Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center Treasures of the Underground Palace Collection Campaign

I. Purpose To instill greater historical significance into the site so as to enrich future society, the “Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center: Treasures of the Underground Palace Collection Campaign” is calling for artifact submissions. In total, there are forty-eight underground chambers (time capsules) that will house the selected artifacts. Submissions should fit within one or more of the following categories: religious faith, life, and culture. We hope that the artifacts, which will be commemorative representations of our time, will provide those who unseal each chamber with significant insights into who we were. Buddhist artifacts, the top ten inventions of the 20th century, cultural artifacts of Taiwan, and family heirlooms are examples of items that we feel will express this sentiment. Through our collective effort, the Buddha Memorial Center can become a cultural heritage site, which stores the memories of our era. The first in the history of Taiwan, this campaign aims to encapsulate the epoch of its cultural development providing future generations with a realistic perspective of where they came from. Let’s make history together and leave a legacy behind.

II. Advisor: Fo Guang Shan Religious Affairs Board

III. Organizers: Domestic and Overseas Executive Council Humanistic Culture and Education Foundation

IV. Administrator: Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Headquarters Administrative Office

V. The campaign starts today and welcomes contributions from everyone worldwide.

VI. Logistics 1. Method: Every year, collected artifacts will be encapsulated into four underground chambers until all forty-eight are full. 2. Criteria: Artifacts which are commemorative representations of our time. 3. Material: Non-biodegradable material, for example: jade, enamel, clay, porcelain, miniature sculpture, crystal, ivory, lacquer ware, cloisonné, rock, metal, chemical or metal alloy, Chinese eaglewood, seeds, fossils, modern technological material, lapis lazuli, Buddhist relics, coins, Dharma instrument, and so on.

Submission procedure 4. Request for consideration form: (1) Please fill out a Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center: Treasures of the Underground Palace Collection Campaign - Item Description Form, attach a photo of the item, and send it to the administrator via mail, fax, or email. a. Mail: Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Headquarters Administrative Office Fo Guang Shan Temple Dashu, Kaohsiung 840, Taiwan, R.O.C. b. Fax: 886-7-656-5196 (Please send the photo via mail or email.) c. E-mail: [email protected] (2) One form to describe each item with a limit of 600 words. Please provide the name, address, and telephone number of the contributor for contacting purposes. (3) Upon receipt of the formal submission, the item and its historical background will be vetted by the administrator and those obtaining approval will be forwarded to a review panel. The photo of the item will not be returned in the event that the item is not chosen.

1 5. Review, transport, and authorization: (1) Each item will be given final consideration by a review board. If it is chosen for collection, an administrative staff will contact the contributor regarding the transport of the item. a. It is preferred that the item be delivered by the contributor personally. b. In the event of sending the item via mail, please use CERTIFIED MAIL and label it “Buddha Memorial Center: Treasures of the Underground Palace Collection Campaign.” c. For large or fragile items, please contact Fo Guang Shan branch temples for assistance: America—Hsi Lai Temple Africa—Nan Hua Temple Asia—Fo Guang Shan Oceania—Nan Tien Temple (IBAA) Europe—IBPS Paris d. The contributor is responsible for the cost of transport.

(2) By making a contribution, the contributor has in effect donated the item to Fo Guang Shan. The administrator will present the contributor with a certificate of donation.

6. Flowchart:

 Fill out the Item  Send the form and  Items are vetted by Description Form. photo via mail, fax, administrator.  Attach the photo. or email.  Final consideration by review board. (Attachment 1)

 The item is received.  The item is chosen.  Sign Letter(s) of  The contributor is Consent. contacted regarding transport. (Attachments 2 & 3)

7. For inquiries, please contact: Venerable Miao-Chie Tel: 886-7-656-1921, Ext. 1439 Fax: 886-7-656-5196