At 23, he led a "Monastic Rescue Team" across the Strait to Taiwan. Without knowing Taiwanese, he lived from hand to mouth, never sure where the next meal was coming from. He even got accused of being a "spy'" and was in jail for 23 days. Despite the hardship, Venerable Master did not fall victim to it. He organized Buddhist Chanting Groups, Children Weekly Schools and Youth Music Groups during his stay in Lei Yin Temple, injecting new energy to Buddhism. He also started to preach in Kaohsiung, and went on a Dharma propagation trip around the island at 29, promoting Tripitaka reprinting. No matter where he is, Venerable Master can always adopt creative ways, such as singing and drama, to bring Dharma to people's heart.
The year when Venerable Master arrived in Taiwan,rumours about 600 mainland spies pretending to be monks spread. As a result, the govermment conducted mass arrests which affected Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Venerable Tzu Hang and many other monastics. Having heard the news, General Sun Li-Ren's wife, Madam Chang Ching-Yang convinced authorities of their innocence and eventually rescued Venerable Master and other monastics from prison.
Chronology of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma Propagation
1949
Venerable Master Hsing Yun led the Monastic Rescue Team to Taiwan.
1951
He became Dean of the Taiwan Buddhist Seminar (Buddhist College).
1954
Full-length novel National Master Yu Lin published.
1955
Island-wide Advocacy Group for Tripitaka Reprinting
At the time when Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Culture promoted Tripitaka reprinting,Master Nan Ting and Venerable Master Hsing Yun led the advocacy group to promote Tripitaka and Dharma around the island.
1955 November
Venerable Master Hsing Yun was invited to hold the Taking Refuge ceremony in Kaohsiung Buddhist Hall.
