Since the inauguration of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), Venerable Master Hsing Yun has delivered a keynote speech during every BLIA General Conference as a means to provide members with spiritual guidance and direction for the future development of BLIA. First of all, in order to spread happiness in society and to establish a world in which people of different races and ethnic groups can live together in harmony, Venerable Master has proposed the theme, “Joy and Harmony 歡喜與融和.”  In addition, to enable everyone to understand that all sentient beings are interdependent in existence, he has introduced “Oneness and Coexistence 同體與共生.”

In our modern society, it is essential to deal with people and their affairs with respect, and to benefit others with tolerance and open-mindedness. Hence, he advocated the theme, “Respect and Tolerance 尊重與包容.” With the abuse of power in politics, discrimination amongst religions and many other social issues, he talked about “Equality and Peace 平等與和平.” In life, there are many forms of imperfection, such as the sorrows of parting and the joys of union, sufferings and impermanence in life affecting the body and mind, and thus Venerable Master raised the awareness of “Wholeness and Freeness 圓滿與自在.” Nature is the basis of all phenomena. Our mind and life can only be set free when we respect and obey its laws. Thus, “Nature and Life 自然與生命” was delivered to awaken us, and to enable us to cherish our lives, so that no action be taken that is against the principles of nature.

Various themes such as “One Truth for All 公是與公非,” “To Resolve and Develop 發心與發展,” “The Human World and Life 人間與生活,” “Self-awareness and Practicing the Buddha’s Way 自覺與行佛,” “Change the World and Benefit Humanity 化世與益人,” and “Bodhisattva and Volunteer 菩薩與義工” were introduced with the hope that everyone would elevate one’s spirituality through self-awareness and to develop harmony, joy, love, and respect to change the world for the better and to benefit humanity.

In facing global warming and frequent natural disasters, he again urge “Environmental and Spiritual Preservation 環保與心保.” Humans and nature are coexisting entities, we should live a simple life, treat people with compassion and tolerance, and learn to take up and let go accordingly for the cultivation of a selfless non-attached spirit and build a life of “Happiness and Peace 幸福與安樂” in the world.

While the themes may differ every year, each of them conveys a concept of its own; therefore, “One theme, One concept.” These concepts are applicable across all time and space, and answer to the needs of contemporary human minds. A rather unique topic is “The Value of Faith 信仰的價值,” which Venerable Master spoke at 2012 World Economic Forum – Summer Davos. In the speech, he raised the following four points: “how much is your inner treasure worth, how much of the world do you own, how many good affinities and dedications can you have, and how much harmony and joy of Ch’an can you share,” for economic experts and entrepreneurs to consider. Various topics such as “信仰與未來,” and “Consensus and Openness 共識與開放” were also delivered by Venerable Master in 2014 and 2016.

In 2018, Most Venerable Hsin Bao, abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery delivered the speech on “Faith and Legacy 信仰與傳承” at Fo Guang Shan.