Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
August 18, 2023

On August 8th, the book launch and presentation ceremony for "365 Days for Travelers: Wisdom from Chinese Literary and Buddhist Classics (Chinese-Thai Edition)" took place at Fo Guang Shan Thaihua Temple. This marks the 13th language version of "365 Days for Travelers." The event was masterminded by Most Venerable Hsin Ting, the abbot of Thaihua Temple.

Honored guests who received the book included Mr. Chen Hanshi, the Permanent Honorary Chairman of the Tio Chew Association of Thailand; Mr. Zheng Ding Pei, President of the Tacha Association of Thailand; and Ms. Anusari Tubsuwan, Member of Parliament, representing the Thai government. More than 220 people joyfully participated in the event.

Ms. Anusari Tubsuwan(left), member of parliament, received the book from Most Venerable Hsin Ting. photo／The Life News Agency

Distinguished attendees of the ceremony also included Venerable Elder Soothi, the Dean of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's Graduate School; scholars from various sectors in Thailand; faculty members of the Datong Junior High School in Northern Thailand; and Liu Liangqing, the President of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Bangkok Chapter, among other Fo Guang members.

A group of 21 individuals attended the ceremony, including Zhou Xuewen, the President of the Chunghua Society for Ancient and Modern Humanities, Venerable Miao You, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Fu Shan Temple, Cai Qinghua, board member of BLIA, and BLIA members. Together, they witnessed the realization of the great aspiration of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, to propagate Dharma through culture. May the light of Buddha continue to shine, and the flow of Dharma remain eternal.

Following the instructions of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Most Venerable Hsin Ting has dedicated his utmost effort to translating Mahayana sutras. Over two years ago, Most Venerable Hsin Ting accepted the invitation from the Chunghua Society for Ancient and Modern Humanities, promised to instruct Professor Anan, the Director of the Thai-Hua Buddhist Text Translation Center, to complete the Chinese-Thai edition of "365 Days for Travelers: Wisdom from Chinese Literary and Buddhist Classics" in two years.

Most Venerable Hsin Ting led everyone in reciting the Heart Sutra. photo／The Life News Agency

Most Venerable Hsin Ting stated that "365 Days for Travelers," with Venerable Master Hsing Yun serving as the overall editor, is a manifestation of his compassionate aspiration to share Chinese culture with the world. Most Venerable Hsin Ting mentioned that it is heartening to witness the release of "365 Days for Travelers" in Thailand, and he believed that Venerable Master Hsing Yun must also be delighted. Recently, Thaihua Temple has established the Great Wisdom Language School and formally applied for registration with the Thai government. This reflects the compassionate wish of Venerable Master Hsing Yun to emphasize cultural education and engage deeply in local development.

During his speech, Professor Anan explained the four development goals of the Thai-Hua Buddhist Texts Translation Center: translating Chinese Buddhist texts into Thai, translating Pali and Thai Buddhist texts into Chinese, propagating Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism, and promoting international Buddhist academic exchanges and cooperation. He stated that "365 Days for Travelers" can serve as a means to introduce Buddhism to more people with affinity, as well as nurture a greater number of talents in the field of Buddhist translation.

Professor Anan explained the four development goals of the Thai-Hua Buddhist Texts Translation Center. photo／The Life News Agency

Professors Wu Qiong and Kewalee Petchartip, who collaborated on the translation, engaged in a scholarly dialogue in a question-and-answer format. Professor Wu Qiong stated that the translation process and the exchange with ancient sages have transformed her impatient nature into a calm and compassionate one, allowing her to deeply experience the power of Buddhism. Professor Kewalee Petchartip mentioned that this translation task has made him more knowledgeable because the content of "365 Days for Travelers" is vast and profound.

Zhou Xuewen explained that "365 Days for Travelers" was first published in 2014, and over the past nine years, it has been released in 13 languages and 14 versions, including Japanese, German, Arabic, and Thai versions that were released in the first half of 2023. The total global circulation of the book has reached 1.85 million copies. Zhou Xuewen expressed special gratitude to the translation team led by Most Venerable Hsin Ting and Professor Anan. He said that, in the future, efforts will continue to promote "365 Days for Travelers" in various hotels, aiming to fulfill Venerable Master Hsing Yun's great aspiration as soon as possible.

 Zhou Xuewen, the President of the Chunghua Society for Ancient and Modern Humanities, expressed his gratitude. photo／The Life News Agency

Many individuals involved in Chinese language education express that "365 Days for Travelers" will become an essential reference book for every Thai person who is learning Chinese and values Chinese culture. Everyone needs a guiding light in the darkness, and everyone needs positive energy to comfort their soul. "365 Days for Travelers" is like a life navigation that transcends borders.

Scholars joyfully participate in the ceremony. photo／The Life News Agency