About Us

The Founder of Fo Guang Shan
-Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Venerable Master Hsing Yun, born in 1927 in Chiangsu Province, China, dedicated his life to Buddhism and made significant contributions to the Buddhist community. At the age of twelve, he embarked on his monastic journey at Liji Xingren in Qixia Mountain, Nanjing. He pursued his studies at Qixia Vinaya College and Jiaoshan Buddhist College, where he deepened his knowledge of Buddhism.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun's dedication and expertise led to his recognition as the 48th patriarch of the Linchi (Rinzai) Ch'an school, a prestigious honor within the Buddhist tradition. Throughout his life, he held various significant roles, including serving as the principal of Baita National School, Editor-in-Chief of "Raging Waves Monthly," and abbot of Huazang Temple in Nanjing. These positions allowed him to share his wisdom and insights with a wider audience, contributing to the dissemination of Buddhist teachings.

His profound impact on Buddhism and his efforts to promote Buddhist culture, education, charity, and communal practice are remembered and revered. Venerable Master Hsing Yun's legacy continues to inspire and guide individuals in their spiritual journeys.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun's journey in Taiwan began in the spring of 1949. His early efforts in propagating Buddhism included the establishment of the Chanting Association and the Youth Chorus at Lei Yin Temple in Yilan in 1953. These initiatives laid the foundation for his subsequent endeavors.

In 1967, Venerable Master Hsing Yun founded Fo Guang Shan, a spiritual center dedicated to the promotion of Buddhist culture, education, charity, and communal practice. Over the years, he has overseen the construction of more than 300 temples and monasteries, both within Taiwan and internationally. Among these temples are notable landmarks such as Hsi Lai Temple, Nan Tien Temple, and Nan Hua Temple. These temples have gained recognition as the largest Buddhist temples in North America, Australia, and Africa, respectively, symbolizing Venerable Master Hsing Yun's commitment to spreading Buddhist teachings across the globe.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun's commitment to cultivating Buddhist talents is evident through the establishment of various educational institutions. These include Shou Shan Buddhist College, Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, and Fo Guang Shan Tsung-Lin University. Moreover, he founded 16 Buddhist colleges in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and South Africa, further expanding Buddhist education internationally. To provide comprehensive education, Venerable Master Hsing Yun also established Chih Kuang Vocational High School of Business and Technology, Pu-Men High School, and Juntou Elementary and Middle Schools.

Additionally, he founded five universities that cater to different regions: Nanhua University in Chiayi, Taiwan; Fo Guang University in Yilan, Taiwan; University of the West in the United States; Nan Tien Institute in Australia; and Guang Ming University in the Philippines. These institutions, along with other affiliated colleges and universities, have come together to form the esteemed "Fo Guang Shan Buddhist University Consortium." This consortium serves as a collaborative platform for Buddhist education, promoting knowledge exchange and cooperation among its member institutions across countries and continents.

In 1957, "Buddhist Voice" began airing on Yilan Ming Pen Radio Station, paving the way for Buddhist propagation through radio. This was followed by the television program "Nectar" in 1979 and "Hsing Yun’s Chan Stories" on North America Satellite Television, marking significant advancements in using television for Buddhist outreach. Venerable Master Hsing Yun continued to promote culture and art by establishing the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery and Waterdrop Tea House in 1995, creating a space that integrated leisure, culture, and art. Building upon this success, Fo Guang Shan went on to establish 24 art galleries worldwide. In 1998, Beautiful Live Television (BLTV) was launched as another platform to disseminate Buddhist teachings and engage with audiences. In 2000, the "Merit Times" was established, providing a medium for news and information related to Buddhism and Humanistic Buddhism. These initiatives have played a vital role in expanding the reach of Buddhist teachings through various media channels.

The Buddhist Cultural Service Center, established in 1957 and later renamed Fo Guang Publishing House, has been instrumental in publishing a wide range of Buddhist books and audio-visual materials. In 1977, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Canon Committee was formed, publishing notable works such as the "Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism," "Agama Canon," "Chan Canon," "Prajnaparamita Canon," "Pure Land Canon," "Lotus Canon," "Yogacara Canon," "Jataka Canon," and others, both in print and digital formats. "Pu Men Magazine" was released in 1979, transformed into the "Universal Gate Buddhist Journal" in 2001, and subsequently renamed "Humanistic Buddhism: Journal, Arts and Culture" in 2016. Additionally, the "A Collection of Contemporary Buddhist Works: Chinese Buddhist Academic Series," consisting of 110 volumes, compiled master's and doctoral dissertations from cross-straits and Han Chinese scholars worldwide. Noteworthy publications include the bilingual "Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts" in 2013, the expanded edition of the "Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism" in ten volumes in 2014, and educational materials on Humanistic Buddhism such as "365 Days for Travelers: Wisdom from Chinese Literary and Buddhist Classics" and "A House Full of Gold and Jade - Classical and Contemporary Talks."

Venerable Master Hsing Yun is a prolific author, with a collection of works exceeding 30 million words. Some notable titles include "The Biography of Shakyamuni Buddha," "Hsing Yun’s Hundred Saying Series," "Fo Guang Essential Guides to Buddhism," "Modern Thoughts, Wise Mentality," "Collection of Essays on Humanistic Buddhism," "One Hundred Lessons on Monastery Languages and Affairs," "Buddhist Affinities Across 100 Years," "Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk," "Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha," and "The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun."

In 1985, Venerable Master Hsing Yun stepped down as the abbot of Fo Guang Shan and began his global Dharma propagation efforts. In 1991, he founded the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA), and on May 16, 1992, the BLIA World Headquarters was established in Los Angeles, with Venerable Master Hsing Yun serving as the President. BLIA has since expanded its presence to over 170 countries and regions across five continents, embodying the ideal of "Buddhist Light shining upon the Three Thousand Realms, and the Dharma Water flowing across the Five Continents."

Venerable Master Hsing Yun has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his life. He has received honorary doctoral degrees from prestigious universities worldwide, including the University of Hong Kong. In 1992, he was unanimously elected as the Permanent Honorary President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, a significant recognition of his contributions to Buddhism. In 1995, he was honored with the esteemed "Buddha Award" at the Global Buddhist Conference held in India.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun's lifelong dedication to promoting Humanistic Buddhism has led to remarkable achievements in the institutionalization, modernization, humanization, future development, and internationalization of Buddhism. His contributions to these areas have been truly outstanding.

Fo Guang Shan

Fo Guang Shan is a prominent center of Humanistic Buddhism, situated in Dashu District, Kaohsiung City. Established by Venerable Master Hsing Yun on May 16, 1967, it embodies his vision of creating a "Pure Land on Earth" and advocating "Humanistic Buddhism." Fo Guang Shan is both a revered Buddhist sanctuary and a spiritual hub where the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) is venerated. It plays a significant role as a focal point for the practice and promotion of Humanistic Buddhism.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun's global outreach has resulted in the establishment of more than 300 branch temples and monasteries by Fo Guang Shan worldwide. In North America, these include prominent cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Houston, as well as locations in Hawaii and Guam. In Canada, Fo Guang Shan has branches in Vancouver and Toronto. Throughout Europe, temples and monasteries can be found in cities such as London (UK), Paris (France), Berlin and Frankfurt (Germany), and other countries including Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands. Nan Tien Temple stands as a significant center in Australia, while Fo Guang Shan has also established temples in South America, specifically in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. In Africa, Nan Hua Temple serves as a place of practice and devotion. These diverse locations reflect the global presence and impact of Fo Guang Shan's teachings and practices.

Fo Guang Shan has a wide-reaching presence in the educational landscape with 16 Buddhist colleges, 27 art galleries, and 26 libraries under its umbrella. The organization has also established publishing units and bookstores to disseminate Buddhist teachings and related materials. In the realm of education, Fo Guang Shan has made significant contributions by establishing more than 50 Chinese language schools, as well as notable institutions like Pumen Secondary School, Jun Tou Elementary and Junior High School, and Junyi Experimental High School. To further its commitment to education, Fo Guang Shan has formed the "Fo Guang Shan University Consortium," consisting of esteemed universities such as the University of the West, Fo Guang University, Nan Hua University, Nan Tien Institute, and Guang Ming College. These institutions span across the United States, Taiwan, Australia, and the Philippines, offering diverse educational opportunities. Additionally, Fo Guang Shan has embraced modern methods of education by establishing Fo Guang Shan Open University, developing online learning platforms, broadcasting Dharma teachings through television programs, and creating courses and programs that benefit both society and practitioners.

Fo Guang Shan is an inclusive Buddhist organization that blends the traditions of Chinese Buddhism with cultural elements, educational initiatives, charitable activities, and spiritual cultivation. It places a strong emphasis on the practical application of Chan (Zen) teachings and actively engages in propagating Buddhism among the general public. Fo Guang Shan is dedicated to modernizing and expanding the scope of Buddhism, while promoting meaningful cultural exchanges between Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Guided by the principles of Humanistic Buddhism, Fo Guang Shan exemplifies the original intentions of the Buddha's teachings through its actions and endeavors.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, situated in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was fully constructed in 2011. This awe-inspiring edifice harmoniously blends elements of Indian and Chinese architectural styles, offering a space that encompasses collection, research, education, leisure, and tourism. Its commitment to excellence and dedication to the field of museums is evident through its memberships in prestigious organizations such as the International Council of Museums (ICOM) since 2014 and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) since 2017.

The Buddha Museum's exceptional quality and appeal have been consistently acknowledged by visitors and experts alike. It has received the esteemed TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for six consecutive years starting from 2014, earning a well-deserved place in the "Hall of Fame." In 2020, it further achieved recognition with the Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Award, solidifying its status as an outstanding institution within the museum industry. These accolades reflect the museum's unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional experience for its visitors and its dedication to excellence in all aspects of its operations.

Fo Guang Shan prioritizes the use of digital technology and new media to spread the teachings of the Dharma. It has formed partnerships with prestigious national-level museums including the National Museum of History, the National Museum of Taiwan History, and the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute. In 2022, the establishment of the largest Buddhist botanical garden in Taiwan showcased its commitment to promoting environmental awareness. Through a cooperative agreement with the Environmental Protection Administration, Fo Guang Shan actively supports the "Zero Waste Vision and Green Action" initiative, promoting green living, environmental protection, and public education. Renewing its cooperation agreements with the Mainland China Cultural Relics Exchange Association for the third time and with the British Library for the second time in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Fo Guang Shan continues to foster international collaboration in digital technology, resource sharing, expertise, and joint exhibitions.

The Buddha Museum, founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, upholds the principles of the "Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings" and strives for four transformative goals: cultural, cinematic, humanistic, and international. With a strong commitment to sustainable development and a people-oriented approach, the museum actively promotes lifelong education in society. It hosts significant international events such as the "Light Shines on the Universe Prayer Ceremony," "Buddha's Birthday," "International Book Fair and Vegetarian Expo," and the "Reunion of the Religious Associations." These events not only captivate audiences worldwide but also establish the museum as a globally recognized institution in Taiwan, known for its unique and socially beneficial contributions.

Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism

Founded in 2012, the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism (FGSIHB) follows the objectives of propagating the Buddha’s teachings and spreading Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s concepts on Humanistic Buddhism. FGSIHB seeks to ascertain a system of thought on Humanistic Buddhism so as to establish its ideology, and to nurture talents in Buddhist academic research and studies. Annual academic endeavors of FGSIHB are as follows:

① Academic Conferences:

Academic Conference on the Theory and Practice of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Concept of Humanistic Buddhism
Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism
Academic Conference on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Literary Works
Forum on Humanistic Buddhism

② Publications:

人間佛教理論實踐研究學術論文集 (rénjiān fójiào lǐlùn shíjiàn yánjiū xuéshù lùnwén jí, Research on the Theory and Practice of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism, 2013-2017)
人間佛教高峰論壇論文集 (rénjiān fójiào gāofēng lùntán lùnwén jí, Summit on Humanistic Buddhism)
Publications of academic research on Humanistic Buddhism人間佛教青年寫作論文集 (rénjiān fójiào qīngnián xiězuò lùnwén jí, Humanistic Buddhism Academic Research)
Humanistic Buddhism Journal, Arts and Culture (bimonthly journal)
Studies on Humanistic Buddhism

③ Database System for Library Management:

Integrated Library Management System and Database Repository

④ Education Programs

Fo Guang Shan Short-Term Monastic Study Program
Forum for Postgraduate Studies of Humanistic Buddhism
Humanistic Buddhism Writing Scholarship
Academic Conference on Humanistic Buddhism for Members of the Fo Guang Shan Order
Workshops for English Dharma Propagators
Humanistic Buddhism Localization Workshops

⑤ Database of Humanistic Buddhism:

FoGuangPedia.org
Humanistic Buddhism Online Database and Portals

⑥ Development of Buddhist Academic Research Departments:

Center for Buddhist Studies, Fo Guang University
Center for Buddhist Studies, Nanhua University
Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Humanistic Buddhism Centre, Nan Tien Institute
Institute for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism, University of the West

⑦ Translation Projects:

Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism English Translation Project
Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun English Translation Project
English translation and publication of Humanistic Buddhism books and reference works

⑧ Classes and Lectures on Buddhist Studies and Research

Organizer