Master Hsing Yun Dies at 97 星雲法師圓寂享耆壽97歲 各界不捨哀悼

Fo Guang Shan founder Master Hsing Yun died at 5 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Fo Guang Shan. He was 97. Hsing Yun had been in the ICU in recent days and took a turn for the worse on Feb. 5. It was his dying wish to breathe his last breath at Fo Guang Shan. Condolences are pouring in from around Taiwan.

Devotees wait in line to pay their respects. Fo Guang Shan founder Hsing Yun died at the age of 97 on the 5th. Condolences immediately poured in from all over Taiwan, including the Presidential Office. 

Chen Chien-jen, ROC Premier: “I have so much respect for Master Hsing Yun. He was one of our Buddhist leaders. Also, Fo Guang Shan does a lot of humanitarian work around the world.”

Citizen: “He contributed a lot to religious circles.”

As one of Taiwan's religious leaders, many were greatly saddened to hear of Hsing Yun's death. One student that was able to come to Taiwan to study because of Fo Guang Shan's help expressed her gratitude. They gave us many opportunities by allowing us to come here.

Hsing Yun had been in poor health in recent years, suffering multiple strokes. Prior to his death, he spent time in the ICU due to extremely low blood pressure and at one time had such a hard time breathing he couldn't swallow food. On the 5th, Hsing Yun took a turn for the worse. Per his wishes, his disciples arranged for him to be discharged so he could pass away at Fo Guang Shan.

Master Hui Chuan, Executive Deputy Abbot, Fo Guang Shan: “Master Hsing Yun died peacefully surrounded by his disciples as we chanted sutras. We are so grateful to our master for loving us and everyone so much.”

Fo Guang Shan has canceled all scheduled events although members of the public can offer their condolences between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The organization has said Hsing Yun will be laid to rest in a very simple ceremony per customs. A praise ceremony will be held for Hsing Yun on the 13th at 9 a.m.

信眾排隊等待進場追思，佛光山創辦人星雲法師5日圓寂，享耆壽97歲。全國包含總統府等各界人士，紛紛表達哀掉之意。

行政院長陳建仁表示：「星雲法師實際上是我很尊重的，我們佛教界的領袖。而且這一個國際的佛光會，實際上做了很多人道救援的工作。」

民眾認為：「他其實對宗教界，是滿有貢獻的。」

做為宗教界的知名領袖之一，星雲法師離世讓民眾覺得惋惜。受佛光山幫助，到台灣就學的外籍學生，也表示感謝。

佛光山贊助來台的菲籍學生說：「帶給我們很多的機會，可以來到這裡。」

星雲法師晚年健康頻亮紅燈，曾多次中風住院；近期他因血壓過低而住進加護病房，甚至一度喘到無法進食。5日病情再度惡化，在弟子護送下離開高雄長庚，下午5時在佛光山圓寂。

佛光山常務副住持兼都監院院長慧傳法師表示：「在我們眾弟子的念佛聲中，安詳地逝寂。我們非常感念我們的師父上人，這麼樣子疼愛我們，也疼愛所有的眾生。」

佛光山即日起暫停對外所有活動，僅在每天上午9時到下午5時開放弔唁。佛光山上午公布訃聞，將遵從祖規、喪儀一切從簡。於13日上午9時，為星雲法師舉辦圓寂讚頌典禮。