Woodenfish Foundation began in 2002 at Fo Guang Shan Monastery as the "Woodenfish Project" to allow students from around the world to authentically experience Humanistic Buddhism for one month each summer within a monastic context. 

 

In the past 14 years, Woodenfish founder, Venerable Yifa, and alumni of Woodenfish programs have driven the organizational growth to expand into programming in the United States and all throughout China. Between 2009 and 2015, Woodenfish has run 13 programs in China. In 2015, Woodenfish opened a New York headquarters and hired its first full-time staff members. 

 

In its second decade, Woodenfish continues to build its base in Beijing and New York, aiming to fulfill its mission to the greatest extent and offer opportunities for scholastic inquiry and collaboration, and contemplative and cross-cultural peace training.