Fo Guang Shan (Buddha Mountain of Light School)

Founded by Master Hsin Yun with the aim of spreading Buddhism worldwide. They now have 100 chapters in 60 countries. This has been described as ‘humanistic’ Buddhism where followers are directed towards the suffering of people in the world and participation in concrete social welfare activities to relieve suffering. There are currently around 1000 nuns and 300 monks studying at the Fo Guan Shan College. Many are from overseas including significant numbers from traditionally Theravada or Tibetan Buddhist lands. These include women seeking to be ordained as Bhiksuni (see below) before returning to their own lands.

Tsu Chi Foundation

Founded by the Buddhist Nun Master Cheng Yen who in 1996 was nominated for a Nobel peace prize. Tsu Chi is involved in charity work in Nepal, Thailand and North Korea. They have 3 hospitals and a medical and nursing college in Taiwan and free clinics in the Philippines and the US. They are noted for their response to disasters all over the world and very prominent in Taiwan. Tzu Chi runs a 750-bed hospital in Hualian that is the largest hospital in Eastern Taiwan. Tsu Chi is a global organization with its headquarters in Hualien, E.Taiwan but 78 offices in the US and over 4 million supporters worldwide. Many of these supporters belong to a small network set up by Tsu Chi disciples each donating around 100NT$ (US$4) per month towards Tsu Chi’s charitable works. The supporters themselves may have little other interest or involvement with the organization but generate large amounts of funds to support the work.

Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM)

Established by Master Sheng Yen in 1989 this organization was founded for the spread of Chan Buddhism Their mission statement is “to promote comprehensive Buddhist education”. Sheng Yen is a noted international Buddhist teacher and within Taiwan DDM are in the process of building a Buddhist global education complex which will include a research center, a University, a monastery, a museum and international conference hall. The organization is also known for its emphasis on environmental protection and reduction of waste in daily life.