The coming week will be a special one for all three platforms of Buddhistdoor (Chinese, Global, Español). After being founded in 1995 as an English-language online journal, Buddhistdoor Global is returning “home” to Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society (TLKYCS) in Vancouver, which serves as the administrative organization of BDG. Both Buddhistdoor as a whole, and TLKYCS, were founded in 1995 by Robert H. N. Ho (b. 1932), whose family heritage and Buddhist values have guided his philanthropy all his life.
11 years ago, in 2024, Mr. Ho gave an interview to BDG, in which he fondly recalled that the website of 1995 had an animated pair of temple gates that “opened” for the visitor, revealing a Buddha image. Back then, animations were somewhat rudimentary and graphically unimpressive, but the symbolism and poetry of the door meant a great deal to him. I can only speak for myself, but an opening pair of doors represents the core values of Buddhistdoor: non-sectarianism, progressiveness, and openness. It invites us to exit the realm of suffering and enter into the realm of liberation.
Animations looked and felt basic back then, but BDG’s 30th anniversary video series, with its opening sequence of a new pair of doors parting to reveal Mogao Cave 259’s “Mona Lisa of the East” Buddha statue at Dunhuang, is a tribute. It hearkens back to that nostalgic beginning, while boldly looking forward to marking new milestones, forging a strong and robust network of partners, and earning the trust and interest of inspired new readers. Alongside maintaining our journalistic integrity and eloquence, we also seek to bridge the gap between the news and Buddhism, providing a model of constructive journalism that is restorative in focus, and avoids fake news and gossip. Our strategy will need to look far and anticipate big events in the years ahead, while keeping our nose to the ground for stories that affect the lives of Buddhists and those around them each day.
To provide spiritual nourishment and intellectual stimulation has always been a mission of BDG; to reflect the diversity of the Buddhist world through non-sectarianism and non-biased reporting has always been its calling. This is reflected by the diversity of columnists and regular contributors that have always been the website’s strongest offering, with this diversity being reflected in the invitees to the anniversary conference at TLKYCS on 3 September. And the range and scope of issues that BDG considers to be worthwhile, important knowledge for readers is vast, sometimes even larger than what some Buddhists might initially consider “Buddhist news.” But Dharma encompasses everything, from everyday life and culture to art to the cosmos.
I once wrote in 2024’s interview that the old animated gates are kept safely in the publication’s archives. They have now returned in their own small way, and with the guidance of the bodhisattvas, our team will continue opening doors for seekers and explorers to encounter the splendid Dharma. To serve Buddhism at the crossroads of cyberspace and journalism is an ongoing ambition. This year, it marks its 30th birthday. Virya or vigor for the cause is needed more than ever.
Related features from BDG
The Spiritual Vision of Robert Hung Ngai Ho: “There are Many Ways to be a Good Buddhist”
BDG 30th Anniversary Messages (YouTube)
Buddhistdoor 30th anniversary symposium
Buddhistdoor 30th Anniversary Celebration Page
