On 13 July 2008, the executive director of Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (DDMSWCF), Mr Kuo-Kai Chen and the volunteers met with local officials of Myanmar (Burma) to plan further relief and reconstruction projects in regions affected by Cyclone Nargis in May. This meeting followed from the previous success of the DDMSWCF's relief operations in the area.

On 14 June 2008, two of Taiwan's religious Masters, Venerable Master Sheng Yen and Catholic Cardinal Paul Shen Kuo-His S.J., held a direct dialogue for the first time. This dialogue was held at Taipei's National Chengchi University and centered on the subject "Regeneration and Cloning─Scientific Breakthrough and Religious Care".

On the morning of 13 December 2008, Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (DDMSCF) initiated the 2008 End of Year philanthropic party at Nung Chan Monastery.

Catholic Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-Hsi and DDM Founder Venerable Master Sheng Yen spoke on the matter of life and death - a subject that has always been inquired and explored greatly within religious context. Though both religious leaders are patients of critical illness, they are able, with religious practices and compassion, comprehend both life and death in completeness, and even transcending and embracing such matters with great ease and joy.

Dharma Drum Buddhist College (DDBC) has for the first time taken part in an international conference hosted by the International Association of Buddhist Studies (IABS).

On 8 April 2008, Venerable Master Sheng Yen attended three major events significant to the Dharma Drum Buddhist College (DDBC).

On the 12th October 2008, a presentation ceremony of the Phra Sassada Buddha statue was held in the Grand Buddha Hall of Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education in Jinshan Township of Taipei County. The statue was a special gift from His Majesty, King of Thailand.

On the morning of 20 April 2008, one thousand five hundred people received the Three Jewels – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha – from Venerable Master Sheng Yen at Nung Chan Monastery in order to become Buddhist disciples.

DDM's Relief Team in Burma returned to Taiwan on 19 May 2008 and began reporting on the situation in Burma. Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (DDMSWCF) met that evening to collate and study all relevant information and examined future direction in conducting relief operations there.

By an unexpected encounter, an outstanding scientist devoted to the exploration of the relationship between mind and science is eager to conduct a spiritual dialogue with a distinguished religious master. Through Oriental and Western cultural exchange, connections between Buddhism and science could be strengthened, advancing the development of human society.