Background

Since 2005, Merit Times has organized the Vegetarian and Organic Food Expo to promote vegetarianism, which is an alternative healthy option and is also environmentally friendly as it helps reduce carbon emissions.
In 2014, the vegetarian expo was combined with the international book fair. The concept was to combine vegetarianism and reading. For the past two years, this combination has been well-received by the general public. In addition, Fo Guang Shan aims to promote reading in Taiwan, China and Japan with the use of the Cloud and Water Mobile Libraries.
This year, the Kaohsiung government collaborated with the Buddha Museum to host the Book Fair & Vege Expo. The event will showcase books catered to various ages, multicultural cuisines, and numerous activities including the National Reading Exposition and other outdoor activities.
We hope you can join us.

Sutra-Drying Ceremony

The sutras are collectively known as the Dharma Gem in Buddhism. Through the process of drying sutras, as if taking care of it, this action protects these precious scriptures and thus enables one to accumulate merit and wisdom. The ceremony will take place on the grounds of the Buddha Museum. Sutras that would be used during this ceremony include the Diamond Sutra, Avatamsaka Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Fo Guang Buddhist Canons, as well as numerous pieces of the One-Stroke Calligraphy by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. This unique practice, based from the Tibetan Buddhist practice of drying sutras, will take place for first time at the Buddha Museum.

Selected Books of Humanistic Buddhism

Venerable Master Hsing Yun has authored more than 300 books, which were translated into more than 20 languages such as English, French, Spanish, Portugese, German, Korean, and Japanese. Through his books, you will find a close connection between Humanistic Buddhism and our daily lives. In the upcoming International Book Fair, we would like to recommend you the following books.

One-Thousand People in Tea Chan & Sutra Calligraphy

This event is a follow-up from last year’s Small Tea Masters at the Rhinoceros Area. The children who participated showed the skills they had learned, such as concentration and manners. The parents felt touched and joyful at the change and progression their children showed. Therefore, this year, the session would be moved to a bigger venue at the Bodhi Wisdom Concourse so more people can participate in this wondrous experience. Apart from this, visitors can participate in the sutra calligraphy sessions at the Sutra Calligraphy Hall near the Big Buddha Terrace. All visitors are welcomed to join in this endeavor of transcribing the Buddha’s words of wisdom.