各位護法、朋友們,大家吉祥!

心保與佛光山全體宗委暨全球佛光道場別分院住持、當家、僧眾們,在庚子鼠年,祝願大家做好事、說好話、存好心,以三好行道天下,福滿人間。

2019三壇大戒 去年年初本山傳授國際萬佛三壇大戒,有來自全世界近20個國家、地區的戒子受戒。得戒和尚星雲大師以「我一輩子只做一件事,就是把出家人做好」勉勵大家。

       去年3月7日,農曆2月初一,是大師出家紀念日,佛光山舉辦「信徒香會」,大師的新作《我不是「呷教」的和尚》也在這天出版。這是大師腦部手術、休養,停筆兩年後的首部著作,內容闡述他出家81年來,不靠佛教吃飯,始終堅持「佛教靠我」的信念,並立志做一個報恩的人。

本書榮登台灣誠品、博客來、香港《亞洲週刊》等一連數月的暢銷書排行榜外,更受到海內外人士、信徒的重視,紛紛召開讀書會,發表感言,短短5個月,逾711場,計有2萬900餘人參與。8月,倫敦佛光山在英國國會大廈最古老的西敏廳禧年室舉辦此書的發表會,當地的青年學者也在發布會現場用英文分享書中主旨,以文化、教育說明大師一生無我的奉獻。

心保去年至海峽兩岸三地、澳洲、歐洲、美洲、馬來西亞、菲律賓、印度等國家地區的佛光山各別分院巡視,看到佛光山僧眾們,在各項弘法事務上,未有疏忽懈怠。全球佛光人在修持道上也是精進不已,如:國際佛光會辦理各項講習、義診、捐血、淨灘淨山、植樹等活動,會員們積極參與,一起為淨化社會盡心力。這一年,受持三皈五戒、菩薩戒者有1萬8400餘人,4300位佛光寶寶接受觀世音菩薩的祝福,成為「觀世音菩薩契子女」,可見佛光人開始注重下一代信仰的傳承。

心保和尚到訪印度/國際義工

感謝義工們的護持,去年光是在本山投入的人力有10萬多人次。義工會已積極朝國際化與年輕、創新化發展,如與南華、佛光、高雄科技大學、義守、實踐、高雄中山、成功大學等大學進行實習合作外,更號召國際青年背包客至常住擔任國際義工,截至目前已達26個國家,逾百人響應。另培訓探索教育種子講師,支援本山、學校、軍方及海內外各道場活動,總受益人數近5000人次。

星雲大師全集簡體《星雲大師全集》簡體中文版,6月由中國國際出版集團新星出版社出版,並於南京圖書館舉行發布會,計有7個國家地區、43家媒體報導。中國外文出版發行事業局副局長陸彩榮表示:「《全集》堪稱一套認識佛教的智慧寶典,是中華民族優秀傳統文化重要的一部分,能為海峽兩岸甚至國際社會帶來正能量!」大師同時致贈《全集》給國家圖書館、國家博物館和北京大學、北京師範、清華;上海的交通、復旦等12所學校,以及中國佛學院、中國佛教協會。全球各別分院也陸續贈送給當地大學、圖書館、政府機關、宮廟團體等。

4月,美國洛杉磯西來寺、西來大學召開「全英文人間佛教學術會議」,其中《世界佛教美術圖說大辭典》專題論壇最受矚目。不少學者的論文都引用《圖典》內容,肯定其研究價值。由當地道場代表贈送的單位有:日本龍谷大學、美國休士頓大學及萊斯大學、德國哥廷根大學、英國劍橋大學、加拿大麥吉爾大學、奧地利維也納大學、瑞士蘇黎世萊特博格博物館、奧地利的私人圖書館Stift-Klosterneuburg新堡修道院等。

世界佛教美術圖說/穿越時空法寶再現

佛光大學佛教研究中心成立以來,大師就期許以建構「世界佛學研究重鎮」為目標,為佛教研究提供一個多元性的學術平台。8月,本山與佛光大學、佛光山文教基金會、人間佛教研究院共同舉辦「穿越時空‧法寶再現」佛教大藏經系列活動,以「佛經寫本與刻本特展」、「大藏經通俗講座」、「佛教藏經國際學術研討會」詮釋佛教的法寶——大藏經,冀望藉此活動,讓佛教的大藏經走入社會,大眾能感受法寶的殊勝,並對佛教文化有進一步認識。

此外,人間佛教研究院、佛光大學、南華大學、西來大學、南天大學、佛陀紀念館、上海星雲文教館、揚州鑑真圖書館、北京光中文教館、雲湖書院、西來寺、倫敦佛光山、新加坡佛光山等道場,也積極與當地大學合辦人間佛教學術研討會,希望更多頂尖學府能設立人間佛教研究院,使人間佛教在世界各地開花結果。

百萬人興學委員會於南華校內設置「百萬人興學紀念館——南華大學館」,5月落成啟用,內設會堂、禪堂、滴水坊、會議室等多元化用途空間及客房,供興學委員回校使用。百萬人興學讓各界看見100元的力量:從最初的1所大學,到現在共籌建了5所優質大學。

南華大學管/校長論壇

去年大學指考放榜,佛光大學與南華大學全數滿招。南華大學7月也收到教育部核准公文,正式通過成立生死學系博士班。還有,創辦人星雲大師指導的「佛光山大學校長論壇」至去年11月舉辦,已邁入第4年,有16個國家地區、32所大學參與,123位校長、教育學者齊聚一堂,為佛學研究與佛教復興提供建言。佛光山系統大學5校與各國大學首創簽約平台,共有29組中外大學相互簽訂合作意向書,共同繼續為全球培養人才而努力,期待佛教教育成為世界學術重心。

好苗子計畫 另外,由公益信託星雲大師教育基金、佛光山文教基金會支持的「好苗子計畫」,開辦至今3年,在普門中學的國中畢業生,參加高雄區高級中等學校免試入學,有5人以優異成績錄取雄中、雄女。7月,南投埔里均頭國際學校正式得到劍橋大學國際考試的授權,讓學生可以學習世界同步的國際課程,跟世界接軌。

去年星雲文化教育公益基金會在大陸從事文化教育類大型公益活動、國際及海峽兩岸交流、積極回應國家脫貧攻堅計畫等備獲肯定,在眾多基金會中脫穎而出,榮獲第九屆中國公益節「2019年度責任品牌獎」及「2019年度綠色典範獎」兩項大獎。

全球佛教代表世界和平交流會暨國際佛光會第七屆第一次理事會議 10月,「全球佛教代表世界和平交流會暨國際佛光會第七屆第一次理事會議」,時隔23年,再次回到法國巴黎,首度於「聯合國教科文組織總部」舉行,為國際佛光會推動人間佛教的努力寫下新的里程碑。多年來,國際佛光會積極參與隸屬聯合國各委員會主辦的活動,並在會上發言,如在紐約聯合國總部舉行的婦女平權委員會會議、民間社會會議、多元宗教和諧論壇等。此次的國際交流,肯定了國際佛光會是一個扎根本土、面向全球的組織,也為世界和平作出貢獻。這次大會主題是「信仰與傳承」,大師透過視訊,期勉全球佛光人共同努力,在佛教的發展裡傳承信仰、道德、仁道、人格,使之成為佛教未來的主流思想。

11月,「第11屆星雲真善美傳播獎」首度於新加坡頒獎。政大新聞系教授蘇蘅、新加坡報業控股華文媒體集團社長李慧玲獲頒「傑出貢獻獎」。有新馬及兩岸等知名傳播文化人近300人雲集,達成「堅守專業,散播正確知識,是使命也是責任」的共識。

與各宗教的交流往來,佛光山50餘年來不曾間斷。4月,巴黎聖母院遭遇嚴重火災,心保致函梵蒂岡教宗方濟,表達全體僧信二眾的慰問之意,並願意為重建工作盡一份心力。巴黎聖母院院長、大教堂總司鐸帕特里克‧施沃維(Patrick Chauvet)主教也回函表示感謝。我想各宗教的發源雖然不同,但對社會安定、和平的使命是一樣的。

另,中國原創史詩歌劇《鑑真東渡》在美國西來寺邀請下,6月分別在洛杉磯帕薩迪納劇院、紐約林肯中心大衛寇克劇場演出3場,近4500人共襄盛舉。這是第一部登上國際舞台的佛教歌劇,是歷史新頁,也有助於中西文化的交流。

《鑑真東渡》/FLIP 2019 The Light of Education

菲律賓佛光山6月在馬尼拉國家文化中心國家劇院聯合舉行「FLIP 2019 The Light of Education」音樂會,以藝術表演,向關心教育的大眾展現學習成果。其中,光明大學表演戲劇系學士畢業的Ralph Jade Tampal,入選為菲律賓第58屆馬尼拉區域十大傑出學生(TOSP)。

9月,澳洲南天大學也傳來好消息,前年成立的人間佛教研究所,獲澳洲教育部核准開立人間佛教研究生課程,「人間佛教」已正式納入澳洲教育體系,為佛教再添光采。

雲水書車 由馬來西亞佛光山發起的「攜手同圓」中學佛學會三好領袖培訓營,邁入第10年,不但獲得全馬13個州的教育局支持,也間接帶動馬來西亞校園的學佛風氣,10年來已有近10萬師生參與培訓。

       佛光山50餘輛雲水書車每月服務1300個偏鄉學校,延此善緣,佛光山文教基金會也陸續展開提升偏鄉教育、文化力量的計畫,如好苗子獎助學金、英語及音樂輔助計畫等,希望藉此翻轉弱勢孩童的人生。

以球會友 開春之季,隸屬佛光山三好體育協會的幾支學校運動代表隊,紛紛寫下優秀成績,如:連續7年晉級UBA大專籃球公開一級的佛光大學女籃,終於奪得隊史上第一座后冠,七月在高雄小巨蛋的佛光盃也獲亞軍;普中女籃在HBL獲得季軍;成軍3年的巴西如來之子——南華大學足球隊,在大專足球聯賽公開男一級獲得季軍。另外,成軍不到3年的南華棒球隊,也為隊史首度寫下4強的紀錄。所謂「佛以一音演說法,眾生隨類各得解」,大師曾說:佛教能有一支出色的球隊,藉著「以球會友」與各國的球隊聯誼,不也可以藉著體育,間接把佛法傳遍世界。

佛光山、佛陀紀念館、巴西如來寺再次獲得國際最大旅遊網站貓途鷹(TripAdvisor)頒發優等證書,入選「名人堂」殊榮。身為國際博物館會員的佛館,除了與各大博物館簽訂友好協議進行館際交流外,最大特色是跨界的公共服務,橫跨文化、教育、藝術、醫學界等,一年超過300場的團體使用公益場地,110個國家地區的人士到訪,每年近40艘郵輪旅客來參觀,並舉辦各類國際大展、世界神明聯誼會等。

貓途鷹(TripAdvisor)/妙慧樓

3月底,佛光山淨土文教基金會為山上員工新建的宿舍——妙慧樓榮獲素有「南台灣建築景觀奧斯卡獎」美名的建築園冶獎。7月,本山淨土洞窟整修重建,取得登記(108)高市工建築使字第01459號,由高雄市政府工務局核發使用執照。該建築體地下層保留淨土洞窟原有的經變說法度眾功能,地上2層,大師命名為「雲來集」,作為文教空間使用,有教室、講堂、寮房等,可供上課、開會使用。再者,大雄寶殿連接大悲殿的新寶橋,及同登法界的電梯完成。大師說,讓行動不便者順利登入殿堂與佛菩薩接心,這是無障礙的空間、無障礙的心意交流。6月,正值佛光山在菲律賓弘法30周年,第一所專業藝術學院——「佛光山光明大學宿霧藝術學院」落成,讓當地擁有藝術天賦的青年和藝術家們,有一個可以發揮的舞台。

2月,澳洲東北部發生百年最嚴重水災,昆士蘭省成水鄉澤國;3月開始,巴拉圭受到連日暴雨影響,首都亞松森以南的幾個省縣市大量洪水;10月,日本遭受61年來最強颱風「哈吉貝」侵襲,逾萬棟民宅淹水。國際佛光會會員秉持「人飢己飢,人溺己溺」的同理心,賑濟救人,布施供養;相信眾等發心,必會蒙佛光加被,福慧增長。

大師說:「我們很重視下一代,注重佛教要傳承。每一個中國人,雖然有人說他信仰天主教、基督教,但終究還是流有佛教的血液,佛教幾乎是父母之教,希望大家把這種寶貴的血統再傳承給下一代。佛教的希望就在未來、就在下一代!」大師所言,需要大家的努力,自利利他、自覺覺他,如此佛法才能延續綿長。

邁入新的一年,期願大家不要把過去的習氣、煩惱帶入新的一頁,要把過去的貪瞋痴煩惱變成禪定、智慧,過好每一天,如此就能自在、平安吉祥。

敬祝大家
          同結善緣 一切吉祥

佛光山宗務委員會宗長心保暨全體一同合十
2020年元旦

Dear Dharma protectors and friends,
Auspicious greetings!

In the Year of the Rat, I, Hsin Bau, on behalf of the Fo Guang Shan Board of Directors, Abbots, Abbesses, Superintendents, and sangha communities of Fo Guang Shan temples worldwide, wish for everyone to do good things, speak good words, and think good thoughts. With the Three Acts of Goodness, every journey in this world is a path to happiness.

2019三壇大戒 In January last year, Fo Guang Shan held the International Ten-Thousand Buddha Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony with preceptees from twenty-one countries and regions worldwide. The Sila Upadhyaya, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, encouraged everyone with this recollection, “Throughout my entire life, I have only focused on doing one thing, that is, to play the role of a monastic well.”

The commemoration of Venerable Master’s Renunciation Day fell on March 7th (Lunar February 1st) last year, and the Devotee’s Gathering was held in Fo Guang Shan, including the release of Venerable Master’s new book, I am not a Dependent of the Buddha. This was Venerable Master’s first published work after recovering from his craniotomy two years ago. This book is a recounting of his 81-year journey as a monastic that holds true to the ideal of not living off the name of Buddhism and holding himself responsible for Buddhism’s future, determined to be a person who repays gratitude.

The book has ranked among the best-selling books for months at Eslite Bookstore and Books.com.tw in Taiwan, and Yazhou Zhoukan (Asia Weekly) in Hong Kong. It is highly valued by readers worldwide. One after another, reading groups come together to share their thoughts on the book. In just five months, there have been more than 711 sharing sessions, with over 20,900 people participating. In August, Fo Guang Shan London hosted a book presentation in the Jubilee Room, located in the oldest building in the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Hall. The local youth scholars shared the theme of the book and explained Venerable Master’s lifelong and selfless dedication to culture and education.

Last year, I visited several Fo Guang Shan branch temples—including those located in three regions across the Cross-Strait, Australia, Europe, Americas, Malaysia, the Philippines, and India—and witnessed Fo Guang Shan monastics working tirelessly to propagate the Dharma. Likewise, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members have been diligent in their cultivation. For example, BLIA members have enthusiastically organized and involved themselves in various pursuits such as trainings, free medical services, blood drives, and activities such as beach cleaning, mountain cleaning, and tree planting—all for the betterment of society. This year, over 18,400 people took refuge in the Triple Gem and participated in the Five Precepts and Bodhisattva Precepts Ceremony. Furthermore, 4,300 children were blessed by Guanyin Bodhisattva in the Fo Guang Baby Blessing Ceremonies. This shows how BLIA members are beginning to pass down the legacy of faith.

心保和尚到訪印度/國際義工

We are ever grateful to the support of our volunteers, who have clocked in more than 100,000 times at headquarters. The FGS Volunteers Association actively develops towards being more international, youthful, and innovative. Besides partnering with Nanhua University, Fo Guang University, Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, I-Shou University, Shih Chien University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Cheng Kung University to extend internships, the Association has provided volunteer opportunities at the monastery for over a hundred international backpackers from over twenty-six countries. Furthermore, it has trained experiential learning instructors to assist with activities held at Fo Guang Shan headquarters, schools, the military, and overseas branch temples—serving a total of around 5,000 people.

星雲大師全集簡體In June, the Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun—Simplified Chinese Edition was published by New Star Press of the China International Publishing Group. The book release was held in Nanjing Library and reported by 43 media representatives from seven countries and regions. Lu Cairong, Deputy Director of the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, said, “The Complete Works is a treasured set that introduces the wisdom of Buddhism, and is an important part of the wonderful tradition of Chinese culture. It brings positive energy to the Cross-Strait, and even into society and internationally.” Venerable Master also presented the Complete Works to twelve schools, including the National Library of China, National Museum of China, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Fudan University, as well as the Buddhist Academy of China and Buddhist Association of China. Temples worldwide have also gifted the Complete Works to local universities, libraries, governmental departments, and religious associations.

In April, Hsi Lai Temple and the University of the West in Los Angeles, USA, co-organized the “Expression of the Dharma: Buddhist Art and Culture in Everyday Life” Academic Forum. The panel on the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art was the focus, and many scholars quoted the encyclopedia in their papers, affirming its value to research. The encyclopedia was also presented to Ryukoku University, Japan; University of Houston and Rice University, USA; University of Gottingen, Germany; Cambridge University, UK; McGill University, Canada; University of Vienna, Austria; Rietberg Museum, Zurich, Switzerland; and the private library of the Stift-Klosterneuburg Monastery, Austria.

世界佛教美術圖說/穿越時空法寶再現

Since the founding of the Center for Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University, Venerable Master hopes to offer a diverse academic platform for Buddhist research by establishing a worldwide major center of Buddhist studies. In August, there was a series of events about the Buddhist Canons—Timeless Dharma Treasures Reappearing—organized by Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Fo Guang University, Fo Guang Shan Foundation for Buddhist Culture and Education, and the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism. The Exhibition of Buddhist Manuscripts, Public Dharma Talks on Stories of the Buddhist Canon, and International Conference on Buddhist Canons interpreted and explained the Dharma treasures of Buddhism—Buddhist canons. Through such events, we hope to bring Buddhist canons into society, so the public may feel the magnificence of the Dharma and further understand Buddhist culture.

Furthermore, we have worked proactively with local universities to organize joint academic conferences on Humanistic Buddhism to promote the establishment of research centers within top universities, so that Humanistic Buddhism may flourish worldwide. The departments and branch temples that actively contributed to this endeavor include: the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, Fo Guang University, Nanhua University, University of the West, Nan Tien Institute, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Hsing Yun Culture and Education Center in Shanghai, Jianzhen Library in Yangzhou, Guangzhong Culture and Education Center in Beijing, Yunhu Academy, Hsi Lai Temple, Fo Guang Shan London, and Fo Guang Shan Singapore.

The “Nanhua University FGS Million Member Fundraising Campaign Memorial Hall,” commissioned by the Million Member Fundraising Committee, was inaugurated at Nanhua University in May. Committee members are welcome to return to the university and make use of the Assembly Hall, Meditation Hall, Water Drop Teahouse, multi-purpose meeting rooms, and guest rooms. The Million-Member Fundraising Campaign showed the world what NT$100 can do, with funds initially raised for one university, and now for outstanding five universities.

南華大學管/校長論壇

When the admission results from the Advanced Subjects tests were released last year, both Fo Guang and Nanhua University received full enrollment. In July, the Ministry of Education approved the establishment of Ph.D. courses at the Department of Life and Death at Nanhua University. Moreover, with Venerable Master's guidance, the fourth FGS University Presidents Forum had 123 presidents and educators from 32 different universities in 16 countries and regions meet and share their valuable opinions on Buddhist research and the revival of Buddhism. The five universities comprising the FGS University Consortium signed a memorandum of understanding with 29 participating institutions, to work together to educate talents for the world and to look forward to Buddhist education playing a key role in global academic research.

好苗子計畫 Additionally, it has been three years since the Venerable Master Hsing Yun Public Education Trust Fund and the FGS Foundation for Culture and Education supported the Seeds of Hope Project; five junior high school graduates of Pu-Men High School were admitted by the Kaohsiung Municipal Senior High School and Kaohsiung Municipal Girls’ Senior High School after participating in the Kaohsiung high school exam-free admission. In July, Juntou International School in Puli, Nantou, received approval from the Cambridge Assessment International Education so that students may study international courses that connects them to the world.

Last year, the Hsing Yun Culture and Education Foundation held various cultural and educational activities, including international and Cross-Strait exchanges, as well as answering the call of the Poverty Alleviation Program in Mainland China. The foundation received the 2019 Best Social Responsibility Brand Award and the Green Classics Award at the 9th China Charity Festival.

全球佛教代表世界和平交流會暨國際佛光會第七屆第一次理事會議 In October, the Global Buddhists for World Peace Exchange and the BLIA First Meeting of the 7th Board of Directors returned to Paris, France, after 23 years, and was held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is a new milestone in BLIA’s efforts of propagating Humanistic Buddhism. For many years, BLIA has been an active participant as well as speaker in many activities held by the United Nations and its associated organizations, including: the Commission on the Status of Women held at UN Headquarters in New York, UN Civil Society Conference, and World Interfaith Harmony Week. This international exchange asserted BLIA as an association that approaches the world by taking root through localization, and also devoted to world peace. The meeting’s theme was “Faith and Legacy,” and through video, Venerable Master encouraged international Fo Guang Shan members to work together and pass down the legacy of faith, morality, benevolence, and character for the development of Buddhism, so that these values become a mainstream ideology in Buddhism’s future.

In November, the 11th Truthful, Virtuous, and Beautiful Media Award was presented in Singapore for the first time. Professor Su Herng, from National Chengchi University College of Communication, and Lee Huay Leng, Head of Chinese Media Group (CMG) Singapore Press Holdings Limited (SPH) were honored with the Award for Outstanding Contribution. Nearly three hundred people from well-known media groups from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Cross-Strait gathered at the ceremony, achieving the consensus of “upholding the mission and responsibility of maintaining professionalism and disseminating right knowledge.”

For over fifty years, Fo Guang Shan has always nurtured affinities with other religious groups. In April, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris was caught in a serious fire. On behalf of the Fo Guang Shan community, I wrote a letter to Pope Francis, expressing our condolences and willingness to help with the restoration work. Patrick Chauvet, the Archbishop and Dean of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, replied to express their gratitude. I believe that though the source of each religion may differ, the mission to bring peace and harmony to society is the same.

Furthermore, under the invitation of Hsi Lai Temple, USA, the original Chinese Opera production, Voyage to the East: A Fearless Buddhist Monk’s Mission to Japan, gave three performances at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Los Angeles, and at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, New York; with over 4,500 people attending. This is the first Buddhist opera performed on the international stage, promoting cultural exchange between the East and West.

《鑑真東渡》/FLIP 2019 The Light of Education

In June, Fo Guang Shan Philippines co-organized “FLIP 2019: The Light of Education” Concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila, presenting the students’ learning results through artistic performance for supporters of education. Moreover, Ralph Jade Tampal, a graduate of the Department of Performing Arts at Guang Ming College, was awarded at the 58th anniversary of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, Manila Region (TOSP).

In September, good news was delivered by Nan Tien Institute. The Humanistic Buddhism Centre, established in 2018, received approval from the Australian Department of Education for the Humanistic Buddhism Graduate Certificate. Humanistic Buddhism is now officially accepted in the Australian education system, another splendid achievement for Buddhism.

雲水書車 The “Hand in Hand, We Became” Buddhist Society Youth Leadership Camp initiated by Fo Guang Shan Malaysia entered its 10th year. Not only is it supported by the Ministries of Education in all 13 states, but it also inspired Malaysian schools to learn about Buddhism. Nearly 10,000 teachers and students have participated in the camp over the past ten years.

       Every month, more than 50 FGS Cloud and Water Mobile Libraries provide service to 1,300 rural schools, and this good affinity is sustained by the FGS Foundation for Buddhist Culture and Education to develop educational and cultural projects in rural areas. For example, the Seeds of Hope Scholarship, as well as financial aid for English and Music, hope to transform the lives of disadvantaged children.

以球會友 At the start of the year, the institutional sports teams under Fo Guang Shan’s Three Acts of Goodness Sports Association have had excellent performances. Fo Guang University Women’s Basketball Team, who made it into level 1 of the University Basketball Association Open Tournament for seven consecutive years, has finally won its first championship. In July, they were also runners-up at the BLIA Cup International University Basketball Tournament in Kaohsiung Arena. Pu-Men High School Girls Basketball Team won third place in the High School Basketball League. Nanhua University’s Brazilian “Sons of Zulai” soccer team, now three years old, also won third place in level 1 of the University Soccer Association Opening for Men. The Nanhua Baseball Team, established less than three years ago, entered the semi-final for the first time in the team’s history. As per the saying, “the Buddha taught with one voice, which was then perceived and understood by sentient beings according to their own perspectives,” Venerable Master believes in spreading Dharma worldwide by building international friendships with others through establishing excellent Buddhist sports teams.

During the Buddha’s Birthday last year, FGS branch temples all over the world continued to conduct Buddha’s Birthday celebration in city councils, schools, prisons, shopping malls, markets, harbors, hospitals, local temples, and even co-organized Buddha’s Birthday celebrations with local Buddhist communities, totaling nearly 1,300 celebratory events, and 508,000 participants. These events have inspired unity, collaboration, and harmony within the Buddhist sphere.

Last year, there was also good news from branch temples and Fo Guang Shan institutes worldwide to rejoice: the colossal jade-carved wall sculpture located in the Main Shrine of Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Temple gained the record for “the largest jade art sculpture” nationwide, and was listed into the Malaysia Book of Records along with the New Year-themed lanterns at Dong Zen Temple. “Marvelous Malaysia Music Concert—Blessing for the Nation” held at Stadium Malawati Shah Alam attracted over 8,000 youths. The event was acknowledged by the Malaysian Ministry of Education and invitation letters were sent to educational institutions of all levels to encourage student participation.

Fo Guang Shan Monastery, FGS Buddha Museum, and Templo Zulai in Brazil received the Certificate of Excellence once again from TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, and were inducted into its Hall of Fame. As a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the Buddha Museum not only signs memorandums of understanding with other museums and participates in exchanges, it distinguishes itself by serving the public in disciplines spanning across culture, education, arts, and medicine. Annually, it is a venue used by more than 300 organizations, a site visited by guests from over 110 countries and regions, and a stop made by around 40 cruise ships. Furthermore, the Buddha Museum hosts various international exhibitions and the “When Buddha Meets the Gods: Reunion of Religious Associations” event.

貓途鷹(TripAdvisor)/妙慧樓

At the end of March, Miao Hui Lou Dormitory, built by FGS Pure Land Cultural & Educational Foundation for Fo Guang Shan staff, received the Yuan Ye Awards, also known as the “Oscars of Southern Taiwan Landscape Architecture.” In July, the renovated Pure Land Cave at headquarters was registered under the Kaohsiung City Building Permit No.01459 as issued by the Public Works Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government. The underground level of the new structure retains the Pure Land Cave which shares the Dharma with the public through sutra depictions. Meanwhile, the two levels above ground are used as spaces for culture and education. Named by Venerable Master as the Convention Lodge, it features classrooms, lecture halls, and dormitories, making it an ideal venue for classes and meetings. Additionally, the new Treasure Bridge connecting the Main Shrine and the Great Compassion Shrine, as well as the elevator at the Gateway to Enlightenment, were completed. According to Venerable Master, these structures create an accessible space by providing those with mobility difficulties a way to reach the shrines and connect with the buddhas and bodhisattvas without obstruction.

In June, Fo Guang Shan Guang Ming Institute of Performing Arts Cebu was inaugurated, right on the 30th anniversary of Dharma propagation in the Philippines. It is the first academy in the locality that offers professional performing arts courses to youths and artists. Furthermore, it gives them a platform to showcase their talents.

In February, the northeast part of Australia experienced the worst flooding in 100 years. The Queensland State became a water town. At the beginning of March, Paraguay was affected by heavy rains daily. Provinces and counties south of the capital, Asunción, were heavily flooded. In October, Japan was hit with the strongest typhoon in 61 years—Typhoon Hagibis. Over 10,000 homes were flooded. BLIA members gave aid, practiced generosity, and made offerings in the spirit of empathy as shown by the saying, “When others are hungry, it is as if I am hungry; when others are drowning, it is as if I am drowning.” May all aspirations be blessed by the Buddha’s light, and grow in merit and wisdom.

Venerable Master said, “We very much treasure the next generation, caring for the legacy of Buddhism. For every Chinese person, while some will claim that their faith is Catholicism or Protestant, Buddhism is in their blood. Buddhism has almost become the religion of the elder generation, I hope that we can pass this invaluable bloodline to the next generation. The hope of Buddhism rests in the future, the next generation!” The words of Venerable Master require everyone’s effort to benefit and enlighten themselves and others, so that Buddhism may continue to prosper.

As we enter into a new year, bring not past habitual tendencies and afflictions into the new beginning; transform greed, hatred, and ignorance into meditative concentration and wisdom. If each day is spent wholesomely, it will surely be at ease, safe, and auspicious.

Lastly, my best wishes to you in
Creating good affinities together. May all be auspicious!

Hsin Bau
Head Abbot
Chairperson, Fo Guang Board of Directors
New Year’s Day, 2020