Brief introduction

Comprehensive Buddhist Electronic Text Archive Foundation，
Abbreviated as CBETA Foundation or CBETA Foundation

The “Chinese Buddhist Electronic Texts Association” (CBETA) was initiated by Master Hengqing, combined with groups and individuals engaged in the digitization of Buddhist scriptures, and was established on February 15, 1998, and entrusted the “Bodhi Education Foundation” (February 1998 ~ January 2001) and the “Xilian Education Foundation” (started in February 2001) to assist in the operation.

At the end of 2021, Venerable Hui Min, Chairman of CBETA, put forward the topic of CBETA sustainable development, and after discussion by Venerable Hengqing, Abbot Monk of Dharma Drum Mountain and other relevant people, preparations began for the establishment of the Foundation.

Subsequently, the Fagushan Buddhist Foundation (13 million), Xilian Jingyuan (5 million), Jingsi Humanities Co., Ltd. (4 million), Shi Hengqing, Fayushan Puyi Garden, Shi Zhaoyin, Fuyan Jingshe, Yuanguang Temple, Zhan Yikun, Zhan Yimin, Dagu Yan Yuanheng Temple, etc. (1 million each, recorded in the order of donation commitments) donated a total of 30 million yuan, and a donor preparatory meeting was held on April 8, 2023 to elect Shi Guoyi, Shi Huimin, He Risheng, Qiu Dagang, Shi Yuanwu, and Shi Xingyi , Shi Fazhi, Chen Guanghua, Hong Zhenzhou, etc. are directors; The first session of the board of directors was held, and Shi Huimin was elected as the chairman, and Hong Zhenzhou, the director, was also the chief executive officer.

Prepare relevant documents and apply to the Ministry of the Interior, the competent authority, for the establishment of the Comprehensive Buddhist Electronic Text Archive Foundation (CBETA Foundation or CBETA Foundation), and complete the establishment process on August 7, 2023. We will continue to establish an integrated electronic database and digital platform for various Buddhist scriptures and writings, promote projects related to Buddhist informatization, and promote the exchange and development of digital dissemination of Buddhism.

Caption: In February 2003, at the 5th anniversary of CBETA and the presentation of its results, Venerable Heng Qing (second row from right), Fr. Ma Tianci (second row from right), Professor Li Zhifu (second row middle), Venerable Hui Min (second row from left), Professor Du Zhengmin (second row from left), Professor Zhou Bohuan (third row from right) and the CBETA team took a group photo at the Huiri Lecture Hall in Taipei.