A Letter to Dharma Protectors and Friends in 2017 Merit Times 2017 年 1 月 1 日 星期日 A Letter to Dharma Protectors and Friends in 2017 Dear Dharma protectors and friends, at Dajue Temple in August. The Venerable that they may have hope and a future. full ordination ceremony in Changzhou’s fundraised to complete the Sutra Repository, Auspicious greetings! Master has divided the book into the following Commencing in September, the first batch Tianning Temple, leader of the four major the “Dharma Gem.” Instead, they used Gazing at beautiful sceneries of life, in sections: of 32 students were accepted in the “Seeds monasteries in South Eastern China. their allowance, offerings received the blink of an eye, it is time once again to 1. Humanistic Lifestyle of the Buddha of Hope Project” instituted by the Fo Guang In September, the United from holding lectures and Dharma welcome a new year. As 2. Core Concepts of Humanistic Buddhism Shan Foundation for Buddhist Culture & Association of Humanistic services, royalties issued from enters its 51st year, Venerable Master, though 3. Development of Buddhism in China Education, and began their studies at Pu-Men Buddhism, Chunghua organized a publications, as well as income still in recovery, has instructed that I present 4. Contemporary Development of Chinese High School. In Venerable Master’s meeting Cross-Strait exchange delegation, from the Water Drop Teahouses a report to the public, especially our devotees Buddhism with them, he shared that although from a poor with more than 180 monastics and and Venerable Master’s One-Stroke and friends, on what we have accomplished The purpose of this layout is to manifest family, he felt that he was a seed with potential. lay participants from temples across Calligraphy for its construction. over the past year as well as what the future the Buddha’s original intents of benefitting Because of his diligence, commitment, Taiwan. Led by Executive Deputy Now the infrastructure of the Triple development of Humanistic Buddhism will the world. Buddhism is a religion of the kindness, and willingness to develop good Abbot Venerable Hui Chuan, the Gem is completed. Within the first fifty be. human world. The Buddha was human, not affinities, this seed has grown to achieve delegation visited temples, including years of its founding, Fo Guang Shan This past year, Fo Guang Shan celebrated a god. Therefore, Buddhism is humanistic greatness today. Venerable Master encouraged Longquan Temple and Fayuan Temple has accomplished not only its construction, its 50th anniversary with much warmth, and does not rely on the power of deities. the youths that as young seeds, they should in Beijing, to exchange experiences but also successfully fostered talented diversity, and jubilance. To begin with, amidst Everyone should uphold the belief that we are strive to be the most “noble, outstanding, and on temple management and Dharma people who have become its foundation. anticipation and excitement, we held “Fo all buddhas ourselves, proudly say, “I am a virtuous.” propagation. They also visited Everyone’s collective efforts have Guang Shan: Retrospection” to celebrate the buddha,” and pursue a life of happiness built Poverty had kept Venerable Master from Buddhist colleges and participated in propagated the Dharma and Humanistic 50th year of our founding. The establishment on a foundation of self-growth by relying on formal education. Nevertheless, he remains the Cross-Strait Buddhist Education Buddhism across the five continents of the of Fo Guang Shan was only possible the self and the Dharma. both very diligent and knowledgeable. In May, Conference with numerous Buddhist College world. through the collaborative effort of millions of Fo Guang Shan’s cultural publication President Ku Yuen-kuang of National Pingtung representatives. At the trip’s conclusion, Progress over the next half century will devotees, benefactors, friends, and thousands division also had a fruitful year. In January, the University came to Fo Guang Shan to confer the delegation attended a forum at the State be guided by Venerable Master’s vision of a of temples, all working together in the spirit bi-monthly Humanistic Buddhism: Journal, upon him an honorary doctorate degree. In Bureau of Religious Affairs of the People ̕ s “Triple Gem Mountain,” as well as reflections of cooperation. From May 14th to 17th, we Arts and Culture was launched, comprising October, Dongbei University of Finance and Republic of China, and lastly the Humanistic on and adjustments to the initial organizational invited, as an expression of our gratitude, those both academic and literary papers suited for Economics in Mainland China invited him Buddhism Discussion Forum at Dajue Temple structure of Fo Guang Shan. Overall, the with an affinity with Fo Guang Shan to share a wider audience. Additionally, the English to be an emeritus professor. In December, the in Yixing. system is divided into the administrative unit their memories on learning and practicing edition of the 20-volume Encyclopedia of Chinese University of Hong Kong bestowed This exchange not only allowed those and specialized units. The administrative unit Buddhism. Buddhist Arts was published in May. Under onto him an honorary doctorate degree in from Mainland China to gain a better includes Dajue Temple and the “Triple Gem For the first three days of “Fo Guang Shan: the direction of Chief Editor Venerable Ru social science. Venerable Master has now understanding of Buddhism in Taiwan, but Mountain.” Retrospection,” speakers featured public Chang and Venerable You Heng, the editing obtained a total of 22 honorary doctorates. also encouraged unity and interaction amongst The “Buddha Gem Mountain” focuses figures (such as Wu Po-hsiung, Chen Chao- and layout design of the English edition was Learning requires self-motivation. Both the Buddhist organizations in Taiwan. Secretary- on cultural development and comprises: Fo long, Li Chi-mao, Charles H. C. Kao, Yang completed three years after the Chinese edition Buddhist concept of “self-awareness” and the General Venerable Chueh Pei, responsible Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Fo Guang Chao-hsiang, Lin Tsong-ming, Lai Wei- was published in 2013. Confucian “self-learning” are the most noble for organizing the exchange, expressed her Tripitaka Editing Committee, Fo Guang cheng, Chang Yia-chung, and Li Jui-teng) Furthermore, with the unceasing efforts of educational principles. Based on this spirit, gratitude to Venerable Master for Cultural Enterprise, Gandha Samudra Culture and those who helped Venerable Master Venerables Man Ji, Yung Ben, Miao Shu, and we applied for the establishment of academic his guidance and pursuit of a new frontier. Company, Beautiful Life Television, the build Fo Guang Shan half a century ago. their teams, the forty-volume Yogacara Canon institutes in Mainland China. Currently, Fo Indeed, Venerable Master has diligently sowed Merit Times, and Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Notably, there was Hsiao Ting-shun who and the nineteen-volume Jataka Canon of the Guang Shan has four government-endorsed the seeds of Buddhism through building Headquarters. helped with construction, as well as Tai Pao- Fo Guang Buddhist Canon were published educational programs: the Yixing Yunhu affinities and fostering talents over the past The “Dharma Gem Mountain” promotes cheng who cooked at the Pilgrim’s Lodge for and launched in August and September Academy, Yangzhou Cultural Academy, decade. The future rests on Chinese youths education and involves: the Sutra Repository, over 40 years and is now retired at Fo Guang respectively. The Fo Guang Buddhist Canon Nanjing Jinling Academy, and Beijing to continue their cultivation, in order to Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, Tsung- Shan Senior Home. More than 50 speakers, contains a total of sixteen categories. The Guangzhong Academy. These programs focus eventually blossom and bear fruit. Lin University, educational institutions of all including Lin Chin-chi, Cheng Shih-yen, and Agama Canon was published in 1983, on the dual-cultivation of merits and wisdom, At the BLIA World Headquarters General levels worldwide, including all kindergartens, Chao Tsui-hui, selflessly gave decades of followed by the Pure Land Canon, Chan and equal emphasis on theory and practice. Conference in October, Venerable Master primary, and secondary schools. support, and are manifestations of diligent, Canon, Avatamsaka Canon, and Prajna Canon Venerable Master believes that “Buddhism gave a keynote speech on “Consensus The “Sangha Gem Mountain” encompasses aspiring bodhisattvas in our world. in subsequent years. So far, eight categories is indispensable to the revival of Chinese and Openness.” He encouraged all to seek different departments of Fo Guang Shan Of course, those who have contributed have been completed. Onwards, members of Culture,” and has faith that these undertakings consensus regarding Humanistic Buddhism Headquarters, as well as domestic and to Fo Guang Shan are not merely limited to of the Fo Guang Shan Order shall continue to will be beneficial to purifying the mind and and aspects including cross-sectarian respect, overseas branch temples. those mentioned above. We can only list a few dedicate themselves to illuminating the world inspiring morality. gender equality, valuing youths and fostering Specialized units include: Fo Guang Shan people as exemplary representatives as a token through the torch of prajna wisdom. Just as before, there were amiable and talents, and the heritage of faith. In conjunction, International University Consortium, Buddha’s of our sincere appreciation. We would like The power of words is infinite. Thus, continuous cultural exchanges between the Venerable Master also believes in openness, Light International Association, foundations, to thank everyone for helping to turn a page Venerable Master Hsing Yun has been Cross-Strait. In 2015, the head and body of such as that of monastery grounds, the mind, and other government registered entities. in our history and dedicating your merits to diligently writing to disseminate the Dharma. a Buddha statue dating back to the Northern lay Dharma teachers, lineage personnel, and Guided by Venerable Master and his society. May you uphold wisdom and peace At present, he has authored more than 300 Qi dynasty were reunited and enshrined at Cross-Strait Buddhist exchanges. blueprint for Humanistic Buddhism, monastics for you and your whole family. titles, totaling over 30 million words. Last Fo Guang Shan. In February 2016, the head Certainly, in order to successfully and laity should emphasize the following in the Furthermore, a reunion was held for the March, the publishing team for the Complete of the statue was ceremoniously returned accomplish our goals, we must not only have future propagation of Humanistic Buddhism: first eight classes of Fo Guang Shan Tsung- Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun began to Mainland China. Liu Shuguang (Deputy consensus and an open mind, but also the foster holistic and international talents; protect Lin University to share their memories on Fo making progress under the leadership of Chief Director of State Administration of Cultural willingness to cooperate. and support Fo Guang Ancestral Temple - Guang Shan’s early days. Those in attendance Editor Tsai Meng-hua and Chief Designer Heritage), Zhang Lifang (Director of Hebei In November, Fo Guang Shan held the Dajue Temple; support the Three Acts of included: Venerable Shou Yu, Abbot of Ten Venerable Ru Chang. The collection is due to Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics), and 2016 International Ten-Thousand Buddha Goodness Schools Program, the Cloud and Directions Buddhist Center; Venerable Hong be published this year. In accomplishing the government officials were present at Beijing Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony as Water Mobile Library, the Venerable Master Yi, Associate President of Texas Buddhist Three Imperishables in Confucianism: virtue, Capital International Airport to receive the part of its 50th anniversary celebration. Three Hsing Yun Public Education Trust Fund, as Association; Venerable Pu Huei, Chairman words, and merits, the publication of the statue. More than 60 journalists of nearly 30 hundred preceptees from a hundred temples well as media and literary awards; value lay of the Chinese Bhikkhuni Association; and Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing media outlets from Mainland China, Hong worldwide passed the challenging month- involvement in the development of Buddhism; Venerable Hsing Ying, Chief Editor of Cheng Yun will be a priceless gem for the study of Fo Kong, and Taiwan were in attendance. There, long precept assembly and cultivation, thereby organize “Glory Belongs to the Buddha” Wen Publishing. All are graduates of Tsung- Guang Shan and Humanistic Buddhism. Venerable Master said: becoming official monastics and aspiring basketball teams; develop a system for temple Lin University who have been propagating In terms of education, the Venerable Master “For 20 years, the head of the Buddha bodhisattvas. assessment; proactively promote and develop Buddhism worldwide since the completion of Hsing Yun Public Education Trust Fund statue has been displaced. Its return to China December 25th marks the annual “When the Merit Times; and propagate the Dharma in their monastic education. organized the 4th Hsing Yun Education Award through Taiwan is extremely significant. Buddha Meets the Gods Event.” Last year, the lectures through music and songs. Concurrently, the Buddha Museum invited in September, where 20 outstanding teachers All Chinese people should remember that Chunghua Federation of Traditional Religious Success follows preparation, while failure the Academy of Performing Arts of the were recognized for their contributions. In our culture, history, and blood ties cannot be Associations and the Buddha Museum follows unreadiness. The realization of these Philippines to perform Siddhartha the Musical, Venerable Master’s mind, though the award sundered, just as emptiness cannot be severed submitted an application to the World Record plans rely on all members of Fo Guang Shan and devotees across the world to jointly may be small, to be awarded is no easy feat. and oceans cannot be separated…” Association to recognize a new world record being progressive and steadfast. However, participate in the “Praise the Buddha Grand The recipients undergo a rigorous process of Further concrete results of cultural set at this event, whereby over five hundred regardless of the manner of development, what Concert.” The wonderful sound of singing and public nomination, shortlisting, and a final exchanges are shown by the exhibitions at temples and churches gathered at the same should be remembered both with reverence music resounding through the sky is one of review before they can be deemed exemplars the Buddha Museum throughout the year: instance. It passed the preliminary assessment and importance are the guiding principles many ways to respect and praise the Buddha, of teaching excellence. Month of Cultures at Fo Guang Shan: Beijing, for “Global Multi-religious Reunion by the stipulated by Venerable Master: “Work by as well as a celebration of Fo Guang Shan’s In October, the Fo Guang Shan Tianjin, and Hebei; Amazing Jiangsu: Jiangsu Most Number of Shrines, Temples, and collective effort, lead by a system. Do what 50th Anniversary. International University Consortium hosted Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition; Eight Churches around the World - When Buddha is in accordance with Buddha, and rely on Moreover, Fo Guang Shan headquarters the 2016 University Presidents Forum. This Palace Handicrafts of Beijing, and Gansu Meets the Gods Event 2016” and certification nothing but the Dharma.” and its branch temples, as well as the Buddha three-day forum, held at Fo Guang Shan, Dance Troupe’s Silk Road: The Classic Dance as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is Human affairs arise and subside; time and Museum, simultaneously held “A Look in Chiayi, and Fo Guang Drama. cause for celebration, and also illustrates the space can ebb and flow. In the long course Back in History: Photo & Video Exhibition” University in Yilan, was attended by university For Cross-Strait peace and the propagation intrinsic values of respect, tolerance, and of history, Fo Guang Shan is still youthful to showcase Fo Guang Shan’s milestones presidents and scholars from eleven countries of Humanistic Buddhism, Venerable Master coexistence in Humanistic Buddhism. in its fiftieth year. Therefore, it is even more throughout the past 50 years of Dharma and twenty-one universities. continued to visit Mainland China in his old The 6th BLIA Cup International Basketball important to be humble and diligent in propagation, an undertaking of historical University is not a place solely for the age. In April, he held a three-day Dharma Tournament took place last year. For the past learning. It is our fervent wish that the fourfold significance. Also, beginning July 1st, under pursuit of knowledge and truth; it is where lecture on “Chan in Daily Life” at Yixing five years, the women’s assembly of disciples can strive forward as the organization of the Board of Directors as great leaders and virtuous sages of the future Gymnasium and the Yangzhou Forum. In basketball team achieved 2nd place three times, one, so that Humanistic Buddhism and the a way of celebration initiated by his disciples, are nurtured. In the face of our rapidly July, the Shanghai Library invited him to 3rd place twice, but had yet to win 1st place. sound of Dharma may prevail in this world. and planned by the Fo Guang Yuan Art changing world, we hope that the experiences give a talk on “The Treasure in Books.” That Last August, they finally won after an intense As we come upon the Year of the Rooster, Gallery, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One- shared in the forum can empower universities same month, Venerable Master was invited competition at Kaohsiung Arena. Propagating it is as said in a Tang poem, “The rooster Stroke Calligraphy was displayed concurrently to nurture talents who are both learned and to speak at the Grand Bao’en Temple Park the Dharma through sports, arts, and music to crows the sound of success.” In this new year, at 73 exhibition halls, art galleries, and virtuous, that they may contribute to humanity in Nanjing, where the Buddhist Association allow people from all walks of life to know I shall use Venerable Master’s calligraphy museums in 19 countries worldwide to spread and the world. of China and Nanjing Municipal People’s Buddhism are the keys to Fo Guang Shan’s for this year’s spring couplet, “Rising Dawn Venerable Master’s teachings. Besides his interest in university Government held activities to commemorate future development. of Success,” to wish you a year filled with In January, Venerable Master began writing education, the Venerable Master’s care for the 150th anniversary of Jinling Buddhist Press. Fifty years ago, Venerable Master guided soaring aspirations and eminence. Auspicious articles on Humanistic Buddhism: Holding underprivileged children has never diminished. In his address, Venerable Master praised Yang both monastics and laity in building Fo blessings and peace to you all, as well as the True to the Original Intents of Buddha The Sons of Zulai Program in Brazil, the Renshan, founder of the Press, as a bodhisattva Guang Shan. This is where all our monastics perfection of merits and wisdom! for the Merit Times, and the Chinese and Dragon Team in South Africa, Sramanera of “wisdom, compassion, endeavors, and reside, and thus can be called the “Sangha Hsin Bao English book editions were then published School in India, and Guang Ming College in global vision.” Yang can be said to be a Gem.” Thirty years later, thousands of Head Abbot concurrently in May. Subsequently, the the Philippines have thus been established. great contributor to the revival of modern of temples and millions of devotees contributed Chairperson, Fo Guang Shan Board of Directors Simplified Chinese edition was published They were founded out of Venerable Master’s Buddhism. In September, Venerable Master to the construction of the Buddha Museum, New Year’s Day, 2017 jointly by Renmin Publishing and China belief that only education can transform the lectured on “Precepts as Teachers” to 500 the “Buddha Gem.” In the last decade, the Religious Culture Publisher, and launched lives of disadvantaged children and youths, so newly-ordained bhiksu and bhiksunis at the monastics of Fo Guang Shan have not publicly Translated by: FGS Institute of Humanistic Buddhism