait harmonious exchanges, especially cultural exchange.

2014

Publication of Expanded 10-Volume Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism

The expanded edition of Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism, supervised by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, was published with over 7,000 new entries, over 2 million additional characters, and over 150 supplementary illustrations. The complete new edition, including index volumes, totals 10 volumes with over 30,000 entries, nearly 3,000 illustrations, and close to 10 million characters.

The hope is that this dictionary will have broader scope, clearer definitions, more diverse search functions, as well as practicality, universality, and academic character, benefiting modern Buddhist practitioners and doctrinal researchers, becoming a new guide for Buddhist study.

2014

Publication of 10-Category a House Full of Gold and Jade–Humanistic Buddhism Teaching Materials

A House Full of Gold and Jade—Humanistic Buddhism teaching materials, planned by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, edited by the A House Full of Gold and Jade editorial team, and published by the Fo Guang Shan Religious Affairs Committee, were released. They include 10 categories such as Fo Guang Shan's Wall of Plaques on One Hundred Artists and Masters, Teachings on Humanistic Buddhism, and Roots of Wisdom, combined with various calligraphy and paintings from the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery collection, compiled into teaching materials with 100 lessons per category, totaling 1,000 lessons.

These provide teaching materials for "reading clubs" in all social sectors, organizations, groups, and schools. The hope is to expand life's breadth, find spiritual refuge, and together build a society of character, quality, and taste with a culture of reading, making "reading" a nationwide movement, achieving the Three Acts of Goodness character education of "doing good deeds, speaking good words, thinking good thoughts." May everyone have a harvest of golden jade.

June 2014

Invited to Attend "Third Annual Taihu World Cultural Forum" in Shanghai

Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the "Third Annual Tai Hu World Cultural Forum" at the Shanghai International Convention Center, the first religious figure invited to attend the annual meeting.

Venerable Master stated that with different languages and cultures in the world, and complex geographical customs and habits, achieving "world peace" must be practiced step by step. Starting with personal "inner peace and joy," everyone transforms themselves, making their hearts gentle, compassionate, and loving. When the heart is good, one can then promote "family harmony."

Venerable Master said that after personal inner peace, family harmony, and mutual respect among people comes "social harmony." The public seeks survival and happiness but must not harm or infringe upon others. Chinese culture speaks of "when others hunger, I hunger; when others drown, I drown." When people's quality grows and hearts are elevated, they willingly seek social harmony, and then they can advocate "world peace." This still requires everyone's common understanding; Chinese culture should be the first to take up these many tasks.

June 30, 2014

Buddha Museum Receives Icom Accreditation

The Buddha Museum received accreditation from the International Council of Museums (ICOM), becoming its youngest international museum member. This honor represents international recognition of the Buddha Museum's quality in not pursuing profit, holding various art exhibitions and cross-strait cultural exchange exhibitions, collecting contemporary artifacts in the Underground Palace, and permanently serving the public.

December 20, 2014

Official Establishment of "Buddha's Light Missionary Association, Chunghua"

On December 20, 2014, the "Buddha's Light Missionary Association, Chunghua" was officially established.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun stated that to expand the power of Humanistic Buddhism, the "Association of Ancient and Modern Humanities, Chunghua" was established to help promote various cultural publications. Millions of copies of the 365 Days for Travelers: Wisdom from Chinese Literary and Buddhist Classics, Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk, and Reflections on the Messages from a Humble Monk have been given to over 10,000 major hotels, homestays, airlines, schools at all levels, libraries, hospitals, and prisons worldwide.

Venerable Master said that through a Buddhist cultural treasury, the Buddha's Humanistic Buddhism can shine throughout the world, illuminating everyone's heart.

It was later renamed "Association of Ancient and Modern Humanities, Chunghua."

December 25, 2014

"2014 When Buddha Meets the Gods" and Establishment of "Association of Chinese Traditional Religions"

Venerable Master Hsing Yun attended the "2014 When Buddha Meets the Gods Event" held at the Buddha Museum, with over 1,000 temples from across Taiwan and over 2,000 deities participating. The "Association of Chinese Traditional Religions" was formally established at the event. The assembly recommended Venerable Master as Honorary President and Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng as the first President.

Venerable Master stated: Why is the "When Buddha Meets the Gods Event" held on December 25? This day is called "Christmas" by Christianity. Actually, Jesus should have "Jesus Day," Confucius should have "Confucius Day," and the Buddha should have "Buddha Day." Otherwise, all religions have saints, but many deities are left out without a holiday. So December 25 was chosen to let all deities celebrate their holy day.

He hopes deities will unite to save Taiwan, praying that all deities will promote Chinese culture and bring peace and happiness to people on both sides of the strait. He hopes deities from all over the world will return to the Buddha Museum every year on this day to fellowship with each other, blessing the world and praying for world peace.

2015

Establishment of "Fo Guang Shan University Consortium"

University of the West, Nanhua University, Fo Guang University, Nan Tien Institute, and Guang Ming College were formally integrated with The Chinese University of Hong Kong Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism and Fo Guang Shan Tsung Lin University into the "Fo Guang Shan University Consortium," Taiwan's first international consortium university.

January 18, 2015

Pope Francis "Interfaith Dialogue"

On January 18, 2015, Pope Francis visited the Philippines and held an "Interfaith Dialogue" with religious leaders and representatives at the 400-year-old University of Santo Tomas campus. Over 40,000 faculties, students, youth, and religious figures warmly welcomed him. Venerable Master Hsing Yun specially sent disciple Venerable Chueh Pei, fluent in Spanish, to attend as his representative.

Fo Guang Shan has always had friendly relations with the Catholic Church. The First International Conference on Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue was held at Fo Guang Shan in 1995, with Cardinal Francis Arinze and Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi attending, opening a new page in exchanges between the two major religions.

March 1, 2015

"Inauguration Ceremony" of Nan Tien Institute, Australia

On March 1, 2015, Nan Tien Institute in Australia, one of the five universities founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, held its inauguration ceremony. Venerable Master attended and stated: Australians are kind and friendly; a world of peace exists in Australia. Thank you to Australians and Chinese people for building temples and Nan Tien Institute, all this is everyone's merit. Nan Tien Temple and Nan Tien Institute have become Australia's "Southern Heaven."

Nan Tien Temple has been tree-shaded for 25 years; everyone can stroll here, relax, and enjoy the serenity. Now with Nan Tien Institute, cultural exchange and knowledge dissemination can be enhanced.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Wollongong Mayor Gordon Bradbery, State Member Concetta Fierravanti-Wells representing the Premier of New South Wales, Nan Tien Institute Acting President John Loxton, Nan Tien Institute Executive Director Fu Shen-Li, Fo Guang Shan University Consortium President Yung Chaur Shin, and Nanhua University President Lin Tsung-Ming were among over 4,000 attendees.

The Prime Minister unveiled the Nan Tien Institute bronze plaque; Venerable Master presented his One-Stroke Calligraphy "Tolerance Brings Greatness" to the Prime Minister and presented Humanistic Buddhism book series to the Wollongong Mayor and Nan Tien Institute.

March 28, 2015

Attending the "2015 Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference"

The "2015 Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference" was held in Hainan. Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to attend and photographed with General Secretary of the Central Committee Xi Jinping. Venerable Master expressed his wish to establish a Buddhist college on the mainland, hoping to cultivate talent for the nation and society.

Venerable Master received a joint interview with Boao Forum journalists, including over 30 media outlets such as People's Daily, Sansha Satellite TV, Hainan Broadcasting Group, and China Business News.

Venerable Master stated that Taiwan is known as "Beautiful Island," and Hainan is also a beautiful island, Taiwan and Hainan are like two eyes. On such beautiful islands, he hopes everyone is beautiful people with beautiful hearts, using beautiful words and beautiful communication to lead all Chinese people toward truth, goodness, and beauty. Everyone should value honesty, compassion, righteousness and morality, and happiness.

Venerable Master has promoted "oneness and coexistence" throughout his life. He stated that no one in this world can exist alone, just as General Secretary Xi said: "A community of shared destiny must have oneness and coexistence."

April 1, 2015

Publishing Hear Me Out: Messages From a Humble Monk Article Series

On April 1, 2015, Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk article series was first published in The Merit Times with the "Preface" and the first article "I Guess I Will Go by the Name—'Humble Monk,'" totaling forty articles. Later compiled into a book, it was distributed in quantities exceeding 1 million copies, widely circulating in all social sectors.

Venerable Master wrote Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk in response to the "Controversy about Tzu Chi's Nei-hu Redevelopment Zone." The media deliberately sensationalized it, some political talk shows relentlessly attacked, arbitrarily criticizing Buddhism with false accusations to suppress religion. The Buddhist community remained silent and passive about this storm. For a time, all of Buddhism seemed shrouded in low pressure, seriously damaging the faith of the vast Buddhist community.

Facing this "Dharma persecution," to protect the Dharma and defend Buddhism, Venerable Master stepped forward and began dictating Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk article series. The storm instantly dissipated.

April 10, 2015

First lecture at "Yangzhou Forum" on "Heart Sutra's View of the Universe and Life"

For Yangzhou's 2,500th anniversary of city founding, Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited by the Yangzhou Municipal Government to give his first lecture at the "Yangzhou Forum" on "Heart Sutra's View of the Universe and Life" over three days of Buddhist lectures. Attendees included Yangzhou Mayor Zhu Minyang, People's Congress Deputy Director Wang Yuxin, former Jiangsu Provincial Religious Affairs Bureau Director Weng Zhenjin, Jianzhen Library Director Lai Yonghai, and 10,000 listeners from Guangdong, Henan, Hebei, Shaanxi, Shandong, Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, and other places.

April 15, 2015

Publication of Simplified Chinese Edition of 365 Days for Travelers: Wisdom From Chinese Literary and Buddhist Classics

On April 15, 2015, a new book symposium for the simplified Chinese edition of 365 Days for Travelers: Wisdom from Chinese Literary and Buddhist Classics, supervised by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Venerable Master was invited to attend. Published by People's Publishing House, guided by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and National Radio and Television Administration, and sponsored by Master Hsing Yun Cultural and Educational Foundation and Buddha's Light International Association. The first printing of 1.1 million copies was given free to libraries, schools, community reading rooms, major hotels, drug rehabilitation centers, and impoverished areas to promote nationwide reading. Venerable Master stated that wherever seawater flows and sunlight reaches, there are Chinese people. Fifty years ago, he thought about Chinese people traveling throughout the world, facing various hardships, missing family in their homeland, how could he help them solve their spiritual difficulties? Realizing that Chinese culture can encourage people and cheer travelers on, he had the desire to compile a treasury of Chinese culture. Each one has great significance for life, worth pondering, reciting, and memorizing, making it an element in one's blood.

April 18, 2015

Official Unveiling and Opening of "Shanghai Hsing Yun Cultural and Educational Center" and "Master Hsing Yun Cultural and Educational Foundation"

On April 18, 2015, the "Shanghai Hsing Yun Cultural and Educational Center" and "Venerable Master Hsing Yun Cultural and Educational Foundation" were officially unveiled and opened. Venerable Master, Shanghai Deputy Mayor Zhao Wen, National Religious Affairs Administration Foreign Affairs Deputy Director Xue Shuqi, and Shanghai Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office Director Li Wenhui jointly unveiled the sign.

Venerable Master stated, "Thanks to government approval for establishing a culture and education public welfare foundation, and thanks to Shanghai Vice Mayor Zhao Wen's suggestion, the Shanghai Hsing Yun Cultural and Educational Center unveiling ceremony was held. Historically, Master Xuanzang became internationally renowned; Master Jianzhen became the father of Japanese culture, spreading Chinese culture to the world. Everyone should unite, share oneness and coexistence, mutual respect and shared glory; both sides of the strait are one family, jointly promoting excellent traditional culture."

Note:
The Shanghai Hsing Yun Cultural and Educational Center is located in Shanghai's Minhang District, near Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao High-Speed Rail Station, with convenient transportation and quiet amid activity. The four-story building covers over 7,000 square meters, with a concert hall, art gallery, Chan hall, classrooms, conference rooms, cultural bookstore, and other multi-functional facilities for cultural and educational promotion.

May 23, 2015

"Universal Shining of Buddha's Light, the Sacred Reunion—Presentation Ceremony of the Buddha Head Statue to Youju Temple, Hebei Province, China"

On May 23, 2015, the "Universal Shining of Buddha's Light, The Sacred Reunion—Presentation Ceremony of the Buddha Head Statue to Youju Temple, Hebei Province, China" was held at Fo Guang Shan's Main Shrine. Venerable Master Hsing Yun presented the "Buddha Head Statue Donation Certificate," received by State Administration of Cultural Heritage President Li Xiaojie. President Li presented "Verse on the Buddha's Golden Body Restored to Light" calligraphy in return. Over 10,000 people attended. The story began when a devotee presented Venerable Master with a white jade Śākyamuni Buddha head statue. After extensive investigation, the Buddha head was found to be one of three Buddha statues enshrined at Youju Temple in Hebei Province, created in the seventh year of Northern Qi Dynasty Tianbao reign (556 CE), and stolen in 1996. Venerable Master believed that Buddhist artifacts are important cultural assets of humanity and should be returned to their original location. It remained in Taiwan for a period for public veneration before being returned after spring warming. The donation ceremony was broadcast live to global media worldwide, promoting cross-strait Chinese cultural exchange and helping international audiences understand Buddhist art and culture and establish the concept of protecting cultural heritage.

June 7, 2015

Official Establishment of "Association of Chinese Traditional Religions"

On June 7, 2015, the "Association of Chinese Traditional Religions" was officially established, obtaining a registration certificate the following month. The founding meeting was held at Fo Guang Shan with Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng as President, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu as Chief Advisor. Wang Jin-pyng invited Venerable Master Hsing Yun to serve as Permanent Honorary President. A total of 82 temples including Beigang Chao-Tian Temple and 382 individuals joined. Venerable Master attended the founding meeting and gave an address.

Through the efforts and expectations of people from all walks of life, in July 2015 the "Association of Chinese Traditional Religions" officially obtained the Ministry of Interior registration certificate for national and regional civic organizations, with Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng officially receiving the "Certificate of Election for National and Regional Civic Organization Leader" as First Chairman for a three-year term.

After the Buddha Museum was completed on December 25, 2011, five consecutive "When Buddha Meets the Gods Event" were held. In 2014, conditions matured; people from all circles came together, gathering registered temples to mutually respect and include each other, with goals of purifying human hearts, elevating religious standards, creating human happiness, and promoting world peace.

August 9, 2015

Official Establishment of "United Association of Humanistic Buddhism, Chunghua"

On August 9, 2015, the "United Association of Humanistic Buddhism, Chunghua" founding meeting was held at Fo Guang Shan Jin Guang Ming Temple in Taipei. Representatives from Dharma Drum Mountain, Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society, Yuan Kuang Buddhist College, Xiang Guang Shan Temple, Bliss and Wisdom Buddhism Foundation, Chinese Young Buddhist Association, and Lay Buddhists' Association Republic of China, nearly 200 temple and organizational members and over 300 individual members, attended.

The Four Great Bodhisattvas and eminent monks throughout history all started their cultivation and vows from the human world. Buddhism declined because of lacking ideals for Buddhism and not daring to take responsibility. Venerable Master encouraged everyone to become practitioners of Humanistic Buddhism, dedicating themselves without yielding to others, needing the conviction that "Buddhism depends on Venerable Master Hsing Yun," asking "What can I give devotees? Being in accord with principle and situation, restore devotees' faith and let them be proud of Buddhism. Buddhism must become part of life, humanistic, and even localized, this is Buddhism's future. The meeting nominated Venerables Ming Guang, Hui Chuan, Jing Yao, Ru Chen, Tzu Jung, and Huang Shu-wei as rotating chairpersons, Venerable Shou Yu as Chief Supervisor, and Venerable Chueh Pei as Secretary-General.

October 18, 2015

Consecration Ceremony of Main Shrine and Jeweled White Pagoda at Yixing Dajue Temple

On October 18, 2015, Fo Guang Ancestral Temple Yixing Dajue Temple held the consecration ceremony for the Main Shrine and Jeweled White Pagoda. Venerable Master Hsing Yun attended in person as the reviving founder of Fo Guang Ancestral Temple Dajue Temple, speaking about Dajue Temple's history and reconstruction story. Nearly 30,000 Fo Guang members from over 80 countries across five continents witnessed the event, with venerable elders from across mainland China offering congratulations, opening a new page for cross-strait peace and harmony.

Venerable Master stated that thanks to the unanimous support of the National Religious Affairs Administration, the Buddhist Association of China, and Wuxi and Yixing leaders, Dajue Temple was finally completed after ten years. He also thanked all the benefactors from all directions whose support made Dajue Temple's reconstruction possible.

October 27, 2015

"Buddha's Parietal Bone Relic Enshrinement Ceremony and Inauguration Ceremony of the Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone"

On October 27, 2015, Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to attend the "Buddha's Parietal-Bone Relic Enshrinement Ceremony and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone." The authentic parietal bone relic of Śākyamuni Buddha, originally enshrined in Qixia Temple's Chongguang Pagoda in Nanjing, was ceremonially processed to Niushou Mountain's Usnisa Palace in Nanjing for permanent enshrinement. Attendees included Jiangsu Buddhist Association President Venerable Xincheng, Qixia Temple Abbot Venerable Longxiang, National Religious Affairs Administration Deputy Director Jiang Jianyong, Jiangsu Vice Governor Xu Jinrong, and Nanjing Mayor Miao Ruilin. That Buddhism can have these Dharma body relics of the Buddha is truly Buddha's light shining everywhere. In 2008, when Nanjing discovered the treasure of the Buddha's parietal bone relic in the underground palace of "Great Bao'en Temple," leaders asked him what the commemorative palace should be called if built here. He thought of the Buddhist scripture Śūraṅgama Sūtra of the Buddha's Uṣṇīṣa, so he said, "Let it be named 'Usnisa'!" Today this towering Buddha's Usnisa Palace is completed, exactly as the Buddha originally said: building stupas by the roadside for people to pay respects and increase faith.

March 2016

Attending "Universal Shining of Buddha's Light - The Sacred Reunion Presentation of the Buddha Head Statue to Youju Temple in Hebei, China" at National Museum of China, Beijing

Venerable Master Hsing Yun attended the "Universal Shining of Buddha's Light—The Sacred Reunion Presentation of the Buddha Head Statue to Youju Temple in Hebei, China" held at the National Museum of China in Beijing. Venerable Master stated that he hopes through the Buddha's connection, people on both sides of the strait, sharing the same faith, will have friendly exchanges as one family, promoting cross-strait Chinese cultural exchange and jointly establishing the concept of protecting cultural heritage.

April 30, 2016

"Ven. Master Hsing Yun's Presentation of Buddha's Head From Hebei" and "One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition Opening Ceremony" at Hebei Museum

The "Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Presentation of Buddha's Head from Hebei" and "One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition Opening Ceremony" were held simultaneously at Hebei Museum. Venerable Master, National Cultural Heritage Administration Deputy Director Liu Shuguang, Provincial Committee Standing Committee Member and United Front Work Department Minister Fan Zhaobing, and Hebei Museum President Luo Xiangjun jointly unveiled the restored Great Buddha head exhibition. Venerable Master stated that this Buddha head is different from ordinary Buddha statues, it is not only a cultural relic but also an artwork with important historical value. He also called for: Chinese people worldwide share common ancestry; he hopes that Chinese on both sides and everywhere, like this Buddha statue with head and body reunited, will find their roots. Hebei Museum presented the precious "Ink Rubbing of the Stele on Engraving Sutras"; Venerable Master presented his One-Stroke Calligraphy "A thousand rivers have water, a thousand rivers have the moon; ten thousand miles without clouds, ten thousand miles of sky."

Note:
Hebei Museum is a national first-class museum. This was also the largest-scale "One-Stroke" calligraphy exhibition in mainland China, displaying nearly 200 large recent works by Venerable Master, and the 90th exhibition in the global tour.

August 24, 2016

Publication of Simplified Chinese Edition of Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha

Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha was published by Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise Co., Ltd. Three months later, People's Publishing House and the National Religious Affairs Administration jointly published the simplified Chinese edition Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha. A new book launch was held at Dajue Temple on August 24. As the saying goes "Dharma long-standing begets corruptions," how many people today misunderstand Buddhism precisely because Buddhism has been transmitted so long, mixed with much content departing from the Buddha's original intent, losing the Buddha's inherent human character. Poor Buddha, so mistreated by everyone. Truly, without Humanistic Buddhism, how can one subdue so many false teachings attached to Buddhism? Now they follow ancestral masters throughout history, such as Sixth Patriarch's "The Dharma is in the world, not apart from world awakening," and Master Taixu's "Looking up only to Buddha, completing in human character; human accomplished is Buddha accomplished, this is true reality," all calling Buddhist disciples to return to the Buddha's original intent together. Those who read this book completely and understand its purpose can call themselves masters and doctors.

October 1, 2016

Fo Guang Shan University Consortium Hosts First "2016 University Presidents Forum"

Fo Guang Shan University Consortium held its first "2016 University Presidents Forum" at Fo Guang Shan Cloud Dwelling Building. Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to give a special lecture.

Venerable Master said, "A person who never received modern education, never attended school, never had a single diploma in his entire life, can now meet and talk with so many excellent university presidents, scholars, and professors, truly an incredible connection. He can even establish so many universities, Buddhist colleges, high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and kindergartens.

I think many people wonder: What secret is there? The secret is that in this life I have nothing and want nothing.

In my life philosophy, I have no distinction of race, no distinction of country, no distinction of self and other. I always think that he has nothing; I can only bring a little sincerity to serve others.

In our educational work, the most important key is 'Fo Guang Shan Million-Member Fundraising Campaign.' If these many enterprises have contributed a little to society and the nation, it is not mine but the achievement of one million people, of the team."