Comprehensive Buddhist Electronic Text Archive Foundation,
abbreviated as the CBETA Foundation

The “Chinese Buddhist Electronic Texts Association” (CBETA) was founded at the initiative of Venerable Hengching. Bringing together groups and individuals in the Buddhist community dedicated to the digitization of Buddhist texts, CBETA was officially established on February 15, 1998. Since its inception, its operations have been successively supported by the Bodhi Education Foundation (February 1998–January 2001) and the Seeland Educational Foundation (from February 2001 onward).

At the end of 2021, CBETA Chair Venerable Huimin brought forward the vital question of CBETA’s sustainable development. Following collaborative discussions between Venerable Hengching, Venerable Guohuei (Abbot of Dharma Drum Mountain), and other key stakeholders, preparations commenced to establish a national religious foundation.

Subsequently, a total of NTD 30 million was jointly pledged by a coalition of donors (listed in order of commitment): the Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Foundation (NTD 13 million); Seeland Monastery (NTD 5 million); Jing Si Publishing Co., Ltd. (NTD 4 million); and Venerable Hengching, Fa Yu Shan Pu-yi Yuan Nunnery, Venerable Zhaoyin, Fuyan Monastery, Yuan Kuang Ch’an Monastery, Zhan Yikun, Zhan Yimin, and Yuan Heng Temple (NTD 1 million each).

On April 8, 2023, a preparatory meeting of donors was convened, electing Venerable Guoyi, Venerable Huimin, Her Rey-sheng, David Chiou, Venerable Yuanwu, Venerable Shingyi, Venerable Fachi, Chen Guanghua, and Hung Jenjou as directors. During the inaugural Board of Directors meeting that followed, Venerable Huimin was elected Chairman, with Hung Jenjou concurrently appointed as CEO.

Following the preparation of all necessary documentation, an application was submitted to the Ministry of the Interior—the governing authority—to officially establish the national religious organization, the “Comprehensive Buddhist Electronic Text Archive Foundation” (CBETA Foundation). All establishment procedures were successfully finalized on August 7, 2023.

Moving forward, the Foundation continues to construct an integrated digital platform and archive for Buddhist canons and literature, drive initiatives in Buddhist informatization, and foster global exchange and advancement in the digital dissemination of Buddhist teachings.