Chinese Buddhist Electronic Texts Association

The Chinese Buddhist Electronic Texts Association (CBETA), initiated by Venerable Hengching, has brought together groups and individuals dedicated to the digitization of Buddhist texts from the Buddhist community. Founded on February 15, 1998, CBETA’s operational support was initially provided by the Bodhi Education Foundation (from February 1998 to January 2001) and subsequently by the Seeland Education Foundation (February 2001 onwards).

At the end of 2021, the Director of CBETA Venerable Huimin raised CBETA sustainability and development issues. After discussions involving Venerable Hengching, the abbot of Dharma Drum Mountain Venerable Guohuei, and other relevant figures, preparations began for the establishment of a foundation.

In due course, donations totaling 30 million TWD were made by the Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Foundation (13 million TWD), Seeland Monastery (5 million TWD), Jing Si Publishing Co., Ltd. (4 million TWD), and other donors including Venerable Hengching, Fa Yu Shan Pu-yi Yuan Monastery, Venerable Zhaoyin, Fuyan Monastery, Yuan Kuang Ch’an Monastery, Zhan Yikun, Zhan Yimin, and Yuan Heng Temple (each contributing 1 million TWD, listed in the order of commitment). On April 8, 2023, a preparatory meeting of donors was held, electing Venerable Guoyi, Venereble Huimin, Her Reysheng, Qiu Dagang, Venerable Yuanwu, Venerable Shingyi, Venerable Fachi, Chen Guanghua, and Hung Jenjou as directors. The first board meeting was held, electing Venerable Huimin as the Chairman and Hung Jenjou as the Chief Executive Director.

With the necessary documentation, an application was made to the Ministry of the Interior to form the Comprehensive Buddhist Electronic Text Archive Foundation (CBETA Foundation) as a national religious foundation. The procedures came to a conclusion on August 7, 2023.

CBETA Foundation will continue developing databases and digital platforms for Buddhist scriptures and writings, promote Buddhist information technology projects, and facilitate the exchange and development of digital dissemination of Buddhism.

(From the original website.)