Gao Zhennong
《The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, also known as the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch's Dharma Treasure, is abbreviated as the "Platform Sutra", which is a collection of disciple Fahai, said by Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of Zen.This is the only one of the Chinese Buddhist works that is respected as "Sutra", which shows the special status of the "Platform Sutra" in Chinese Buddhist scriptures.As an account of Huineng's lifelong teachings and teachings, the "Platform Sutra" was regarded as a description of Huineng's deeds in his life and the guidance of his disciples' teachings. Because it has rich content and popular texts, it especially proposed many new Buddhist theories, it was valued and welcomed by monks, which played an important role in the later development of Zen.
《The central idea of the Platform Sutra is "seeing the nature and becoming a Buddha", that is, "The Bodhi self-nature is originally pure, but using this mind, you can become a Buddha directly." (《Platform Sutra? The first step" )。In Huineng's view, the nature of the world is originally pure, but it is not clear because it is attached to external objects and is covered by false thoughts.It is like the sun and the moon are originally bright, but because of the obstruction of floating clouds, it is bright and dark at the top and dark at the bottom and cannot be fully revealed.Once the wind blows and clouds disperse, everything will appear for a while.To this end, the "Platform Sutra" proposes that "no thought is the foundation, no form is the body, and no dwelling is the foundation" (《Platform Sutra? The Fourth of Concentration and Wisdom" )The method of practice.The "Platform Sutra" also advocates the theory of "sudden enlightenment", believing that "if you do not realize, you are the Buddha, and when you realize it in one thought, you are the Buddha.Therefore, we know that all things are in our own mind, so why not suddenly see the true nature of our mind”.He also said: "If you know your own nature, you will reach the Buddha's realm as soon as you realize it."In the "Platform Sutra", Huineng also proved his own experience of obtaining the Dharma: "I realized the true nature of Monk Ren when I heard this.” (《Platform Sutra? Prajna Second )
《The Platform Sutra also exerts the idea of idealistic Pure Land, believing that "the Eastern man commits sins, chanting Buddha's name to seek rebirth in the West, and Western man commits sins, chanting Buddha's name to seek rebirth in what country? Ordinary people cannot understand their own nature, do not recognize the Pure Land in their body, wishing the East and the West, and realizing that people are in this place."He also said: "The heart is not bad, but the West is not far away from here;If you have an unkind heart, it is difficult to be reborn by chanting Buddha's name."The "Platform Sutra" further points out: "If you want to practice, you can also get it at home, and you can't help but stay in the temple.It is as good as the oriental people;If you don’t build a temple, it’s like the hearts of Westerners.” (《Platform Sutra? Question 3" )
《These ideas in the Platform Sutra have opened up a new path for the development of Buddhism.Later, all the thoughts of Zen Buddhism were extended from these thoughts in the "Platform Sutra".This is a consensus reached by almost all Buddhist scholars in modern times.
However, there is also a kind of human Buddhist thought in the "Platform Sutra", which is prominently reflected in "Buddhism is in the world, and it is not separated from worldly awareness, and seeking Bodhi from the world, just like seeking the horn of a rabbit." (《altar Sutra? Prajna second" )Among these four verses.These four verses clearly explain the relationship between Buddhism and the world.It tells people that the Buddha was born in the human world, and he also became enlightened and became a Buddha in the human world, and preached the Dharma in the human world, and finally died in the human world.Therefore, Buddhism comes from the human world and serves the human world. If people want to learn Buddhism and become Buddhas, they must pursue it in the human world. If they leave the human world, they will pursue Bodhi and Nirvana. 〖FJF〗NB231〖FJJ〗，If you want to attain Buddhahood, you will definitely accomplish nothing.
《This kind of human Buddhist thought in the Platform Sutra not only affected the formation and development of the Southern Zen School, but also affected the development of the entire Buddhism, but also affected the development of modern Buddhism and even contemporary Buddhism.This article only makes some superficial discussions on the influence of human Buddhist thought on Buddhism in the "Platform Sutra".
1. The role played in the formation and development of the Southern Zen School
《The human Buddhist thoughts in the Platform Sutra have a huge impact on the subsequent formation and development of the Southern Zen School.This is reflected in some Zen masters since Huineng who particularly emphasize seeking enlightenment in secular life.They inherited the samadhi founded by Daoxin and Hongren (Sitting in Zen )do (Work )The Zen style that emphasizes both the same importance and exerts it.It is believed that practitioners do not necessarily sit in the temple all day long to meditate, but to practice all the daily life under the guidance of Zen theory. Life, Including walking, staying, lying, and all activities, including body, mouth, and mind All activities can be watched Do this to practice Zen.This kind of Zen that runs through all daily activities Feng, it's time to wisdom When the disciples can learn from the gods, there has been new developments.It is reflected in the decades when God follows Huineng, he works while studying Buddhist scriptures and treatises.The so-called "ascetic offerings, Add many bottles, Cut ice to help the people, carry firewood and water, and turn the spirit into huge stones." He will practice Zen Wear in daily life A portrayal of life.At the same time, the God Society also passed by the bureaucrats at that time. Secret, up to the beginning Sharp, official 〖FJF〗NB152〖FJJ〗He waited for the prime minister and the unknown Sima County officials. Dating.There is in Nanyang The Grand Guard Wang Bi invited him to enter Luoyang with Song Ding, the Minister of War.special Not to mention the Assistant Shi Wangwei has a deep friendship.After Huineng passed away, the God Association once entrusted Wang Wei Establish a monument for Huineng He passed on, thus further improving Huineng's position in Zen. Especially worth it It is mentioned that the God Association also helped Guo Ziyi set up an altar during the "Anshi Rebellion". Save monks, and be saved Those who collected indulgent and oil to recharge annual salary, thus making contributions to the Tang imperial family. Win Tang Su The favor and trust of the sect, especially the Daizong, thus gaining the Tang Dynasty For Zen The support of the Southern School led to the development of the Southern School of Zen. exhibition.
Later, the power of Zen Southern School became increasingly stronger, far exceeding other Buddhists. Sect, same At that time, it developed into five schools and seven sects.The Zen thoughts of these five schools and seven sects, Come one by one to develop in aspects, thus forming their respective characteristics.However, in the "Platform Sutra", The Buddha on earth However, the teaching ideas have always been inherited and carried forward by various Zen sects.For example, Zen Master Dai, No matter which school or school it is from, it promotes both the farming and Zen Excellent tradition, Practice the Zen created by Master Baizhang of Zen, which is "not working for a day, not eating for a day" Wind, wide open Exhibition of tree planting, bridges and road construction, protection of cultural relics, and relief of poverty and illness, etc. Charity. On the other hand, they took the initiative to approach the palace and government and make plans for them Propose suggestions and maintain Social stability.In history, many Zen masters went to and from the palace and became “The Emperor's Master, Master Duo Zen received a honor during his lifetime and was awarded a posthumous title from the emperor after his death. All of this, It can be said that they are all the consequents of practicing the Buddhist thoughts on earth in the "Platform Sutra" fruit.
2. The influence of human Buddhist thought on modern Buddhism in the "Platform Sutra"
Since modern times, the Chinese Buddhist community has attached great importance to the practice and promotion of human Buddhist thoughts in the "Platform Sutra".
1929The Chinese Buddhist Association, established in Shanghai in April 2019, is a national Buddhist organization.From the day it was established, it has been guided by human Buddhist thought, and stipulated that its purpose is to "unify Buddhists across the country, realize the Mahayana spirit of saving the world, promote Buddhism, and benefit the masses."After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War in 1937, under the leadership of Chairman Yuanying, the Chinese Buddhist Association called on Buddhists across the country to actively participate in anti-Japanese and national salvation activities.At the same time, the Chinese Buddhist disaster area rescue team was established, and the first Beijing-Shanghai monk rescue team with more than 100 young monks participated, carrying out the work of rescuing the wounded and relieving refugees.This ambulance team is in Eight? One 3. During the Shanghai War, more than 10,000 people were ordered to go to the front line to rescue wounded and refugees.In addition, the Chinese Buddhist Association has organized monk rescue teams in Wuhan, Ningbo and other places.For example, the monk rescue team led by Master Haijing organized by four disciples from Hubei has more than 120 people, and is organized into 4 brigades and 12 small teams, which rescued a large number of wounded and refugees in the Wuhan area.At the same time, the Chinese Buddhist Association has also established a number of refugee shelters and Buddhist hospitals in Shanghai and other places to help refugees and rescue anti-Japanese warriors.In the spring of 1938, Chinese Buddhist athletes, about 200 monks from various temples in Shanghai organized a burial team of monks, specializing in burying bodies on the battlefields in the suburbs of Shanghai.He has buried more than 6,000 corpses in war zones such as Dachang, Jiangwan, Yunzaobang, Wusong, Baoshan, Luodian, Guangfu and other areas twice.Later, he rushed to the war zones of Kunshan, Changshu, Suzhou, Wuxi and other places on the Shanghai-Nanjing Line, and buried more than 4,000 corpses.
During this period, in order to establish a monk rescue team across the country, Chairman Yuanying specially went to various places in Nanyang twice in October 1937 and the winter of 1938 to raise funds, achieving great success.For this reason, Master Yuanying was arrested by the Japanese military police at the Yuanming Lecture Hall in October 1939 and sent to the Nanjing Military Police Command for interrogation. He was released and returned to Shanghai in about one month.
It can be seen from this that the Chinese Buddhist Association led by Master Yuanying has made great contributions to the cause of anti-Japanese and national salvation with human Buddhist thoughts as guidance.
In modern Shanghai Buddhists, under the influence of human Buddhist thought, have also held many charitable undertakings, including the upbringing of orphans, the treatment of poor and sick, and the relief of poor and refugees.Among them, the more famous ones are;Shanghai Buddhist Sales Hospital, Shanghai Fohua Hospital, Buddhist Hospital, Foguang Sanatorium, Charity Relief War Zone Refugee Committee, Shanghai Buddhist Joint Association, Shanghai Buddhist Crematorium, Shanghai Buddhist Cemetery, etc.Among them, the Shanghai Buddhist Association has only conducted charitable undertakings over the years;Apply for porridge tickets, provide relief to refugees in disaster areas, temporary relief to residents in the city, host refugees from other places from other places, provide relief to refugees in the Japanese blockade areas, provide cotton coats in winter, and set up clinics to provide medical treatment and medication for poor and sick people.There are also many other Buddhist temples and groups who run such charity.
The establishment of the above charity can be said to be the embodiment of the promotion of human Buddhist thought.
In addition to the above-mentioned Master Yuanying, there are many eminent Buddhist monks and masters in modern China who guided the Buddhist thoughts on earth, carried forward the spirit of patriotism and religion, and made outstanding contributions to the country and the people.The main ones are:
The patriotic poet monk Jing'an once wrote a patriotic poem "I have never forgotten the world even if I have studied Buddhism" and "The national hatred has not been avenged by the old monk", which inspired the four groups of Buddhist disciples to spread the Dharma and benefit sentient beings, and to love the country and religion.
The patriotic monk Zong Yang had a huge sum of money to support Mr. Sun Yat-sen in Japan. ***。He often publishes poems in newspapers and magazines to promote patriotism and anti-imperialism and inspire the people.
After becoming a monk, Master Hongyi combined the promotion of Buddhism with the fight against Japan and the country, and put forward the slogan "Don't forget to save the country when chanting Buddha's name, and do not forget to recite the country when saving the country", which inspired monks to actively participate in the fight against Japan and the country when saving the country.
Master Yingci was patriotic and religious throughout his life, believing that Buddhists "when the country is peaceful, they should be secluded and cultivate in peace, and once there is something wrong, they should still be a lion and go out quickly."His patriotism and saving the people are praised by the world.
Among modern monks, the two verses in the "Platform Sutra" that "Buddhism is in the world, and is inseparable from the world's awakening" were summarized as Buddhist thoughts on earth. Master Taixu.
In his article "Buddhism and Life", Master Taixu called on people to "apply Buddhism to daily life."He told people: "The Sixth Patriarch said: 'Buddhism is in the world, and it is inseparable from the world's awakening'.The Diamond Sutra says: "The Tathagata says that all dharmas are Buddhist Dharma."Therefore, all the eminent monks and great masters have always encouraged sentient beings to seek benefits from the daily life of responding to things.” (《Complete Book of Master Taixu, 13th "Theory of True Reality? Theory of Zong Yong", page 953 )Here, Master Taixu gave a popular explanation of the two verses in the "Platform Sutra", requiring Buddhists to seek and learn Buddhism in their daily lives.
Master Taixu wrote many papers on promoting and promoting the thoughts of Buddhism on earth throughout his life, such as "Buddhism and Life", "Buddhism in Life", "Buddhism in the Construction of Pure Land on Earth", etc.However, the one who clearly put forward the concept of "Human Buddhism" and gave a detailed explanation of it was a speech entitled "How to Build Human Buddhism" delivered by the Hankou Chamber of Commerce in 1933.In this speech, he made a clear explanation of what is human Buddhism and how to build human Buddhism.He clearly stated at the beginning of his speech: "Human Buddhism is a Buddhism that shows that it is not a Buddhism that teaches people to leave human beings and become gods and ghosts, or they all become monks in temples and mountains. It is a Buddhism that uses Buddhist principles to improve society, make human beings progress, and improve the world."So, he advocated that in the future Buddhism, we should pay more attention to the problems in life and not specifically discuss the problems after death.We should focus on studying the truth of the universe and life to guide the world's human beings to develop and progress.As for how to build human Buddhism, he believes that the first thing to do is to "build it from the thoughts of ordinary people."Because the Chinese people have always regarded Buddhism as "magical", "idle", and "destroyed", this has blinded the truth of Buddhism.Therefore, "If you want to express the true spirit of Buddhism, you must reveal the smoke screens of gods and monsters, etc., and then you can see the truth of Buddhism in the developed life."He specifically pointed out: "Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are not ghosts and gods. Ordinary people believe in Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and think they are the same as ghosts and gods. This is a big mistake!" He further pointed out that "Buddhas" means "the enlightened one", "Therefore, Buddha is not the creator of all things in the universe, nor the master of all things in the universe, but the enlightened ones of the truth of all things in the universe;Buddhism is to tell the truth that the Buddha personally realized and let people act accordingly."The "Bodhisattva" is not what ordinary people think of as "idols", but "sentient beings who seek enlightenment, that is, Buddhist disciples who follow the Buddha and are determined to become Buddhas."Therefore, "Buddha is the guide who makes people awaken and tends toward light." (《Complete Book of Master Taixu, Chapter 14, "Theory of the Branches", pp. 431-435 )Here, Master Taixu explains the Buddhist thoughts on earth most clearly.It enlightens people: a person has realized the principles of Buddhism, regards Buddhism as the center of his thoughts and beliefs, and takes this as the starting point to implement the world and save people, and build a new moral and new order for mankind, so as to make the country prosperous and the people happy. This is the main content of Buddhist thought on earth.
Master Taixu advocated the idea of human Buddhism and gave full play to the meaning of human Buddhism. The basis is the two verses in the "Platform Sutra".So in this speech he summarized: "Buddhism is inseparable from worldly laws.The so-called "Buddha is in the world and is inseparable from the worldly enlightenment."If you can study Buddhism in this way, it is called true learning of Buddhism.” (Same as above, page 437 )
The Buddhist thoughts on earth advocated by Master Taixu were popular in the 1940s.In 1934, he specially published the album "Human Buddhism Name" in the monthly magazine "Haichaoyin" he founded, and published 18 papers on human Buddhism, which brought the human Buddhist propaganda activities carried out by the Buddhist community at that time to a climax.
It is precisely because human Buddhist thought was popular in modern times that Buddhism has also developed greatly in modern times.Specifically manifested in:
(one )There are many emerging temples, and many emerging Buddhist organizations and groups have emerged, such as the Buddhist Church, the Layman Forest, the Pure Ones, the Pure Ones Society, the Buddhist Youth Association, the Buddhist Sutra Circulation Office and the Buddhist Bookstore.
(two )Buddhist culture has achieved rapid development, which is reflected in the printing of the Tripitaka and the compilation of Buddhist dictionaries, the large number of Buddhist works, the distribution of Buddhist journals, the establishment of Buddhist colleges, the establishment of Buddhist publishing institutions, the popularity of preaching and spreading activities, etc.
(three )The Buddhist vocational welfare industry has achieved unprecedented prosperity, which is reflected in the fact that some Buddhist groups and temples have organized various charitable undertakings, such as Buddhist hospitals, refugee shelters, Buddhist Sales Hospitals, etc.
These phenomena fully demonstrate that Buddhism has seen a revival in modern China.Of course, the revival of Buddhism in modern China has many different reasons.However, the thoughts about human Buddhism in the "Platform Sutra" played a great role.
3. The influence of human Buddhist thought on contemporary Buddhism in the "Platform Sutra"
Contemporary Chinese Buddhist circles have vigorously promoted and actively promoted the Buddhist thoughts on earth in the "Platform Sutra"."Using the spirit of transcendence and entering the world" has become a consensus among the vast majority of contemporary Buddhism.
As early as 1938, Mr. Zhao Puchu, President of the Chinese Buddhist Association, re-proposed the ideas of human Buddhism and enriched its content based on the four verses in the "Platform Sutra".At the second meeting of the Fourth Council held by the Chinese Buddhist Association, Mr. Zhao Puchu made a report on "Thirty Years of the Chinese Buddhist Association", raising the promotion of human Buddhist thought to the question of "where is Chinese Buddhism going in today's era?"When talking about the future tasks of the Chinese Buddhist Association, based on the human Buddhist thoughts in the "Platform Sutra", he believed that "contemporary socialist Chinese Buddhists should advocate an idea and carry forward three traditions for the Buddhism they believe in."He said: "Chinese Buddhism has a long history of nearly two thousand years.In today's era, where is Chinese Buddhism going? What are the fine traditions of Chinese Buddhism that we need to carry forward? These are two major issues that we must seriously think about and correctly solve.Regarding the first question, I think human Buddhist thought should be advocated in the doctrine we believe in.Its basic content includes the five precepts, the ten virtues, the four precepts, the six perfections and other vast practices that benefit oneself and others.The Sutra of the Agama Sutra says: "All Buddhas and World-Honored Ones come out of the world," revealing the fundamental spirit of the Buddha's attention to the world.The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch says: "Buddhism is in the world, and it is not separated from the world's awakening. It is just like seeking the horn of a rabbit." It clarifies the relationship between Buddhism and the world.The Buddha was born in the human world and preached the Dharma and saved it. Buddhism originated from the human world and wanted to benefit the human world.When we advocate the idea of Buddhism on earth, we must follow the Five Precepts and Ten Virtues to purify ourselves, practice the Four Essences and Six Paramitas to benefit the people, and we will consciously take the realization of the Pure Land on earth as our mission and contribute our own light and heat to the noble cause of socialist modernization, which is the solemn land and the lofty cause of benefiting sentient beings.Regarding the second question, I think the three fine traditions of Chinese Buddhism should be carried forward."The first is the tradition of paying equal attention to agriculture and Zen", "The second is the tradition of focusing on academic research", and "The third is the tradition of international friendly exchanges."Finally, he emphasized: "We socialist Chinese Buddhists should promote the Buddhist thoughts of the world for the Buddhism they believe in, so as to help us shoulder the human mission in the new historical period.” (《Fayin》1983 No. 6 )
Over the past decade, under the call of President Zhao Puchu, the Buddhists and Buddhists from all over the country have made great efforts to benefit others in accordance with the thoughts of human Buddhism and the spirit of transcendence, and have made great efforts in self-interest and other altruisms, such as the Five Precepts, the Ten Virtues, and the Four Visions, the Six Paramitas, and the Six Paramitas.
The vast majority of Buddhists have carried forward the inherent fine tradition of equating both farming and Zen in Buddhism. With the spirit of "not doing one day, not eating one day", they actively participated in various productive labor and service work for socialist construction.Some famous temples and temples have successively established vegetarian departments, logistics and distribution offices, and guest halls to facilitate pilgrims and tourists and enhance their self-rescue ability.In particular, some famous temples and temples located in scenic areas cooperate with the national tourism department to carry out special tourism, and open the solemn and beautiful temples that decorate our country's beautiful rivers and mountains for tourists at home and abroad to admire and visit, accumulate funds for the cause of socialist construction, strive for foreign exchange, and make due contributions.
Some famous monks and great lay Buddhists actively inherit and carry forward the fine tradition of Chinese Buddhism that focuses on academic research.Under the new historical conditions, they were diligent in writing, published a large number of Buddhist academic works, and published many Buddhist academic papers.They preached everywhere and wrote many Buddhist scriptures and Buddhist lecture notes.They founded Buddhist colleges, compiled textbooks, and cultivated successors in the Buddhist cause.All of these have played a role in adding bricks to the construction of socialist spiritual civilization.
Some famous monks and masters also inherited the fine tradition of Chinese Buddhism to carry out international friendly exchanges and were invited to visit countries and regions around the world for spreading Dharma.They helped overseas Buddhists hold major Buddhist activities together, made friends, promoted our country's policy on freedom of religious belief, introduced the good situation since my country's reform and opening up and the current situation of Buddhism, promoted cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, strengthened friendship and unity between China and foreign Buddhism and the people, and maintained world peace.
When practicing the Buddhist thoughts on earth, the Buddhist community across the country is enthusiastic about the cause of Buddhist genital welfare.They donated huge sums of money to social welfare institutions, charity, people in disaster areas, hope projects, etc., thereby promoting the formation of a good style of sharing difficulties and sharing of suffering in the entire society, promoting the construction of socialist spiritual civilization, and making the entire society more civilized and better.
Contemporary Buddhists have spared no effort in practicing human Buddhist thoughts, and their contributions to the construction of the two socialist civilizations are also huge.It has played a huge role in promoting the adaptation of Buddhism to socialist society.Below is a brief introduction to some of the situations in the practice of human Buddhist thought in the Buddhist community in Shanghai.
Over the past decade, under the practice of the two masters Ming Yang and Zhen Chan, the Shanghai Buddhist community has worked hard to practice the human Buddhist thoughts proposed in the "Platform Sutra", and with the spirit of transcendence, he has entered the world and used the Buddhist teachings of "adorning the country and benefiting sentient beings" as a guide for spreading the Dharma. On the road to promoting Buddhism to adapt to socialist society, he has achieved remarkable achievements and made great contributions, which has attracted the attention of the entire Buddhist community and even all sectors of society, and has won praise from all sides.
(one )Carry forward the fine tradition of giving equal importance to agriculture and Zen
The Buddhist community in Shanghai, led by Master Mingyang and Master Zhenchan, has always attached great importance to carrying forward the fine tradition of paying equal attention to the god of agriculture.They lead all Buddhists to actively engage in production and service labor that is beneficial to society while adhering to their own cultivation and establishing a good moral character.
(two )Carry forward the fine tradition of focusing on academic research
Over the past decade, the Buddhist community in Shanghai has made outstanding achievements and made great contributions in carrying forward the fine tradition of focusing on academic research.In addition to the spread of Dharma, Master Mingyang and Master Zhenchan wrote a large number of Buddhist works.Among them, Master Mingyang wrote the "Summary of Buddhism", the sequel to "Abroad Dharma Propagation" and "Selected Poems of Mingyang", etc., and distributed more than 100,000 volumes in total.Master Zhenchan wrote ten episodes of "The Jade Buddha's House Collection", twenty-seven "Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple Series", as well as "Buddha? Society? Life", "Zen and Human Buddhism", "Zhen Zen and Algae Collection", etc., and distributed hundreds of thousands of volumes in total.His book "Zen and Buddhism on Earth" includes the article "Zen Thoughts are Buddhist Thoughts on Earth" and makes a popular and incisive discussion on Buddhist thoughts on Earth.His book "Buddha? Society? Life", including "Buddha and Life", "Buddha and Being a Human", "Buddha and Social Morality", and "Discussing the Issues of the Issues of the Compatibility of Buddhism and Socialist Society with Chinese Characteristics", are guided by the thoughts of human Buddhism, profoundly expounding the relationship between Buddhism and worldly life, and vigorously promoting the principle that Buddhism must and can adapt to socialist society. It can be said to be a masterpiece of promoting human Buddhist thoughts.
In addition, the Shanghai Buddhist Association and the Chinese Buddhist Culture Institute jointly held a "Symposium on Buddhist Thoughts" by the three masters Yuanying, Chisong and Yingci in Shanghai;Founded Buddhist journals such as "Shanghai Buddhism" and "Shanghai Buddhist College Journal";The second Chinese Fan Music Concert was jointly held with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music;He compiled "Shanghai Religious Chronicles? Buddhism";Funding relevant units to film the "Biographies Expansion" by the two masters Ming Yang and Zhen Chan and the six-episode TV series "The Spring and Autumn Annals of Buddhism".
(three )Carry forward the fine tradition of international friendly exchanges
Over the past decade, the Buddhist community in Shanghai has vigorously carried forward the fine tradition of international friendly exchanges.The major temples have successively received nearly 6 million international friends, compatriots from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, and foreign overseas Chinese, many of whom are heads of state, heads of government, politicians, and social activists.At the same time, Master Mingyang and Master Zhenchan visited 23 countries and regions 65 times, including those who assisted overseas Buddhist groups and temples to preside over large-scale water and land Dharma meetings;Some people are invited to preach and preach the Dharma or visit;Some were also invited to attend various international religious conferences.These international exchange activities have made friends, promoted cultural exchanges between Buddhism and culture at home and abroad, expanded the international influence of Chinese Buddhism, enhanced the friendship between people of all countries, and made major efforts to safeguard the reunification of the motherland and the cause of world peace.
(Four )Enthusiastic Buddhist Husbandry Welfare Career
The most outstanding contribution of the Buddhist community in Shanghai to practice human Buddhist thought is to be enthusiastic about Buddhist genital welfare.Over the past decade, under the leadership of Master Mingyang and Master Zhenchan, the Buddhist community in Shanghai has successively donated nearly 10 million yuan to various charitable groups, social welfare institutions, people in disaster areas and Hope Projects.Among them, during the severe flood disaster in the summer of 1991, the Buddhist community in Shanghai donated more than 1 million yuan and 1,000 quilts to help the people in the disaster area rebuild their homes.In the winter of 1995, Master Zhenchan, vice president of the Chinese Buddhist Association and president of the Shanghai Buddhist Association, donated all the birthday gifts and incense gold that the four groups of disciples congratulated him on his 80th birthday to charity and social welfare.Among them, it was donated to the Shanghai Charity Foundation, the Shanghai Children's Welfare Institute Zhenzen School, 500,000 yuan, 500,000 yuan, Anfeng Town Central Primary School in Dongtai City, Jiangsu Province, and 500,000 yuan, and other hope projects and welfare undertakings.Now, the Buddhist community in Shanghai has become enthusiastic about Buddhist vocational welfare undertakings.Buddhists regard these good deeds as the embodiment of following the basic teachings of saving the world and benefiting sentient beings and practicing the Buddhist thoughts on earth.
(five )Advocate the "Civilized Incense" Activities
In recent years, another measure in the Buddhist community in Shanghai has been to practice human Buddhist thoughts by advocating the "civilized incense burning" activity.In the spirit of "to work in the world with the spirit of transcendence, work in the world", in order to prevent fires, protect temple buildings, and purify Shanghai cities, they specially advocate "civilized incense". They advised pilgrims not to light candles or burn incense in the temple, but only lit one or three incenses, and inserted them in the incense burner in the patio to keep the palace clean, the air fresh and the fragrance pleasant, so that people can purify their body and mind.
For many years, Buddhist temples have always hoped that the more popular the incense, the better, and the Shanghai Buddhist community actually advocated "civilized incense". This is undoubtedly a challenge to traditional Buddhist habits.But the Buddhist community in Shanghai starts from the overall situation, looks at the big picture, makes up its mind, and advocates "civilized incense".This move has a huge impact. It not only shocked the entire Buddhist community, but also caused great responses in society.All sectors of society have praised this move by the Buddhist community in Shanghai.The vast majority of Buddhist believers also gradually shifted from suspicion to understanding, and finally actively supported them.The Chinese Buddhist Association specially sent a letter to the Shanghai Buddhist Association for commending it. Chinese and foreign newspapers and magazines commented on it, praising the Shanghai Buddhist community for doing a great thing that is beneficial to society and to the Buddhist community.Now, during the incense period, three fragrances are given to each pilgrimage with free tickets during the incense period, which is popular among Buddhist believers.
To sum up, it can be seen that the human Buddhist thought proposed in the "Platform Sutra" has a profound impact on the development of Chinese Buddhism.It not only affects the formation and development of the Southern Zen Buddhism and even the development of Buddhism as a whole, but also affects the development of modern and contemporary Buddhism.At present, almost all countries and regions that promote Chinese Mahayana Buddhism have promoted human Buddhist thoughts not only in mainland China, but also in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and even the whole world.Due to space limitations, these situations are omitted.
