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Fo Guang Shan has been established for 57 years since 1967. Under the leadership of its founder, Master Hsing Yun, the Fo Guang Shan community has reached new historical heights in the five continents of Chinese Buddhism. Both in theory and practice, it has established a set of ideological systems and practical models that can serve as a paradigm for the development of contemporary Buddhism.

To this end, Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute has specially planned the "Oral History Series of Fo Guang Shan Founding Elders". On the anniversary of the death of the founder, Master Hsing Yun, the series "Interview with Master Xin Ding: Practicing Buddhism - Taking the Master's Heart as Your Own Heart" and "Interview with Nun Xiao Bixia: Following Across the Century - The Good Teacher in My Life" were launched successively; in August 2024, the series "Interview with Master Ci Hui: Starlight and Clouds - Serving the Master for 70 Years" and "Interview with Master Ci Rong: Tolerance Makes You Great - Entering Fo Guang and Going to the World" were launched again. Through the oral profiles of the founding elders, we can have a deeper understanding of the human conduct and thoughts of a generation of masters.

"Interview with Master Cirong: Greatness comes from tolerance - Entering the Buddha's Light and the World" is officially published

"Interview with Master Cirong: Greatness comes from tolerance - Entering Fo Guang and the world" is the first complete biography of Master Cirong, the first generation elder of the Fo Guang sect. Although this book is written in the style of oral history, in order to complete the rich life of the subject, it especially verifies many documentary materials to better present the significance of oral history. At the same time, through Master Cirong, it witnesses the lows and prosperity of Taiwan Buddhism over the past century.

The 2014 World Members' Representative Conference of the International Buddhist Association was held at the Buddha Memorial Hall (Photo source: Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism)

The book consists of seven chapters, 180,000 words, more than 400 exquisite photos, a vertical time record of more than 80 years, and horizontal footprints across five continents. In terms of time and space background, geographical span, and the territory of spreading Buddhism, the writing pattern is unprecedented and transcendent in the biographies of bhikkhunis in history.

The chapters of this book are "Family Background", "The Path to Seeking Dharma", "Creative Dharma Spreading", "Traveling Across Taiwan", "Going International" and "Creating a New Situation", all of which are the personal life stories of Master Cirong. From this, we can see how Master Cirong broke through the conservative public opinion pressure from the traditional conservative family concept and bravely walked the path of self-independence, and it is a path of practice that transcends children and girls. As she said, "I didn't want to live like other girls since I was a child. I always felt that I could have my own choices in life and should live a more meaningful life."

The establishment of the International Buddhist Association World Headquarters and the first member representative conference were held at Hsi Lai Temple. Master and Master Ci Rong showed the Buddhist Association flag to the public. Master's left is Master Xin Ding. (Photo source: Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute)

In particular, the chapters on "Propagation of the Dharma in Temples", "Founding of the International Buddhist Light Association" and "Invitation of the Buddha's Finger Relic" are the most eye-catching contents of the book and the essence of the life of the subject. As Master Hsing Yun commented on Master Cirong: "Master Cirong can be said to be a pioneer in large-scale Buddhist propagation. He is particularly good at combining traditional lectures with modern music, art and dance, allowing the public to change their past dull and boring concepts and participate happily and yearn for it." This is Master Cirong's important contribution to the development of contemporary Taiwanese Buddhism.

Chapter 7 is the views and thoughts of the disciples of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Association on the master of the Dharma. Each chapter is a work of true love for the Dharma. The abbot of Fo Guang Shan, Master Xin Bao, praised Master Ci Rong for his compassion and diligence for decades. "To this day, he is nearly 90 years old and still works in the Dharma Tower every day without a day off. It is admirable." Master Yong Gu, deputy secretary general of the Eastern Region of the International Buddhist Light Association, described Master Ci Rong as having both the power to command thousands of people on the stage and the attentive care for the small details between people.

"With kindness, you can bring joy; with compassion, you can relieve suffering; with tolerance, you will be great; with virtue, you will prosper." This is the inscription that the master wrote for Master Cirong at Pumen Temple in 1981. It is also the best portrayal of Master Cirong's life-long attitude towards people and things. Master Cirong, who is now the head of the dioceses in mainland China, Japan and South Korea, New Zealand and Australia, and the Americas, once said in an interview: "I never think that I have any troubles or difficulties. When things come, I only think about 'how to do things well' and 'just do it'."

Children from Ci Ai Kindergarten participated in the county-wide children's bicycle competition and won first, second and third place. Wu Cirong (fourth from left), Zheng Cijia (third from left), and Wu Baoqin (fourth from right). (Photo source: Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute)

The Interview with Master Cirong is a life story of a Buddhist nun who has been spreading the Dharma and benefiting sentient beings for 70 years. It is also the most concrete learning model for contemporary practitioners of human Buddhism. The significance of publishing this book is not only to leave the merits and deeds of the elders for the Fo Guang Sect, but also to leave a historical track for the development of human Buddhism in the 21st century as a reference for future generations. This is the hope for the publication of this book.

"Interviews with Master Ci Hui: Starlight, Clouds and Water - Serving the Master for Seventy Years" is officially published

The oral history of the elders of Fo Guang Shan, planned by Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute, will be officially published in August 2024. "Interviews with Master Ci Hui: Starlight, Clouds and Water - Serving the Master for 70 Years". The book contains 400,000 words, ten chapters, and more than a thousand photos. It is narrated by the 91-year-old Master Ci Hui and recorded by Cai Menghua, Vice President of Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute, presenting the precious journey of the elders serving the Master for 70 years.

The master gave a lecture to the believers at Nanping Temple, with Master Cihui accompanying him as the translator. (Photo source: Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism)

The book includes the early days of translating for the Master in the Leiyin Temple, studying in Japan, the development of the Sangha education and social education of Humanistic Buddhism, as well as the planning of building temples and promoting schools in Fo Guang Shan, and the dissemination and achievements of Fo Guang Shan culture. It shows that the Master has a deep intention to cultivate talents for Buddhism, and it records the development trajectory of Taiwan Buddhism for more than 70 years, and also witnesses the great contribution of Taiwan bhikkhunis to world Buddhism! The mutual understanding, mutual respect, and warm and radiant love between Buddhist masters and disciples demonstrate the deep meaning of the human touch of Humanistic Buddhism.

The Master directed the relief work of the Buddha's Teachings and Activities in the Wind and Rain Corridor of the Buddha Memorial Hall. First row from left: The Master, Master Cihui, and Master Ruchang. (Photo source: Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism)

Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, once wrote that Master Ci Hui had made eight "firsts" in her merits for Buddhism: she was the first nun who could speak Mandarin, Taiwanese and Japanese, and who had worked tirelessly and joyfully as a Buddhist translator for seventy years; she was the first nun to engage in social education work, from being the principal of a kindergarten and Pu Men Middle School to the founder of several social universities, and she had the richest and most complete administrative experience; she was the first nun from Taiwan to study abroad and receive a master's degree; she was the first nun to engage in monastic education work for the longest time, and she founded sixteen Buddhist colleges at home and abroad; she was the first nun to be selected for an important position in a global Buddhist organization; she was the first nun to travel the world to preach the Dharma; she was the first nun to be the dean of Fo Guang Shan, who led thousands of people to preach the Dharma; and she was the first nun to receive the Taiwan "He Feng Award".

The Master was invited by the National Museum of China Theater in Beijing to give a lecture on the topic of "Happiness and Peace". The translator is Master Cihui on the right. (Photo source: Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute)

In the preface of recommendation by the abbot of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Xin Bao, titled "Venerable Ci Hui - A Cultivator of Humanistic Buddhism", he also described the elder Venerable Ci Hui of Fo Guang Shan in four points: First, he is an elder who transcends fame and fortune; Second, he is a filial elder: as a special assistant to the Kaishan Dormitory, he must go to the Dharma Hall on time every day to pay respects to the Master and serve by his side. Third, he is a low-key elder: except for occasions where he appears with the Master, the elder often acts indifferently as a staff member and keeps a low profile. Fourth, he is a wise elder: running a university requires dealing with many professionals, and he always communicates and coordinates with the concept of "respecting all Buddhas", so that people from all sides who come here by chance can understand the Master's concept of Humanistic Buddhism and jointly promote education.

The Yutong Construction Team, which is responsible for the Fo Guang University project, explained the construction status and progress to the Master and Master Cihui (first from the right). (Photo source: Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute)

"Interview with Master Cihui: Starlight, Clouds and Water - Serving the Master for 70 Years" records the journey of Master Cihui following the Master in promoting Humanistic Buddhism and advancing the Buddhist cause. His persistence and dedication reflect his deep belief in Humanistic Buddhism and his selfless dedication to the Buddhist cause. Master Cihui wrote in the preface: "I hope that everyone can also experience the great benefits of Master's Humanistic Buddhism through this book, and then, like me, find a place to settle down in life."