The Venerable Master Hsing Yun is a world-renowned religious leader, author, educator, humanitarian and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order and the affiliated Buddha's Light International Association, one of the largest international Buddhist organisations in the world.
Born in 1927 in rural Jiangdu, Jiangsu Province, China, Master Hsing Yun began monastic life when he was just a young boy. He has become known for his "Humanistic Buddhism" philosophy, which focuses on the issues of the world rather than on how to leave the world behind. Master Hsing Yun is credited by Buddhist scholars as one of the forefront leaders in the modern reformation of Buddhism, by opening monasteries, universities and schools around the world, as well as engaging in religious dialogue with other Buddhist sects and religious orders.
Master Hsing Yun's first book, Singing in Silence, would be the first of many. He also founded several Buddhist publications, edited Buddhist periodicals and newsletters, wrote articles for major Taiwanese newspapers, and composed scripts for radio broadcast.
HKU has also benefitted from Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of outreach, attending the opening ceremony of the Centre of Buddhist Studies Library in 2003, and returning regularly in the following years to share his wisdom with us in his lectures and public talks.
Master Hsing Yun has organised massive relief activities for major natural disasters, including the 1991 flood in East China, the 1999 Taiwan earthquake, the 2004 tsunami in South Asia, and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. He has also set up hundreds of schools, hospitals, clinics, orphanages and charity projects in poverty-stricken communities around the world.
In recognition of his contributions to humanitarian and philanthropic causes around the world, the University has resolved to confer upon the Venerable Master Hsing Yun the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa.
