Propagated the Dharma with overhead projectors. Utilizing modern technology to help propagate the Dharma and to advocate the concept of Humanistic Buddhism.

Founded the first Buddhist Children's Class. When adults came to Lei-yin Temple to participate in Dharma functions, their children needed someone to look after. Therefore, the Children's Class was established. It became the origin of all the children's classes and Chinese schools in temples located around the world.

Founded the first Buddhist Youth Choir, attracting many youths to participate in the Dharma propagation work

Formed the Students Society. This was established with the purpose of assisting high school and junior high school students to learn Buddhism. Moreover, they went to the countryside to propagate Buddhism on their weekends.

Lead a Dharma Propagation Tour around Taiwan to advocate the reprinting of the Taisho Tripitaka. In order to promote the reprinting of the Buddhist Tripitaka, Venerable Master employed a very lively Dharma lecture method with Buddhist singing, slideshows and discussion groups. These modernized Dharma propagation methods had a very profound influence on the developments of Buddhism in Taiwan.

Established Tzu Ai Kindergarten. This was the first kindergarten organized by Buddhism.

Cut the first Buddhist music record. A set of six ten-inch records contained twenty Buddhist songs. People in Taiwan and abroad rushed to preorder the records and caused an unprecedented sensation in the history of Buddhism. These songs were also played on radio programs.

Founded Fo Guang Shan.

Organized the first Buddhist Youth Summer Camp. This was a pioneering work in the history of Buddhism. From then on, annual camps such as Buddhist Youth Meditation Camp, Leadership Training Seminar, Short Term Monastic Retreat, and United University Freshman Welcomings were organized to help guide university students in their leanings of Buddhism.

Fo Guang Shan Religious Affairs Committee was established and the Fo Guang Shan Order Constitutions was set up. Within the constitution, the organization's structure, authorities, election methods and so on were clearly stated. With collective effort in promoting and developing Buddhist undertakings, it set the first example for Chinese Buddhism toward democratic election.

Opened the path for Dharma Lectures in the National Hall. Venerable Master first expounded the Dharma in the National Art Center, Taipei. From then on, he also gave Dharma Lectures in other national halls such as Chung Shan Hall, National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and cultural centers.

Opened the path for Dharma Lectures in the National Hall. Venerable Master first expounded the Dharma in the National Art Center, Taipei. From then on, he also gave Dharma Lectures in other national halls such as Chung Shan Hall, National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and cultural centers.

Initiated the Fo Guang Shan Tripitaka Editing Committee. Venerable Master invited monastic and lay Buddhist scholars to help re-edit the ancient Buddhist canons and compile the Fo Guang Tripitaka. The newly published Fo Guang Tripitaka is divided into sixteen different canons with new collation, paragraphs, punctuation, expatiation, title explanation and scholars' research papers to facilitate easy reading comprehension.

Compilation of the Fo Guang Buddhist Dictionary. After ten years of hard work, the Fo Guang Buddhist Dictionary was finally published. In 1989, it received the Golden Tripods Award for national outstanding books. The dictionary is the best studying tool for Buddhist research. It is also digitalized and published on the CD-Rom today.

Constructed Hsi Lai Temple in USA. It is the first international Buddhist monastery referred to as the Forbidden City in USA. Hsi Lai Temple repesented the eastern spiritual culture, Buddhism, entering the western society which focuses heavily on technological advancement.

Constructed a modernized Temple. Pumen Temple, a major Fo Guang Shan branch in Taipei. It is the first Buddhist temple to be located in a multi-storey building in the history of Buddhism in Taiwan. It was a break through in the tradition that temple must be situated in deep mountains and remote areas.

Organized the Children's Summer Camp. This was the first Buddhist Children's Summer Camp to guide children in cultivating their roots of kindness and good temperament.

Opened the path to Dharma Propagation on TV. The airing of "Nectar" television Dharma program on CTS was the first TV Dharma propagation in the history of Buddhism. From then on, programs such as "the Gate of Faith", "Hsing Yun's Ch'an Talks", "Hsing Yun's Dharma Words", and "Hsing Yun's Talk on Verses" were also aired on TV in Taiwan and abroad. The utilization of TV for Dharma propa gation was followed by many others.

The Largest Indian Pilgrimage Group. More than 200 people, monastics and lay, led by Venerable Master participated in the Indian Pilgrimage Group for 21 days. This was the largest Indian pilgrimage group to visit the sacred grounds of Buddha in the history of Buddhism.

Initiated the first Peace Lantern Festival (Making the First Incense offering of the Year.) Every Chinese New Year, the Peace Lantern Festival is conducted to pray for national prosperity and well-being of society. In the past, themes such as electric lanterns of Buddhist stories and international flower show have been conducted to facilitate the function of purifying human spirits, praying for blessings, and appreciating lanterns during the New Year.

Introduced the first Buddhist Mother's Camp. The purpose of this camp was to allow women in society and homes to take time out of their busy work and receive the teachings of the Dharma so that they can continue to improve themselves.

Organized the Pilgrimage Program. The Ten-Thousand People Pilgrimage Program was the first new undertaking in Buddhism. Not only was it highly valued by Buddhists devotees, the program also brought many visitors to the temple.

Accepted the Position as the Director of the Institute of Indian Cultural Studies of the Chinese Culture University. Venerable Master was invited by the Chinese Culture University's founder Chang Chi-yun to be the first Director of the Institute of Indian Cultural Studies. The institute was approved by the Ministry of Education, R.O.C., and was the first graduate school which offered a degree on Buddhist studies. Opening up the path for universities to establish graduate schools in religious studies.

Became Brother Temples with Tong Do Temple of Korea. Symbolizing the union of the traditional with the modern, Fo Guang Shan became brother temples with Tong Do Temple , an ancient Korean temple. Together the temples hoped to revive Buddhism and benefit the society through their Dharma propagation, cultivation and Buddhist studies.

Established the Buddhist Cultural Museum. It was the first museum to collect and preserve Buddhist artifacts in Taiwan. The museum has a total area of more than 2,600 square meters with more than one thousand Buddhist art works on display.

Founded the Cloud and Water Mobile Clinic. Firstly named Fo Guang Shan Medical Team, it delivered medical aids to remote areas. In 1987, it was expanded to become the Cloud and Water Mobile Clinic and formed the first Buddhist health care net with home services.

Organized the Buddhist Youth Summer Camp. The purpose of the camp is to help guide young people in learning Buddhism during this important period in their life. With the guidance of Dharma, one will develop a healthy and complete view of life.

Presided over the Mantle Conferment Ceremony. After being the Abbot of Fo Guang Shan for 18 years, Venerable Master was determined to retire so as to set an example for the future. He presided over the Mantle Conferment Ceremony and handed down the Dharma robe, alms bowl and the position of Abbot to Ven. Hsin Ping. In this resplendent page of history, he has allowed the lineage "to cover heaven and earth; handing down the lamp to the whole world" to continue the Chi-hsia Dharma Lineage in Taiwan.

Organized the first Annual Devotees' Gathering. The Devotees' Gathering was organized with classes on the understanding and practice of Buddhism to help devotees' improve their character. This was a new undertaking in Buddhism.

Launched the Alms Procession. To celebrate the 20th year anniversary of Fo Guang Shan, the South to North Alms Procession across Taiwan was initiated. The whole procession took one month and covered a distance of 600 km. The objectives of the procession were "To walk the path towards national prosperity, to walk the path towards a thriving Buddhist religion, to walk the path towards a bright human world, and to walk the path towards righteous Buddhist belief."

Led a group to Northern Thailand for Dharma Propagation and offered Free Medical Care. Venerable Master led the Fo Guang Shan Northern Thailand Dharma Propagation and Medical Team into northern Thailand in Maesalong, Chiangrai Mesaut and Tham to propagate Buddhism, offer free health care, charity, and give grants for Ngbo temple construction. Moreover, the Fo Guang Shan Northern Thailand Refugees Village Construction Foundation was established to bring boundless hope and light to tens of thousands of faithful Chinese Refugees. This also has written a new page in the Buddhist charity and Dharma propagation.

Invited to Propagate Dharma in the Armed Force. Venerable Master led the Chinese Han-Tibet Culture Association in an Tantric and Sutric Dharma Propagation at the Kinmen front zone. The lecture was held in the Sky Supporting (Ching-tien) Hall.

Organized the Short-Term Monastic Retreat. The Short-Term Monastic Summer Retreat allowed lay Buddhists a chance to experience monastic life.

Opened the path for Dharma Lecture given inside Hong Kong Coliseum. Venerable Master gave a lecture called "This shore, the Other Shore Dharma Lecture" at Hong Kong Coliseum. It was an exceptionally grand occasion and was said to be like the "pure lotus in the incense river (Hong Kong)." Thereafter, Venerable Master gave annual Dharma Lectures at the Coliseum which has become a major annual event in Hong Kong.

Founded the Benefactors' Conference. In order to show gratitude toward the devotees who have supported Fo Guang Shan in its Dharma propagation undertakings, the Benefactors' Conference was founded. As a way to thank the benefactors, the conference has established different rewards and preferential methods to commend their merits. With the ideal "to repay one's kindness on Buddhism's behalf," the association is full of creativity and human touch. It has realized the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism.

Venerable Master led a Dharma Propagation and Homecoming Tour to China, and set a historical page in peaceful exchange between the two shores by giving a Dharma Lecture at Beijing People's Congress Hall.

Held the World Buddhist Examination. With the objectives of promoting understanding in Buddhism, enrichment of life, purifying human minds and society, finding a world of spirituality, and developing righteous views and understanding. Examination sites covered the five continents of the world and involved more than a million candidates. The exam papers were printed in more than 20 languages with special examination procedural service provided for the vision impaired or physically challenged. Questions presented with comics were also available to help children plant the seeds of Bodhi wisdom. The most special thing about the exam is that there is no age limit, career or religious criteria. Anyone interested in learning Buddhism is eligible for participation.

Hosted the Inaugural Ceremony of BLIA, R.O.C.. The Inauguration of BLIA, R.O.C. was held at the Taipei National Dr. Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hall. During the ceremony, Venerable Master was elected as the first President and Venerable Tzu Jung as the Secretary General. Approximately 3,000 people participated to set a new milestone with the ideal of letting "the Buddha's light shines universally, Dharma water flows in the five continents."

Hosted the Group Buddhist Wedding Ceremony. Co-organized by Kaohsiung County Government, 24 couples received blessings in this never-before-seen Buddhist event.

Formed the BLIA, Ladakh in India. With the invitation of Ladakh to the north-western India, Venerable Master presided over the Inaugural Ceremony of BLIA, Ladakh and also conducted a Dharma Lecture and a Refuge Taking Ceremony.

Ordination the Lay clerics, Jiaoshi and Shigu. The first Ordination Ceremony for Shigu in Fo Guang Shan. There were 24 Shigu ordained in this unprecedented event in Buddhism. Shigu means the lay female members of the monastic community.

Organized the Ch'an, Pureland and Tantric Dharma Function. In order to establish a harmonious society, pray for world peace, promote Humanistic Buddhism, and build Buddha's Light Pureland, the Ch'an, Pureland, Tantric Dharma Function was held for the first time in the major cities of Taiwan.

Established the Fo Guang Family Gathering. To show gratitude toward the parents of all monastics in Fo Guang Shan for their support and contribution, the Fo Guang Family Gathering was held. This touched many monastics' parents and felt that it was an honor to be a part of the "Buddhist Family." This auspicious program was founded in Buddhism for the first time.

Invited to the Dome Stadium of Taoyuan for a Dharma Lecture. Under the invitation of Taoyuan County Magistrate Liu Bang-you, Venerable Master gave a Dharma talk on "The Buddhist Perspective on Wealth" held in Taiwan's first Dome stadium.

Established Fo Guang University and Nan Hua University. Fo Guang University was founded in Mt. Lin-mei at Chiaohsi, Ilan, Taiwan. The school campus covered more than a hundred hectares. The Ground Breaking Ceremony too place in October, 1993. In 1996, Nan Hua University was established in Chiayi county, Taiwan. It was the first university in Taiwan which exempts students from tuitions and fees, and a school which places a heavy focus on the humanities.

Established the Srimala Buddhist Institute. In order to provide single ladies of ages between 25 and 45, a well structured and planned Buddhist learning place which employed the international traveling learning tour as a training method. In each four-month course period, participants will receive basic Buddhist training and expand their world views.

Became Brother Temples with Dhammakaya Temple, Thailand. The Signing Ceremony for Fo Guang Shan and Dhammakaya Temple, Thailand to become brother temples was completed by Venerable Master and Phra Sudhammayana of Dhammakaya Temple. This opened a new page in the history of exchange between the Southern and Northern Buddhist School. A celebration that followed was attended by over 200,000 people.

Tonsure Ceremony for Africans. In Nan Hua Temple, South Africa, Venerable Master personally presided over the Tonsure Ceremony for ten native Africans. They were the first African monks in Africa.

Hosted the first International Buddhist-Catholic Colloquium. The Opening Ceremony was held in Fo Guang Shan and hosted by Venerable Hsin Ting on behalf of Venerable Master, and a Catholic Church representative, Francis Cardinal Arinze. There were more than 2,000 people at the ceremony. More than 20 lecture and report sessions were conducted by representatives, experts, and scholars from Catholics and Buddhist associations around the world.

Hosted a 80,000 People Dharma Lecture in Malaysia. At Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, a "Ten Thousand People Refuge Taking and Light Offering Dharma Function" was held. Venerable Master also gave a Dharma Talk on "The Human Touch of Humanistic Buddhism" and attracted an audience of 80,000. This has written a new record in Malaysian Buddhism.

Built the Stele Wall of a Hundred Chinese Calligraphy Masters. Employing arts to propagate Buddhism, Venerable Master collected various works of great ancient calligraphers with Buddhist maxims, verses and great compassion images and carved them on the black granite wall. This stele wall was the first in Buddhism and in Taiwan.

Organized the World Outstanding Buddhist Women's Conference. The conference was co-organized by BLIA and Fo Guang Shan. In this first international outstanding Buddhist women gathering, there were more than 500 prominent participants from 15 countries.

Invited to a Cross-century Religious Dialogue with the Pope. Under the invitation of the Roman Catholic Church at the Vatican, Venerable Master met with HH Pope John Paul II for a cross-century religious dialogue to promote inter-religious exchange and to pray for world peace. This was a great progressive step for Buddhism in Taiwan toward international exchange.

Organized the Love and Compassion Campaign. BLIA, R.O.C., Nan Hua University, and BLTV co-organized the Love and Compassion Campaign with "purify human minds, rebuild moral ethics, regain the ability to know right or wrong, and pacify community" as its objective. Over 100 thousand people participated in the event.

Buddha's Light Adulthood Ceremony. In organizing the Buddha's Light Adulthood Ceremony, Venerable Master explained the meaning of the ceremony: "self-affirmation, self-restraint, self-discipline, and be responsible toward ones' parents, society and nation." One should be grateful to one's parents for their love and care and their schools for educating them.

Established Buddha's Light Satellite Television Station. In order to promote harmony in society, purify human minds, and good social image of Buddhism and the community, Venerable Mater founded the Buddha's Light Satellite Television Station. This was the first TV station that has integrated into its programs. It is also the first religion, social education, and entertainment satellite TV station that does not show any commercial advertisements.

Conducted the International Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony, Lay Buddhist Refuge Taking and Five Precepts Ceremony, and Charity Relief Program in Bodhgaya, India. Venerable Master united the support from the Dalai Lama, the elders of Sri Lanka, the Sangharaja of Cambodia and collectively initiated the ordination ceremony. The purpose was to reinstate the Bhikshuni Order in Theravada and Tibetan traditions and to fuse the unity between the Northern and Southern schools of Buddhism. At the same time, thousands of people in India received aid from the Charity Relief Program.

Escorted the Buddha's Tooth Relic back to Taiwan to be enshrined in Fo Guang Shan. With the witness of Buddhist representatives from around the world and elders monks from Thailand, Tibet, and Taiwan, Venerable Master and Kongka Dorje Rinpoche conducted the Hand-over Ceremony of the Buddha's Tooth Relic at the World Fellowship of Buddhists, Headquarters, in Bangkok, Thailand. At the same time, an exceptional unified Dharma prayer function was conducted by Buddhists from the Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions to pray for world peace.

Hosted the BLIA Men's Fellowship Conference. In Hsi Lai Temple of USA, Venerable Master personally hosted the BLIA Men's Fellowship Conference. The purpose of the conference is to encourage the men of Buddhism to use their power, rightfulness, faith compassion, and enthusiasm for the Dharma.
Furthermore, they can participate in the works of social education by becoming a lay Dharma Lecturer to propagate Buddhism.

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Hymn Choir's "Sounds of Nature Concert" European Tour gave a total of eleven performances in 7 different countries.

Established Merit Times Daily News. To show concerns for human welfare and seek world peace, Merit Times Daily News promotes harmony in society and purifies human minds. This paper advocates Humanistic Buddhism, pure and unpolluted contents and suitable reading material for every member in the family.

Presided Over the Bodhi Couples Blessing Ceremony. The BLIA conducted the Fo Guang Bodhi Couples Blessing Ceremony with 650 couples from 13 different countries. Three couples who were married for 61 years. Special guests who came to congratulate these couples included Presidential Advisor Yu Chen Yueh-ying and Kaohsiung County Deputy Magistrate Chuo Chun-ying. In December 30, 2000, the ceremony was conducted again in Malaysia where 368 couples participated. It was recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records.

First Celebration of the Buddha's Birthday as a National Holiday at Taipei CKS Memorial Hall, with President Chen Shui-bian personally appearing to make an address.

Humanistic Buddhist Reading Club with its headquarters established in Taichung Guang Ming Learning Center, the club now has over one thousand sub-chapters around the world.

Publication of Universal Gate Buddhist Journal and A Collection of Contemporary Buddhist Works - Chinese Buddhist Academic Series. The debut issue of the Universal Gate Buddhist Journal was published in January and then on bi-monthly basis. It has a rich content of academic essays on Buddhist studies in Chinese, English and Japanese, reviews on Buddhist books, reports on Buddhist academic events, short passages and so on.

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

Escorted the Buddha's Finger Relic to Taiwan. Non-politicalorientated, this was a purely non-governmental event to promote affection and friendship between ample for harmonious and friendly exchange. During the Buddha's finger relic's 37-day stay in Taiwan, an estimated total of eight million people came to pay respect to the relic.

Hsi Lai University granted WASC Accreditation in the United States. Hsi Lai University was granted candidacy status by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges, marking a stage of fruition for the first-ever university in to U.S.A. to be established by an Chinese Buddhist Organization.

Conducted the Buddhist Hymn and Dharma Lecture. Integrating traditional and modern methods, Venerable Master employed the ancient Dung Huang transformative text which was a combination method that included narration, singing and chanting which had entertained the audience with literature and music.

Initiatied the Media Environmental Conservation Movement. Venerable Master initiated the Media Environmental Conservation Movement and appealed to the media to respond to the Three Acts of Goodness: "say good words, do good things and have good intentions," and say no to sex, violence and distortion. This event hopes to re-awaken the media's ability of self-discipline and return a pure audio and visual environment to the audience.

South East Asia Charity Tour. With an invitation, Venerable Master started a 9-day South East Asia Charity Tour. This was a big step towards integrating the Southern and Northern schools of Buddhism.

The Buddha Memorial Hall Foundation Laying Ceremony. The construction of the Buddha Memorial Hall has the effect of stimulating Taiwan's economic growth, positively constructing society, and purifying the human minds. This is a building that integrates the ancient and the modern, Chinese and non-chinese traditions. It is also the spiritual target and fortress for all people in the world.

Fo Guang Shan International Flower Expo. In this pioneering event at a Buddhist temple, there were 9 themes and 6 featured floral arts such as garden landscaping, bonsai, potted landscapes, natural decorative wood, and unique natural stones.

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