The teachings and practices of the Buddha have been propagated for over 2500 years and have spread throughout the globe. In spite of the enormous cultural disparities that have accompanied Buddhism’s historical and geographical diffusion, it continues, in varied forms, to be an effective remedy to the spiritual ailments of millions. Buddhism, thus, is a vast precious spiritual resource and an invaluable part of our global cultural heritage.

Moved by the dramatic tragedy and chaos brought about by civil war and social disintegration in China in the 1930’s, my grandmother, Lady Clara Lin-Kok, made a solemn vow to spread the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha to alleviate people’s sufferings. With the support of her husband, Sir Robert Ho Tung, she invited prominent monks to Hong Kong to establish a base for the propagation of the Buddha’s teachings, and embarked upon a remarkably extensive series of charitable projects focused on supporting, educating and relieving the disadvantaged, misplaced, handicapped and infirmed. Her efforts mark the celebrated founding and formative development of Tung Lin Kok Yuen.

It has been a source of tremendous pride and satisfaction that in the 70 or so years since this time, Tung Lin Kok Yuen has been able to continue the charitable works founded by Lady Clara Lin-Kok, and also establish its own unique direction and identity through propagating Buddhist wisdom through the promotion of Buddhist art and, especially, education. With regards to the latter, in addition to the earlier founding and development of primary and secondary school projects, Tung Lin Kok Yuen and Tung Lin Kok Yuen Canada Foundation have in particular moved towards the establishment and continued support of Buddhist studies programs in higher education institutions in several countries, including the Centre of Buddhist Studies of the Hong Kong University  (2001), International Buddhist College in Thailand (2004), University of British Columbia in Vancouver (2005) and University of Toronto at Scarborough in Toronto (2006) [Editor’s note: In turn, the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation has supported UBC, Stanford University, Harvard Divinity School, and the School of Oriental and African Studies and the Courthauld Institute of Art in London]. We strongly hope that this will contribute to the development of a more integrated, global network of Buddhist facilities and researchers, and that this may in turn serve to enhance humanity’s understanding and application of the profound wisdoms of the Buddha’s teachings.

In the context of these developments, the ‘Buddhistdoor’ website marks an important watershed in the history of Tung Lin Kok Yuen, particularly with regards to its ongoing transition to a more modernised, information-age-savvy and globally focused not-for-profit institution.  In line with our aims, ‘Buddhistdoor’ seeks to offer a unique and comprehensive contribution to online Buddhist resources that focuses on our strengths. It also draws from an extensive reservoir of materials and sources outside of the Tung Lin Kok Yuen organisation.  In addition to the provision of Buddhist teachings in word and media-file formats, our website includes the following special features:

A special, regularly updated column on Buddhist art, containing a large inventory of images, and compiled by a prominent expert in Buddhist iconography;

A quarterly Bodhi Journal, containing feature articles on international Buddhist issues,

A comprehensive glossary of Buddhist terms, and;

A Dhamma Forum, to facilitate the free discussion of Buddhist teachings and issues.

On behalf of Tung Lin Kok Yuen, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all users of the ‘Buddhistdoor’ website, and sincerely hope that it may become for you a valued source of religious inspiration, spiritual growth and intellectual development.