Master Hai Tao was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 1958. Later, he graduated from the Chinese Culture University in 1982.

While growing up in a traditional family, Master was exposed to a variety of faiths throughout different stages of life. He learned about Christianity in middle school and became a pious follower until his university years. After marriage and establishing a career, he crossed path with Taoism which he developed an in-depth understanding.

1991 – Master had the opportunity to visit the Light of Wisdom Dharma Hall in Taipei. He was amazed by the profundity of Buddhist teaching on life. Before the Ven. Master Fa Zhen (上法下振老和尚), he took the Refuge in the Three Jewels and became a diligent dharma practitioner.

1992 – received the Bodhisattva Vows for Laypeople from the Ven. Master Liao Zhong (上了下中長老) of Tzuyun Temple , who acted as the preceptor.

June 1993 – received the hair cutting ceremony from the Ven. Master Zhen Hua (上真下華長老) in Fu Yen Temple in Hsinchu to become a monastic sangha. He began his monastic learning under the guidance of the Ven. Master Ru Xu (上如下虛長老).

1994 – received the Full Ordination from the Ven. Master Jie De (上戒下德長老).

1997 – travelled extensively to South East Asian countries to study Theravadan Buddhism.

November 2002 – appointed as the 47 ^th successor of Tiantai School of Buddhism by the Ven. Master Kok Kwong (上覺下光長老) of Hong Kong Kun Chung Temple.

2003 – visited His Holiness the 17 ^th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, in India and became his disciple. Master takes a great faith in His Holiness and regards him as the root guru.

2005 – while visiting the Ven. Master Wu Dao (上悟下道大和尚) of Hui Ri Temple in Ningbo, China, Master Hai Tao was given another dharma name, “Zhi Hai (ocean of wisdom)”.

2008 – assumed the role of Abbot for Hongfa Zen Monastery in Miaoli, Taiwan.

2009 – appointed as the 53th Acharya of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Master also took on the role as an Abbot of Fa Wang Temple in Keelung, Taiwan.

2010 – assumed the role of Abbot for Wu Gong Temple in Hengchun, Taiwan.

2011 – assumed the role of Abbot for Fa Yen Temple in Keelung, Taiwan.

2012 – frequently visit a Buddhist college in Myanmar and seek advice from the Ven. Daduono (transliteration).

With the aspiration of Bodhisattva, “Never seek comfort for oneself; may all sentient beings be liberated from sufferings”, Master Hai Tao has been devoting himself unconditionally in all kinds of charitable activities to spread Buddhism and benefit lives with his best effort. He firmly believes that dharma, the education of life , should be carried out in actions.

To walk the talk, he outreaches to different corners of lives in our society, ranging from schools, prisons, private sectors, the general audience, and more. He has been imprinting his footsteps around the globe to teach, and to establish chapters of Compassion Association worldwide. Each association takes on the mission to love and care for their local needs with long-term dedication.

Master Hai Tao is a strong advocate to support rightful dharma practices regardless of the traditions and lineages. With the wish for flourishing dharma and activities to benefit lives, Master is always pleased to participate in and support.