Year

Age

Event

1927

1

Born on the 22nd day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar in Jiangtu, Jiangsu province, China. Named Li Kuo-shen. Father Li Cheng-pao, mother Liu Yu-ying. Third of four children, with an older brother, an older sister and a younger brother. 

1938

12

Midway to Nanjing with mother in quest of his father, became the Dharma names Wu Che and Chin Chueh. Home temple is Ta Chueh Temple of Pai-ta Mountain.Became the 48th generation of the Lin Chi School in Ch'an Buddhism. Entered Chi-hsia Vinaya College to study Buddhism.

1941

15

Ordained at Chi-hsia Temple.

1944

18

Studied at Tien-ning Temple, Changchou.

1945

19

Transferred to Chiao-shan Buddhist College.

1947

21

Arrived in Ta Chueh Temple, Pai-ta Mountain, where he was named the Superintendent. Became Principal of Pai-ta Elementary School.

1948

22

Founded Raging Waves Monthly with classmate Venerable Zhi Yong.

Became director of Hua-tsang Temple, Nanjing. Edited Splendid Light supplement of newspaper Hsu Pao.

1949

23

Organized the Monastic Rescue Team and headed for Taiwan.

Arrested with Master Tzu Hang and others on allegations of subversive activities and incarcerated for 23 days. Sun Chang Ching-yang and Wu Jing-xiong used their connections to free them.

Became editor in chief for Chueh Chun Weekly. Per Master Miao Kuo's order, stood guard in the mountains around Fa-yun Temple, Miaoli for three months in the winter. 

Began writing Singing in Silence, his first book.

1951

25

Became Editor in Chief for Human Life Magazine.

1952

26

Elected as a member of the Standing Board of Directors of the Buddhist Association, R.O.C.

1953

27

Under the invitation of Ma Teng, Li Chueh-he, Lin Sung-nien, stationed at Lei-yin Temple, Ilan and began to actively propagate the Dharma.

Founded Buddhist Youth Choir.

Founded Buddhist Children's Chanting Class, which was the forerunner of Chinese Schools at Fo Guang Shan branch temples worldwide.

1955

29

Under the invitation of the Buddhist Tripitaka Reprinting Committee, toured Taiwan while promoting the reprint of the Buddhist Tripitaka. Furthermore, propagated Dharma using slides and music, which began the modernization of Buddhist teaching techniques.

Completed the first lecture hall for the Ilan Buddhist Chanting Association.

Published Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha, the first-ever hardback Buddhist text.

1956

30

Founded the first Buddhist Kindergarten, Tzu Ai Kindergarten.

1957

31

Completed the Kaohsiung Buddha Hall. Invited Venerable Master Yue-ji of Hong Kong to be the Abbot. He himself remained the Superintendent.

Gave up the opportunity to study for his Ph.D. at Taisho University in Japan.

Purchased the Pumen Center in Shin Beitou, Taipei as his first place of residency where he authored books since his arrival in Taiwan.

Became Editor in Chief of Awakening the World Periodical.

Cut the first Buddhist hymns record. The Sound of Buddhism was produced at Min Ben Radio Station, marking a beginning for the propagation of Buddhism through radio.
1

1959

33

Supported the Tibetan Buddhist movement against communist suppression. Organized the first float parade in celebration of the Buddha's birthday.

Became the Executive Director of Ilan County Buddhist Sub-Association.

Established Buddhist Cultural Service Center in Sanchung, Taipei.

1960

34

Became Editor in Chief of Buddhism Today. Published the Sutra of Eight Realizations of Great Beings.

1961

35

Became Publisher of Buddhism Today. 

Led the Ilan Buddhist Youth Choir in cutting the first six Buddhist records in Taiwan.

1962

36

Took over the publishing of Awakening the World Periodical.

Initiated the Chinese-English Buddhist Texts Editing Committee and published the first Bilingual Buddhist Series - Sutra & Scriptures.

1963

37

The eldest disciple, Venerable Hsin Ping, was tonsured.

Organized Buddhist Visiting Party with Venerable Pai Sheng and toured Southeast Asia. Met with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, President Diosdado Macapagal of the Philippines and many others. Petitioned for the release of 700 arrested Chinese, and rescued two fishing vessels from Kaohsiung.

1964

38

Completed Shou Shan Temple, Kaoshing. Founded Shou Shan Buddhist College.

Published Traces Over the Sky and Ocean, a book on accounts of his trip to Southeast Asia.

Established Private Chih-Guang Senior Commerical and Industrial Vocational High School with Venerables Nan Ting and Wu Yi.

1965

39

Published A Series of Lectures Titled Awakening the World.

1967

41

Sold the property of the Kaohsiung Buddhist Cultural Service Center and purchased the slopping land in Ma Ju Yuan, Tashu Village, Kaohsiung County for the construction of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, whose groundbreaking took place on May 16th.

Shou Shan Buddhist College relocated to Fo Guang Shan and was renamed Eastern Buddhist College.

Took over a Christian mission service, which was turned into Lanyang Jen-ai Senior Citizen's Home for the aged and poor.

1968

42

Completed the construction of Eastern Buddhist College.

1969

43

Held the first Buddhist Youth Summer Camp at Fo Guang Shan

Venerables Tzu Hui, Tzu Chia, and Tzu Yi went studying in Otani University, Kyoto and Bukkyo University, Japan. They were the first overseas students sent by Fo Guang Shan. Others like Venerables Tzu Chuang and Tzu Jung then went studying aboard in Japan, Korea, India, USA, England, France, Brazil and many other countries.

1970

44

Opening Ceremony of Ta Tzu Children's Home.

1971

45

Completion of the Great Compassion Shrine, followed by the blessing of the Buddha's image. It was the first Buddhist shrine in Taiwan to adopt the design of the Chinese royal palace.

Held the first Bodhisattva Precepts Ceremony for lay Buddhists.

Elected president of Chinese and Japanese Buddhist Relations Progress Society.

1972

46

Prime Minister Lee Kuan-yew of Singapore and wife visited Fo Guang Shan.

1973

47

Chiang Ching-kuo visited and praised Fo Guang Shan's developmental, cultural, and educational achievements.

So as to eliminate the general public's misunderstanding of July 15th of the lunar calendar as a festival of hungry ghosts, he initiated the Ullambana Festival at Shou Shan Temple and proposed for this day to be the Sangha Day, and this month as Filial Piety Month.

Founded Fo Guang Shan Tsung-lin University, which was later renamed Fo Guang Shan Tsung-lin College.

1974

48

Lead the Chinese and Japanese Buddhist Relations Progress Society on a tour in Japan as the association's president.

President of Japan-China Buddhist Relations Progress Society, Venerable Master Niwa Renbo, Abbot of Doukeiin from Japan visited Fo Guang Shan.

Began the weekly Fo Guang Shan Pilgrimage Tour, the Taipei Region made the first pilgrimage.

1975

49

Conducted a three-day lecture at the National Gallery, which was the first-ever Buddhist lecture to be held inside a national assembly hall.

Led a visiting group to Japan and Korea. Established China-Korea Buddhist Progress Society in Seoul.

Organized the first Fo Guang Shan Devotees' Gathering.

Commencement of construction works for Fu Shan Temple, Changhua, which was overseen by Venerable Hsin Ping. This was the first Fo Guang Shan branch temple.

Blessing Ceremony of the 120-meter tall Great Buddha, the tallest Buddha's statue in South-East Asia.

1976

50

Attended the U.S. bicentennial festivities and propagated the Dharma for the first time in the U.S.

Began publishing Fo Guang Academic Journal, a forerunner of academic research in Buddhism.

Established the English Buddhist Studies Center to train teachers of Buddhist studies in English, the center later became the English Buddhist College.

Established Fo Guang Senior Citizens' Home, the first Buddhist senior citizens' home which offers the elderly a place to take care of themselves in their later days.

Launched Fo Guang Clinic, providing medical care for the monastery as well as the locals.

1977

51

Held the annual Dharma lecture in Taipei National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Organized the first Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony in celebration of Fo Guang Shan's 10th Anniversary, which was regarded as a model Full Ordination Ceremony. Acted as the Sila Upadhyaya during the ceremony.

Established the Fo Guang Shan Tripitaka Editing Committee.

Founded Pumern High School.

A Complete Record of Buddhist Monasteries and Nunneries in Taiwan published. This was the very first hardcover complete record of information on all Buddhist temples and nunneries in Taiwan.

Fo Guang Shan Taipei Temple completed. It was the first Buddhist temple in Taiwan to be situated inside a multi-storey building.

1978

52

Received an honorary degree of Ph.D. from the University of Oriental Studies in USA.

Became the speaker for the Chinese Buddhist Youth Association and made formal applications to the Ministry of the Interior for the establishment of the association.

The Complete Buddhist Hymns recorded by students of the Institute of Chinese Buddhist Studies was published to widely promote Buddhist hymns and chanting.

Established the first overseas Fo Guang Shan branch temples─Hsi Lai Temple in USA.

1979

53

Became the first to hold a Buddhist hymns concert at Taipei National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall to raise funds for a national foundation of self-sufficiency. He was the first to bring Buddhist music into a national performance hall.

Launched Universal Gate Magazine.

Invited to be the Guiding Master for the Lay Buddhist Association, R.O.C.

Held first Buddhist Children's Summer Camp involving three thousand participants. Camps for Buddhist youths, mothers, teachers and others were held in years that followed.

1980

54

Appointed as the Director of the Institute of Indian Cultural Studies at the Chinese Culture University.

Wrote The Song of Fo Guang Shan with music written by Wu Chu-che, a professor of National Taipei Institute of Technology.

Launched the New Year's Peace Lantern Dharma Function, a innovative idea for Dharma propagation.

Founded Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Association, USA (White Tower Temple) Chinese School. It was the first Chinese School to be founded by a Buddhist association.

Received the Drama Movement Contribution Award by the Taipei City Drama Club for his contribution to the pro-motion of drama plays.

1981

55

Visited by Nobel Selection Committee Member, Dr. Savders and daughter at Fo Guang Shan.

The Pureland Cave at Fo Guang Shan completed after a 10-year construction period. It is the first theme cave in Taiwan to be constructed based on the scenes described in the Amitabha Buddha Sutra.

Reunion with his mother at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Japan after 40 years of separation.

15th Anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the completion of the Great Hero Hall (Main Shrine). Buddhist elders from Taiwan and representatives from monasteries in the US, France, Japan, Koreas and others countries came to join in the celebration. A total of 100,000 people took part in the event.

Appointed to be a professor for the Department of Philosophy at Tung Hai University.

Elected an executive member for the International Congress of World Buddhist Sangha Council.

1982

56

Nobel Prize for Literature Laureate Alexander Solzhenitsyn visited Fo Guang Shan.

"The Gate of Faith" aired on China Television Company (CTV) received the Social Construction Award presented by the Executive Yuan of R.O.C..

Fo Guang Shan co-organized "The Fifth International Buddhist Academic Conference" with Japanese (Prof. Nakamura Yasutaka and Prof. Mizuno Kougen) and Korean (Kim Jin Gyun Ph.D) participants.

Became Brother Temples with ancient Korean Temple, Tong Do Temple. The brotherhood ceremony was held inside Chih-Teh Hall of Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Center, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

1983

57

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Cultural Museum opened in January 1983, it is the first Buddhist museum that collects Buddhist artifacts.

Fo Guang Tripitaka - Agama Canon published by the Fo Guang Shan Tripitaka Editing Committee.

Established the first branch temple in Hong Kong and held a three-day Dharma Lecture in Sha Tin Town Hall which started the trend of the Buddhist practice in Hong Kong.

1984

58

Established the first City Buddhist College at Kaohsiung Pu Hsien Temple to offer members of society a chance to learn Buddhism

Established the Fo Guang Medical Team to deliver medical service to remote areas. It was later renamed Cloud and Water Mobile Clinic.

Became the first Buddhist monastic to receive the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Education from the Ministry of Education.

1985

59

Dharma Talk on Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch became the first Buddhist program to be aired on Taiwan Television Enterprise (TTV).

Became founding President of the American Buddhist Youth Association.

Served as Executive Director of the Chinese Han-Tibet Culture Association.

Elected as Honorary President of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth.

Retired as Abbot of Fo Guan Shan and passed the position onto Ven. Hsin Ping. Set a paradigm of democracy within a Buddhist order by vowing to abide by the Buddhist regulation, pass down the tradition, manage with system and guide with organizational structure.

"Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Dharma Lecture" aired on the Public Television Service won the Golden Bell Award.

1986

60

World Sutric and Tantric Buddhist Conference held at Fo Guang Shan on the theme "Harmony and Development."Over three hundred scholars from the world took part in the event. Words of congratulations were sent by President Chiang Ching-kuo, and the Head of State of Canada and Thailand.

"Hsing Yun's Ch'an Talk" television program aired on TTV.

Awarded by Kaohsiung City Mayor Su Nan-cherng the Key of Kaohsiung and the City's Honorary Citizenship.

1987

61

Represented Mahayana Buddhism at the "Joyful Meeting Between South and North Talks" organized by Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia. Ven. Dhammananda gave a talk on behalf of the Theravada tradition.

Invited by the Ministry of National Defense to give talks at the Military Academy, troops and prisons.

Under the invitation of Ven. Master Kim Beng, President of the Malaysian Buddhist Association, led a group of 20 on a Singapore-Malaysia Tour to propagate the Dharma.

Invited 1,200 sixty-year-old devotees to Fo Guang Shan to celebrate the sixtieth birthday together. 

Fo Guang Shan's 20th Anniversary Alms Procession across Taiwan. 108 monastics completed a total walking distance of 600 kilometers within one month's time.

First meeting with President Zhao Pu-chu of the Buddhist Association of China in Bangkok, Thailand.

Conferred the Great Practice of Compassion and Good Award and Promoting Cultural Construction Excellent Achievement Award by Kaohsiung County Magistrate Yu Chen Yueh-ying.

1988

62

Led the Northern Thailand Medical Team to Northen Thailand to provide free medical consultation, promote Buddhism and conduct charity donations.

Organized the first Short-Term Monastic Retreat. One thousand participants selected from eight thousand applicants for the retreat in three separate groups.

"Return to Buddha's Time" Dharma Function held in northern, central and southern Taiwan at Taipei Linkou Stadium, Changhua County Stadium and Kaohsiung Chung-cheng Stadium.

Fo Guang Buddhist Dictionary published after over a decade's editing and compilation.

The 16th General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held at Hsi Lai Temple, USA. It was the first time for a WFB General Conference to be held in the Western Hemisphere.

Inauguration Ceremony of the Biggest Buddhist Temple in the Western Hemphisphere - Hsi Lai Temple, where the Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony was held, involving three hundred monastics from sixteen countries.

Used the proceeds of the Alms Procession to establish the Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Culture and Education, appointing Ven. Tzu Hui as the executive director.

1989

63

Conducted Purification Ceremony for the opening of the California State and Los Angeles Meetings.

Invited by Zhao Pu-chu, President of the Buddhist Association of China for a one-month homecoming trip with more than two hundred lay and monastic disciples. Met with Chinese President Yang Shang-kun and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chiarman Li Xian-nian at People's Congress Hall.

Opening Ceremony of the International Conference of Ch'an Studies at Fo Guang Shan. Over fifty scholars from the East and West presented papers at the Conference such as Lewis R. Lancaster and John R. McRae from the US, Peter Della Santina from Italy, Yanagida Seizan, Yoshitu Yoshihide and Ogawa Takashi from Japan, Kim Young-doo from Korea, Chen Shyr-yan, Yang Zhen-wen from China and so on. The theme of the Conference was "The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch from the Religious and Cultural Perspective."

US Congressman Al Gore visited Hsi Lai Temple.

The Dalai Lama visited Hsi Lai Temple.

Held the very first Benefactor's Conference at Fo Guang Shan during which motions for the constitution and grading criteria were passed. Gave a talk on "Glory belongs to the Buddha; Achievement belongs to the multitude; Benefit belongs to the Order; Merit belongs to our benefactors" as the highest guiding principles for the harmony between monastic and lay Buddhists and also the prosperity of Buddhism.

"Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Dharma Lecture" program aired on the Taiwan Television Enterprise Ltd. (TTV) won the Golden Bell Award for social construction in broadcast television from the Executive Yuan Government Informa-tion Office, ROC.

1990

64

Grandmother's (Master's mother) first trip to Fo Guang Shan. 

Began an annual three-day Dharma lecture at Hong Kong Coliseum, attracting a crowd of sixty thousand each year.

Second General Meeting of the Fo Guang Shan Religious Affairs Committee. Venerables Hsin Ping, Tzu Chuang, Tzu Hui, Tzu Jung, Tzu Chia, Tzu Yi, Hsin Ting, Yi Heng and Yi Kung were elected as committee members.

Hsi Lai University formally registered, making it the first institute of higher education established by a Chinese Buddhist association in a western country.

"World Buddhist Examination" organized by Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Culture and Education took place in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Asia and America. 200,000 people took part in this historical Buddhist event.

International Buddhist Studies Academic Conference held at Fo Guang Shan based on the theme "Contemporary Buddhism." Participants included 40 scholars from around the world: Hirakawa Akira from Japan and Lewis R.Lancaster from the US gave keynote speeches and Charles Fu from the US, Jan Yun-hua from Canada,Maeda Egaku from Japan, Lou Yu-lie from China and many others presented papers.

26 acres of land donated by Mayor of City of Wollongong Aldermen Arkell, Australia. Venerables Tzu Jung, Yung Tung, Man Ko and Man Chien took charge in the construction of Nan Tien Temple.

1991

65

Initiated a Dharma service for the victims of the 228 Incident.

Established the Buddha's Light International Association, R.O.C. and was elected as President of BLIA, R.O.C. during its Inaugural Ceremony. 326 Chapters were established at the same time.

Organized a three-month long Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony. 500 monastics from around the world took part in the longest full ordination ceremony in the history of Buddhism.

Dr. Hennie Senekal, Chief Executive of the management team of Bronkhorstspruit City Council, visited Fo Guang Shan with a request for the construction of South Africa's first Buddhist temple, Nan Hua Temple. Ven. Hui Li was assigned to take charge of the project.

The Chinese Academy of Science held the "Ancient Science and Technology of Dunhuang in China Exhibition" at the Fo Guang Yuan Cultural Exhibition Hall for a three-month period which attracted millions of visitors.

"Hsing Yun Dharma Words" program televised on CTS and won the Golden Bell Award.

1992

62

Buddha's Light International Association World Headquarters established and held its first General Conference at Hsi Lai Temple. Monterey Park Mayor Samuel K. Kiang decalred May 16th as International Buddha's Light Day.

Became the first monastic to give a public Dharma lecture in Indonesia by delivering a talk inside Tiara Medan Hotel and Convention Center.

Organized the 1992 Fo Guang Shan Young Buddhist's Academic Conference on the theme "The Realization of Humanistic Pureland."

President Lee Teng-hui visited Fo Guang Shan in the company of James Soong, Secretary General of the KMT.

Chang Sheng-kai donated Jing-hsin Center to Fo Guang Shan as its branch in South America, I.B.P.S. Do Brasil which was renamed Ru Lai Temple. Construction of the temple was taken charge by Venerables Chueh Cheng and Chueh Sheng. I.B.P.S. Paraguay was subsequently established.

The first Ordination Ceremony for Shigus involving Yang Tzu-man, Wu Pao-ching, Hsiao Pi-hsia, Cheng Pi-yun, Kuo Hsu-yuan, Wu Mei-yin, Huang Tsun-ching, Ni Pao-ching, Hsiao Pi-liang, Lin Hsu-hui, Chung Hsu-cheng, Lee In-ok, Lin Mei-yue, Chang Yan-ying, Huang Mei-hsu and Ho Chun-lan. A shigu is a lay female member of the Fo Guang Shan Order.

Gave a keynote speech on "Cooperation, harmony and joy" and was elected as the Permanent Honorary President of WFB. Venerable Tzu Hui was elected as the Vice President at the Opening Ceremony of the 18th General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held at Yang Ming Shan Sun Yat-sen Hall.

Secretary of State of California, March Fong Eu, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Fo Guang Shan on the state's behalf.

Founded the Fo Guang Pureland Culture and Education Foundation.

The mayors of Austin, the capital of Texas, and Houston conferred the Honorary Citizen and Goodwill Ambassador Certificates.

BLIA, R.O.C. awarded Great Service in Social Education Award.

Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Culture and Education received the second annual Gentle Breeze Award and Outstanding Social Atmosphere Improving Award.

1993

67

Led Tzu Chuang, Tzu Hui and others on a homecoming trip to visit his mother and the Buddhist elders in Nanjing.

Invited by Taoyuan County Magistrate Liu Pang-you to give a talk on "The Buddhist Perspective on Wealth" inside Taiwan's first giant dome, Taoyuan Dome Stadium.

Originated the "Ch'an, Pureland, and Tantric Dharma Function".

Originated the Biennial Fo Guang Family's Gathering to develop a closer bond with parents of Fo Guang Shan's monastic disciples.

Invited by BLIA, Saint Petersburg to visit and propagate the Dharma in Russia and to understand the chances of development for Buddhism in the country.

Held the first International Monastic Seminar at Fo Guang Shan. Guests included Most Ven. Minh Chau of Vietnam, Ven. Suddhivaro of Thailand, Ven. Sandawuntha of Myanmar, Ven. Devamitta from Holland, Ven. Dhamma Dhiroo and Ven. Sanghasena from India, Ven. Pandita from Bangladesh and other Bhiksus and devotees from 16 countries across the five continents. Subsequent seminars were held in Vancouver, Sydney, Paris, Hong Kong and Taiwan involving delegates from over 20 countreis.

The 2nd General Conference of the BLIA held at Fo Guang Shan and Opening Ceremony took place at Linkou Stadium. Guests included President Lee Teng-hui, President Chen Lu-an of the Control Yuan, R.O.C., President Lin Yang-kang of Judicial Yuan, R.O.C., Minister Wu Poh-hsiung of the Interior, Mainland Affairs Council Chairman Huang Kun-hui and others. 30,000 members took part in the ceremony and the theme of conference was "Oneness and Coexistence." Director of the Tourist Office of Spain in Taiwan, Santiago Ruperez, and five Africans took refuge in the Triple Gem during the ceremony.

Establishment of Fo Guang University was approved by the Ministry of Education. Ven. Tzu Hui took charge in the project and Gong Peng-cheng was appointed as President of the University. Venerable Master presided over the foundation laying ceremony in Linmei, Chiaohsi, Ilan County.

Initiated the Seven Admonitions Campaign: no drugs, no sex, no violence, no stealing, no gambling, no alcohol and no harsh speech.

Founded the BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturers and Lay Dharma Teachers System. President Chen Lu-an of the Control Yuan, R.O.C. took part in propagating the Dharma.

Fo Guang Shan and Dhammakaya Temple of Thailand became brother Temples.

BLIA received the National Outstanding Social Organization Award from the Ministry of Interior, R.O.C..

1994

68

Acted as coordinator for the "No. 7 Park Kuan Yin Incident" at Ta An Forest Park and sought a good ending for it.

The 3rd General Conference of the BLIA took place in Vancouver, Canada with the theme "Oneness and Coexistence."

Founded the Srimala Buddhist Institute. Over twenty Buddhist ladies traveled the world to broaden their horizon.

Conducted Tonsure Ceremony for ten African nationals at Nan Hua Temple, South Africa.

The Fo Guang Shan Tripitaka Editing Committee, including Ven. Yung Ming, Ven. Yung Chin and a team published the 51-volume Ch'an Canon.

1995

69

Handing Down the Light, a biography of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, authored by Fu Chi-ying was published by the Commonwealth Publishing Company

 Published the Buddhism Series at his own expense and presented them as gifts to members of the Fo Guang Shan Order and benefactors. In the following year, the Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Culture and Education gave away one thousand sets to universities, libraries and monasteries around the world, and also to scholars who have contributed to the development of culture and Buddhist academic studies.

Took over Nan Hua Management College in Talin Town, Chiayi County. Student recruitment for the institutes of philosophy, information management and communications and so on began.

Fo Guang Shan's second Abbot Ven. Hsin Ping passed away. Ven. Hsin Ting was elected by the Fo Guang Shan Religious Affairs Committee according to the constitution as the new abbot.

Suffered from coronary artery stenosis, therefore accepted a coronary artery bypass graft at Taipei Veterans General Hospital performed by Dr. Chang Yen.

The first public Tainan Prison Ming De Drug Rehabilitation Center was opened. Fo Guang Shan's monastics were stationed at the center to provide spiritual consultation, making it the first Buddhist drug rehabilitation center.

World Buddhist Examination organized by Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Buddhist Culture and Education with guidance provided by the Ministry of Education. A total of over one million candidates across the world took part in this event.

Opening Ceremony of Kaohsiung County Senior Citizen's Home as organized by Fo Guang Shan Compassion Foundation.

Opening Ceremony of the First International Buddhist - Christian Colloquium held inside Fo Guang Shan Tathagata Hall.The ceremony was presided by Ven. Hsin Ting and an address given by H.E. Cardinal Francis Arinze. Catholic and Buddhist delegates as well as scholars and experts from USA, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Italy, Spain and other parts of the world took part in this four-day conference

Inauguration Ceremony of Nan Tien Temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and the 4th General Conference of the BLIA with the theme "Respect and Tolerance."

Received the Buddha Ratna Award from the members of All India Buddhist Conference.

Chosen as the 1995 Who's Who of the Year by the American Biographical Institute for outstanding accomplishments in the Twentieth Century.

1996

70

Fo Guang University received approval from the Ministry of the Interior for development.

President Lee Teng-hui paid a second visit to Fo Guang Shan. Within the same year, President Lee Teng-hui presented a tablet with the words "Universally Handing Down the Light" as Fo Guang Shan's 30th Anniversary Celebration gift.

Received US Vice President Al Gore at Hsi Lai Temple. 

Madam Lee Liu Yu-ying (Master's mother) passed away at the age of 95, at Hsi Lai Temple, USA.

Completed the Fo Guang Shan monumental wall with works of famous calligraphers inscribed on them.

The first International Religious and Cultural Academic Conference was held at Fo Guang Shan by the Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Culture and Education. University professors and scholars from USA, England, Japan, Korea, Belgium, China, Hong Kong and many other countries presented papers based on the topic, "Religious Faith and Contemporary Society."

Dharma Talk at Asia's biggest outdoor stadium - Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A crowd of 80,000 showed up at the talk, making a record gathering in the history of Buddhism in Malaysia.

Following the One Hundred Questions series, a 132-volume collection of Selected Chinese Buddhist Texts in Modern Writing was published to make Buddhist texts modern and easy to understand.

Delivered a keynote speech on "Equality and Peace" during the 5th General Conference of BLIA held at La Palais des Congress de Paris. Letters of congratulation were sent by US President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, French President Monsieur Jacques Chirac and President Lee Teng-hui of R.O.C.. Over 5,000 delegates from more than 100 regions, 63 chapters and sub-chapters took part in the conference.

Motion for Fo Guang Shan to seal its mountain gate was passed in the 5th General Conference of BLIA, where the sealing took place on May 17th, 1997 so that members of the monastery were able to strengthen their learning and practice of Buddhism.

Fo Guang Dictionary on CD-ROM test version completed under the supervision of the Fo Guang Shan Religious Affairs Committee.

Hosted the Premier of Fo Guang Shan's 30th Anniversary Documentary with Chiu Shun-ching, the Chief Executive Officer of Central Motion Pictures Corporation (CMPC) and director Wang Tong.

The Commencement of Term Ceremony and Food Fair of Nan Hua Management College of Fo Guang University was attended by thousands observers. It is the first university in Taiwan that does not charge student tuition and fees.

Celebrating Fo Guang Shan's 30th Anniversary, the BLIA and Fo Guang Shan Religious Affairs Committee co-organized the first World Conference of Outstanding Buddhist Women at Fo Guang Shan. 500 outstanding women from 15 countries took part in the event.

Brought up the draft of the Law Governing Religious Groups in time of the Symposium on Religion and Social Mood organized by the Executive Yuan, Ministry of the Interior.

1997

71

Met with HH Pope John Paul II for a Cross-century Religious Dialogue at the Vatican.

Presided over the Inauguration Ceremony of Fo Guang Shan's 6th Abbot and Mountain Gate Sealing Ceremony.

Celebrating Fo Guang Shan's 30th Anniversary, BLIA organized the five-day International Buddhist Youth Conference, involving more than 600 Buddhist youths from 20 countries. Renowned Chinese writer Yu Qiu-yu was invited to give a special talk at the conference.

Gave a Dharma lecture on "the Main Concepts of the Maharatnakuta Sutra" in front of a crowd of 50,000 people inside Singapore National Stadium.

Initiated the "Love and Compassion Campaign" at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall where 80,000 people took oaths to become Love and Compassion Campaigners.

Inauguration Ceremony of the first Buddhist television station - Buddha's Light Satellite Television Station (now Beautiful Life Television) held at Taipei Linkou Stadium.

1998

72

Organized the First National Buddhist Temple Management Seminar at Fo Guang Shan to enhance exchange and fellowship between Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan. Subsequent seminars were organized.

R.O.C. Vice President Lien Chan called at Fo Guang Shan in the company of Senior Adviser to the President,Wu Poh-hsiung, Hsu Li-teh and others.

Relinquished the position as President of BLIA, R.O.C. and transferred the seal to the newly elected President Wu Poh-hsiung.

Held the first International Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony and Lay Buddhist's Refuge Taking and Five Precepts Ceremony in Bodhgaya, India.

Led the Buddha's Tooth Relic Welcoming Party to Thailand to escort the Buddha's tooth relic back to Taiwan.

Met with Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in Malaysia, marking a new milestone for the exchange between Chinese Buddhism, Malaysian Buddhism and Muslim.

20th General Conference of the WFB was held at Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, Australia. Delegates from over 80 regions took part in the conference.

Had a Carotid Endarterectomy at the Methodist Hospital - Houston, Texas.

Founded Fo Guang Shan Holiday Retreats.

Fo Guang University Nan Hua Management College received a special allowance from the Ministry of Education.The College library was recognized as the best in the nation.

The 7th General Conference of BLIA held in Toronto with the theme "Nature and Life."

1999

73

President Lee Teng-hui visited Fo Guang Shan and conferred the flag to the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Hymn Choir.The President also declared April 8th of the Lunar Calendar, the Buddha's Birthday, as a National Holiday.

Led Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Hymn Choir on a one month tour around Europe. Received news of the September 21st Earthquake in Taiwan during the tour and gave immediate instructions to BLIA members to establish international emergency relief centers to provide service to the victims.

After the September 21st Earthquake in Taiwan, Fo Guang Buddhists around the world raised NT$40million and adopted Zhongliao Shuang Wen Primary School, Nantou Ping Lin Elementary School and Dongshi Zhong Ke Elementary School for reconstruction. They also constructed Chungliao Yung Ping Village and provided school lunches for 2,000 students. Fo Guang Yuan centers were also established to provide spiritual counseling on a long-term basis.

Visited by Ukranian journalist, Prof. Stadnichenko, and President of the Russia Far East State University Ladmiro Kurlon at Fo Guang Shan on separate occasions.

Invited by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to give a talk on "Future Prospects of the 21st Century" inside the University International Convention Center.

Gave a talk on "The Buddhist Perspective on Science" at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Nan Hua Management College granted permission by the Ministry of Education to be upgraded to university status.

Sponsored over ten Hoping Schools in mainland China. Also established Jun Tou Junior High School and Elementary School in Puli.

The Hundred Saying Series and Fo Guang Text Book published.

Received a National Social Welfare Award.

2000

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Debut of Merit Times Daily News in Taiwan. Its American edition also published in the same year.

In Arizona State University, Boston Cambridge Education Learning Center and Western Michigan University, the schools have chosen books such as Hsing Yun's Ch'an Talk and Humble Table, Wise Fare ─ Hospitality for the Heart as text books for their courses and has received high recognition.

Published Universal Gate Buddhist Journal to promote the Buddhist academic culture.

The Portuguese edition of "Hsing Yun's Ch'an Talk" published.

A Collection of Contemporary Buddhist Works - Chinese Buddhist Academic Series, the most complete collection of Master's theses and Ph.D. dissertations done by Chinese scholars. Renowned professors from Nanjing University,Peking University, Sichuan University, Renmin University and others offered guidance and assistance for the publication.

Commencement of Fo Guang University with permission to recruit students for its six research institutes. The University received government subsidy in its first year of operation. It was also regarded as a top university in ten aspects.

An 80 acre property was donated by the Wollongong City Council for Nan Tien Temple to construct Nan Tien University and Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery.

Went to Nanjing to present artist Li Zi-jian's painting on Nanjing, 1973 to The Memorial Hall of The Victims in Nanjing Massacre. The painting was accepted by Nanjing Deputy Mayor Xu Hui-ling on the Memorial Hall's behalf.

Published the Chinese edition of Pearls of Wisdom: Prayers for Everyday Living to act as a part of a modern daily chanting procedure. It was also a new form of literature.

Awarded the Buddhist Great Contribution Award by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Chuan Leekpai　

2001

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President Chen Shui-bian of R.O.C. lead 39 media senior officers to Fo Guang Shan for a meeting and over-night stay. Ven. Yung Yun, Chief Editor of Merit Times Daily News was elected Deputy Chief of the media team.

Led the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Hymn Choir on tour around USA and Canada. Arrived at ground zero of the September 11 terrorist attack for a purification ceremony and read a prayer for the victims inside New York Lincoln Center.

Hosted an Inter-Religious Dialogue at University of Toronto on the topic "How Would Religion Face Globalization?" Other two speakers in the Dialogue were Father Dr. Bill Ryan and Dr. Wanda Deifelt.

Invited by the Office of the President to give a speech at the Office on "The Direction of Our Future Endeavors" in celebration of Constitution Day.

Established Humanistic Buddhist Reading Association.

International Buddhist Youth Conference held in Malaysia by BLIA-YAD World Headquarters to promote exchange between Buddhist youths worldwide. Over one thousand delegates from twenty-six countries attended the conference.

Completion of Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Vihara and Melbourne Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery in Australia.

Gave Dharma lectures at University of California, Los Angeles, McGill University in Montreal, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, National University of Singapore, Singapore Ngee Ann Polytechnic and National Cheng Kung University of Taiwan.

BLTV awarded the 2001 Outstanding Satellite TV Award by the Government Information Office.

2002

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Fo Guang Shan Year of the Horse Exhibition. The world's first life-size horse lanterns designed to run on monorail based on the theme of the Year of the Horse.

Authorized by the Chinese government to escort the Buddha's finger relic from Famen Temple in Xian, China to Taiwan based on the following priniciple, "Hsing Yun to make the initiation; united effort in the escort; enshrinement and worship as one; safety as top priority." This event marked a new page in the history of interaction between the two shores of the Taiwan Strait.

Arrived in Malaysia to propagate the Dharma in Penang, Kuantan and Ipoh.

Presided over the 9th General Conference of BLIA in Tokyo, Japan and gave a keyonte speech on "To Resolve and To Develop."

Established Motosu Temple near the foot of Mt. Fuji in Japan as a center for cultural and educational activities as well as training center for monastic and lay Buddhists.

Presided over International Buddha's Light Men's Volunteer Fellowship Conference and International Buddhist Women's Fellowship Conference at Motosu Temple, Japan.

Selected as the Second Annual Private School Ten Outstanding Educational Entrepreneurs of R.O.C..

Hsi Lai University granted Candidacy for Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Initiated the Media Environmental Conservation Movement to urge the media to practice the Three Acts of Goodness (Say good words, do good things and have good intentions) and Say No To: sex, violence and distortion, hoping to reawaken the media's ability for self-discipline and return a society of purity back to the audience.

The 5th Anniversary of BLTV, which was formally renamed Beautiful Life TV, attained permission for local broadcast in Hong Kong and Macau.

Went on a South East Asia Charity Tour (Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand). Conducted wheelchair donation ceremonies and enhanced exchange between the Northern and Southern Schools of Buddhism.

Presided over the Buddha's Light International Young Executive Conference.

Held a Buddhist Hymn Singing and Dharma Lecture at Taipei National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Established the Fo Guang Shan Devotees' University at Jin Guang Ming Temple in Sanshia, Taipei.

2003

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Presided over the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Buddha Memorial Hall.

Presided over a Northern and Southern Schools Buddhist Exchange Symposium.

Jointed forces of florists, flower growers and related experts in presenting the first International Flower Expo inside a Buddhist temple.

Conducted a Refuge Taking Ceremony for 700 Buddhist youths from Malaysia who came to Taiwan for the "Searching for Our Root in the Monastery" Trip.

Merit Times Daily News celebrated its 3rd Anniversary and extended from 12 pages to 16 pages.

The Between Ignorance and Enlightenment Column on Merit Times Daily News was published as six separate books with future volumes to be added.

Attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony of Catholic Zhen Fu Shan Community Monastery under the invitation of His Eminence Paul Cardinal Shan, SJ.

Announced A Prayer to Stop SARS and accepted interviews by the media on his thoughts about the SARS epidemic.

Entrusted by the Taipei City Government to give spiritual support and encouragement to those who were quarantined inside Taipei Hoping Hospital because of the SARS outbreak.

Pumern High School Girl's Basketball Team established.

Awarded an Honorary Ph.D. by Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University of Thailand.

Cloud and Water: A 50 Year Anniversary Photobiography of Master Hsing Yun published, the first photobiography of a Master in Buddhism.