Media

“The Enlightened State in Chan Practice” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun

10 Mar 2010

 

World-renowned religious leader the Venerable Master Hsing Yun will give a talk titled "The Enlightened State in Chan Practice" at the University of Hong Kong on March 12 (Friday).

HKU Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui will deliver a welcoming speech and Professor C.F. Lee, Chairman of the Management Committee of the HKU Centre of Buddhist Studies, will also take part in the event.

The University will confer upon Master Hsing Yun the degree Doctor of Social Science honoris causa at the 182nd Congregation on March 11 (Thursday) in recognition of his contributions to humanitarian and philanthropic causes around the world.

Media representatives are cordially invited to the event, details are as follows:

Date: March 12, 2010 (Fri)
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Loke Yew Hall, HKU
Language: Mandarin with English interpretation

The Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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 organizations 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 amongst 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 Center 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.

For further information, please visit: http://www.buddhism.hku.hk/

For media enquiries, please contact: Ms Trinni Choy (Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2606 email: pychoy@hku.hk  or Ms Melanie Wan (Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk.