Organizational operations of The Buddhist Association of China evolved from monk officials system of past Chinese dynasties. During the martial law era The Buddhist Association was the paramount institution that governed all personnel and operations related to organized Buddhist activities in The Republic of China. Because it followed directives from the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang), its mode of operation largely resembled the monk officials system of the dynastic era. Shortly after World War II, Tibetan Buddhist monks assumed the nominal leadership role with assistance from lay Buddhists. Beginning in1960 monks from mainland China such as Bai Sheng aimed to solidify the Association’s standing in Taiwan through teaching and promotion of religious percepts, establishment of educational, cultural and philanthropic institutions, and accounting of temple assets. It wasn’t until the end of martial law did native Taiwanese monks ascend to core leadership roles, as did the Association transform into a civilian organization under a democratic political system, characterized by indigenousness, autonomous operations, and equitable alliance and development with other church missions. Since then, Buddhist monks in Taiwan have greatly elevated their educational attainment and societal respectability. The Taiwanese Buddhist community overall enjoys a high degree of innovation, vitality and diversity, and has extended its influence to Mainland China and other parts of the world.
