disaster occurring; however, I am grateful that Buddha’s Light members around the world are so proactive. It is good to have you! In regards to education and culture, there is some good news. The Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism co-established by FGS Foundation for Buddhist Education & Culture with Chinese University of Hong Kong, has started a second five-year contract. The Institute of Chinese Cultural Studies was established by Nanjing University to spread traditional Chinese culture. Out of happiness, I donated my royalties of thirty million dollars (NT) to build the Buddha’s Light Building. In addition, the Australian government gave permission to Nan Tien Institute to start enrolling students for the master’s program in February of this year. FGS also continued to foster many talents through training programs for media communication, administrative secretaries, Buddhist text editors, aesthetics, hospitality, social welfare, and the Srimala Institute.

Last year was the 20th anniversary of the University of the West. Professor Wu Chin-shun who was previously Vice-president of the National Sun Yat-sen University, became president of the University of the West. Under the efforts of president Chen Miao-sheng, construction of Nanhua University’s gymnasium commenced. The professors and students will soon have access to an indoor activity center. At the 10th anniversary of Fo Guang University, besides thanking former president Weng Cheng-I for his efforts in promoting the school’s administration, we are honored to have former Minister of Education Yang Chao-xiang as the new university president. In October, the university awarded Professor Chi Pang-yuan an Honorary Doctorate of Literature. In December, when His Eminence Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-Hsi, S.J was awarded an honorary doctorate, I believed both God and Buddha were smiling in joy at that moment. These schools were built through the kind contributions by millions of people. With the completion of FGS Memorial Center for the Million-member Education Fundraising Campaign, the million hearts that helped build the universities will have their names engraved in the center.

In terms of cultural endeavors, since the establishment of the Merit Times Daily News, it has followed the objective of “new knowledge, lifestyle, good and beautiful, and purified” for a decade. With the support from our readers, devotees, and encouragement from society, we are confident of its continued publication for many more decades to come.

Last year, my book Singing in Silence which I published sixty years ago in the style of personification to introduce Buddhist Dharma instruments, was republished by Gandha Samudra Culture Company. In addition,