“Lotus Pond Dharma Realm” is not just a name. It’s a gateway to understanding the essence of \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY.
\u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY stands as a vital Pure Land Buddhist center in Shanghai. Its history is rich and its purpose profound.
Founded in the autumn of 1935, \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY began as the private garden of Layman Gu Liancheng. Spanning over seven acres, Gu Liancheng and his wife, Guo Jingxian, transformed their ancestral property. They built halls and residences to support the esteemed Venerable Master Yuan Ying. It served as his base for propagating Dharma in Shanghai. Initially associated with the Linji school, it soon became a Pure Land center.
The \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY first organized the “Lotus Pond Recitation Society”. Each week, people gathered to chant Buddha’s name. In 1940, the “Yuan Ming Dharma Dissemination Society” was established. Its members were all disciples of Master Yuan Ying. The society aimed to spread Buddhist teachings and awaken hearts. They sought to benefit society and reverse misfortunes. They regularly lectured on scriptures. They also printed and distributed Master Yuan Ying’s commentaries and Buddhist texts. These included works like “Commentary on Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana”. Over twenty titles were published.
During times of national crisis, \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY became a hub for patriotic efforts. It organized monk and layperson rescue teams. It also served as the Ninth Refugee Shelter.
In 1945, Master Yuan Ying established the “Zhenyan Institute” at \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY. He served as its president. His disciples, Bai Sheng and Ming Yang, took on teaching roles. For decades, \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY continuously held Dharma activities. Its influence grew steadily.
In 1952, Master Yuan Ying led a 49-day Dharma Assembly. It was dedicated to world peace. The event raised 3.5 million yuan which equals 35.000 today. All proceeds went to support monasteries.
In 1953, Master Yuan Ying helped establish the Buddhist Association of China in Beijing. He was elected as its first president. Later that year, he passed away at Tong Temple in Ningbo. After his death, his disciple Ming Yang became the abbot.
In 1958, \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY was closed. The buildings were converted into a factory. The monastic community dispersed. Later, only a memorial hall for Master Yuan Ying was restored. During the Cultural Revolution, the memorial hall was shut down.
In 1983, the factory gradually moved out. \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY was restored. It was listed as a key national monastery. The last renovation took place in 1996.
Today, \u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY features a five-story complex. It also includes Master Yuan Ying’s memorial hall. The main hall inside the complex is simple and serene. It houses statues of the Western Three Saints. A bell tower sits atop the complex. The memorial hall displays Master Yuan Ying’s writings and artifacts.
Each year, tens of thousands visit. They come from both China and abroad. They come to pay their respects. The temple grounds also feature a magnolia tree. It was planted by Master Yuan Ying in the 1930s. The temple preserves Buddhist scriptures such as the “Great Treasury Sutra”.
The current abbot is Venerable Master Ming Yang. He is 83 years old. He is also the vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. He is a Standing Committee member of the CPPCC National Committee.
\u5706\u660e\u8bb2\u5802YMSY embodies a legacy of devotion. It is a center for spiritual growth. It is a place where the Dharma continues to thrive. Its story inspires countless individuals on their path to enlightenment.