Master Yin Guang
From Buddhist Encyclopedia
The life of the 13th Patriarch of the Chinese Pure Land School - Master Yin Guang (1861-1940) covers a most eventful period for East Asia and parallels the Sino-Japanese War, the Chinese Revolution of 1911 and two world wars.
The revolution of 1911 that toppled the Manchu dynasty and established the Republic of China also brought in its wake a number of problems for the Buddhist Sangha. Following the political revolution, an intellectual climate was ushered in that was unfriendly to the interests of Buddhism. The attack and criticism against Buddhism resulted in a number of discriminatory measures, such as special taxes and contributions being levied on temples, monasteries being appropriated for use as barracks and police stations, tenants on temple lands being encouraged not to pay rent, and Buddhist images being destroyed.
Against this backdrop, two eminent monks rose to lead the resurgence of Buddhism: Master Tai Hsu, who was instrumental in the revival of the Mind-Only School and Master Yin Guang.
After his conversion to Pure Land pietism, Master Yin Kuang concentrated on living a pure religious life based on faith, devotion and holiness, carried on his teachings mainly in the provinces of Kiangsu and Chekiang, where he gained numerous followers and disciples.
Dharma Master Yin Guang said: "All Buddhist sutras and Buddhist publications are intended for people to avoid misfortune and secure their well-being; and, to correct their misbehaviors and do good things for society. The sutras teach us the causes and effects in the previous, present, and future life. They show us how to recognize our own inherent Buddha nature; and they point out the sufferings of the unending birth-death cycles of all living things. They show us how we could get out of the birth-death cycles and be born through a lotus flower in the World of Ultimate Bliss. We should be thankful and consider ourselves extremely fortunate to know Buddhism. Whenever you worship Buddha, be sure your hands and your surroundings are clean, and be respectful and sincere as if Buddha were present. In this way, you will get extraordinary benefits. If one abuses Buddha and Buddhism, that sin is indescribable and one will pay for it in time."
Reference
- Buddhism in China by Kenneth Chen
