Background介紹

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (the CUHK) was established with the mission “To Combine Tradition with Modernity; to Bring Together China and West”. The University has committed itself to upholding the humanistic spirit and life education since its establishment. Master Hsing Yun spreads Humanistic Buddhism, with the core concept of “that which was taught by the Buddha himself, that which is needed by human beings, that which is pure, and that which is virtuous and beautiful”. It is a light for the future world and a treasure for all mankind. Hence, the CUHK and the Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Buddhist Culture & Education signed a cooperation agreement to jointly promote the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism and promote research on Buddhist culture and thought.

Over the years, the Center has convened various international academic conferences and academic lectures, published academic books and periodicals, and launched Buddhist education courses such as the “Master of Arts Programme in Buddhist Studies” and the “Programme in Management Culture of Buddhism” to cultivate talents for Buddhist research and advancement.

The establishment of the Center in 2005

In February 2005, the CUHK formed an alliance with Fo Guang Shan to establish “The Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism” (The Centre)

“To nurture talents through education; to propagate Buddhist teachings through cultural activities; to benefit societies through charitable programs and to purify human hearts and minds through Buddhist practices.” are the four main principles of Fo Guang Shan. Master Hsing Yun believed that the establishment of the Centre in the CUHK was an important milestone in his lifelong advocacy of “Humanistic Buddhism”.

The guests attending the signing ceremony included Dr. Cho Chun-ying, Deputy Director of Public Affairs of the Presidential Office of Taiwan, Prof. Law Ping Leung Daniel, Dean of the CUHK, Prof. LAI Pan Chiu, Director of the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies and Prof. Tam Wai Lun, Mr. Wu Po-hsiung, the Honorary President of Buddha’s Light International Association R.O.C., Mr. Li Mingde, the chairman of HKSSTEEL Technology, Prof. Hong Donggui of Hsuan Chuang University, President Chen Miaosheng and President Chao Ning of Nanhua University and Fo Guang University, respectively. Together with a total of eight executives, first-level supervisors and directors of the two universities attended the grand meeting. Both parties and distinguished guests expressed their high regard and blessings to the establishment of the Centre.

The Opening Ceremony of the Center

The establishment and opening ceremony of the Centre was held in April 2005

The Department of Cultural and Religious Studies of the CUHK established the Centre to promote Buddhist studies and Buddhist culture. On April 18, 2005, the CUHK held the opening ceremony for the Centre. Master Hsing Yun, the chairman of the Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Buddhist Culture & Education (FFBCE), and Prof Lau Juen Yee, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the CUHK, were the guests of honor and presided over the opening ceremony for the Center.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Lau Juen Yee expressed his gratitude to the FFBCE for its support. He said: “The establishment of the Center will promote Buddhist research at CUHK and cultivate Buddhist research talents.”

Phase II Cooperation Agreement for the Centre in 2010

The Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Buddhist Culture & Education (FFBCE) and the CUHK signed the “Phase II Cooperation Agreement for the Centre” in 2010

The CUHK and the FFBCE held the signing ceremony of the ” Phase II Cooperation Agreement of the Centre ” on April 12, 2010. Officiating guests included Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Prof. Lawrence Lau, VC of the CUHK, Venerable Man Lian, Chief Abbot of China, Hong Kong and Macau of Fo Guang Shan, Prof. Hsiung Ping Chen, Dean of Faculty of Arts of CUHK, Mr. Chen Hon-bin, President of Buddha’s Light International Association of Hong Kong, and Prof Lai Chi-tim, the Head of Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at CUHK.

In his speech, Master Hsing Yun addressed that the Centre co-organized by the CUHK and the FFBCE is remarkable of the era in promoting Buddhism. Master Hsing Yun further illuminated the real meaning of Humanistic Buddhism to the public.

The Center upgraded and affiliated with the Faculty of Arts in 2014

The Centre was upgraded to be affiliated with the Faculty of Arts of the CUHK in 2014

The Center was upgraded to be affiliated with the Faculty of Arts in August 2014, and continues to promote Humanistic Buddhism research, cultural education and other affairs, as well as promote Buddhist academic exchanges between China and foreign countries, and cultivate Buddhist research talents.

Phase III Cooperation Agreement for the Centre in 2015

The Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Buddhist Culture & Education (FFBCE) and the CUHK signed the “Phase III Cooperation Agreement for the Centre” in 2015

Third Agreement Signing Ceremony (Chinese Version only)

The signing ceremony for the third phase of the academic cooperation between the FFBCE and the CUHK was held in the assembly hall in the Chuan Deng Building of Fo Guang Shan in the evening of April 1, 2015. Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, and Prof. Sung Jao-yiu, the VC of the CUHK, jointly signed the agreement. It is expected that while cultivating humanistic Buddhist academic research talents, the Centre can also enhance physical and spiritual growth of humanity.

“Since its establishment, Fo Guang Shan has spread compassion to help the world and promoted Buddhism all over the world. Its spirit is remarkable. Today, with the support of Fo Guang Shan, the third phase agreement will be signed, which will not only promote Buddhism, cultivate Buddhist and academic research talents, but also provide a bit of nourishment for the development and promotion of spiritual health…” Prof. Joseph Sung said with gratitude.

Master Hsing Yun also expressed his honor with the signing of the cooperation agreement with the CUHK , which was recognized as one of the top 100 universities in the world. Yung Chaur-shin, President of Fo Guang Shan University, said, “Academic research entails long-term operation to achieve results. Ten years may be a long time for ordinary people, but it is not a long time for the promotion of Buddhism and academic research.” Therefore, the FFBCE is ready to renew the cooperation agreement with CUHK based on the good track record , and believes that it will contribute more in the future.

The academic cooperation signing ceremony accomplished as a milestone under the.witness by the abbot of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Hsin Bao, Yung Chaur-shin, President of Fo Guang University, Gu Yuanguang, President of National Pingtung University, Su Huey-Jen, President of National Cheng Kung University, Tai Chin, President of Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Wu Lien-Shang, President of Kaohsiung Normal University, Yen Chung-Ruey, Vice President of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Ven. Huei-Kai, Vice President of Fo Guang University, Leung Yuen-sang, Dean of the Faculty of Arts of the CUHK, Chen Chien Huang, Director of the Centre t of the CUHK, and Ven. Ru Chang, chairman of the FFBCE, etc.

MA Programme in Buddhist Studies in 2017

“Gazing at the world, Gaining compassion and wisdom” ——The CUHK launched a new “Master of Arts Programme in Buddhist Studies” in 2017

With the intention of promoting Buddhist education and Buddhist studies, the Center and the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies of the CUHK jointly organize a Master of Arts Programme in Buddhist studies. The program aims to cultivate those who are interested in Buddhist studies, to understand the overall historical context of Han Buddhism and the relationship between various schools and sects, ideological theory, and advance to study and expand the depth and breadth of its Buddhist research.

The first briefing session of the programme was held on March 11, 2017. The Center and the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies of the CUHK invited Academician Lee Chak-fan, Chancellor of Chu Hai College, Prof. Leung Yuen-sang, Dean of the Faculty of Arts of the CUHK, and Ven. Hsin Bao the monk, abbot of Fo Guang Shan to give speeches. Besides the introducition of the courses and Q&A session , Director Chen Chien Huang invited Venerable Hsin Bao to give a keynote speech on “Gazing at the world, Gaining compassion and wisdom”. More than 100 members of the public participated achieving a lively atmosphere.

Phase IV Cooperation Agreement for the Centre in 2020

The Fo Guang Shan Foundation For Buddhist Culture & Education (FFBCE) and the CUHK signed the “Fourth Cooperation Agreement for the Centre ” in 2020.

In the fourth phase of cooperation (2020-2025), the Center will stick to the mission, extend the achievement of the third phase, expand the dimension of development, build up karma conditions for sustainable development, and exert practical influence, to enable the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism to be actively implemented.

Programme in Management Culture of Humanistic Buddhism in 2021

The Centre and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies of the CUHK (CUSCS) jointly launched the “Programme in Management Culture of Humanistic Buddhism” course in 2021.

The “Programme in Management Culture of Humanistic Buddhism” course was jointly organized by the Centre and the CUSCS. Other than understanding the core concepts and ideas of Humanistic Buddhism, the course combines them with management knowledge, so to establish a sound Buddhist management culture. This course is registered under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 3) and has been added to the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.

The course lasts for about 9 months. It is suitable for those participating in decision-making, management and professional administrative personnel, as well as those who are interested in Buddhist management. Registration is now open.

In the same year, the Centre and the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism launched the world’s first online certificate course “Management Culture of Humanistic Buddhism”.

The Online Programme in Management Culture of Humanistic Buddhism of Humanistic Buddhism E-College was jointly organized by the Centre and the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism. This course succeeds to the Humanistic Buddhist thoughts of Chinese culture and combines with contemporary management philosophy. It provides business managers with multiple thinking and realizes the sustainable development of the enterprises. The course is welcomed by Chinese people all over the world. The students come from 13 countries with regions in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe, covering 46 cities around the world. Nearly 90 elite students from enterprises participated in the course.

Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism, The Chinese University of Hong Kong