“China’s Buddhist Titan” some called him. This is the story of the \u672c\u7115\u5854. This pagoda is not just a tower. It is a tribute to a remarkable Buddhist monk. The \u672c\u7115\u5854 stands as a testament to the life of the Venerable Master Ben Huan.
\u672c\u7115, born Zhang Zhishan, hailed from Huanggang County. This was in Hubei Province during the Qing Dynasty. He entered the world on September 21 1907. He passed away at the ripe old age of 104 on April 2 2012. His final resting place was Shenzhen’s Hongfa Temple.
\u672c\u7115 was no ordinary monk. He held the esteemed position of Honorary President. This was at the Buddhist Association of China. He was known as the “Buddhist Titan of China”.
At age seven he started his education. He spent six years studying. Then he apprenticed at a general store. But his true calling was elsewhere.
In 1930 he chose monkhood at Hubei’s Baoen Temple. He received his precepts at Wuchang’s Baotong Temple. He went to Yangchow Gaomin Temple. There he studied under the Venerable Master Lai Guo. For seven years he studied Chan Buddhism.
At 30 he began an incredible pilgrimage. He started from Hebei’s Zhengding Linji Temple. He prostrated every three steps. This journey was to worship at Mount Wutai. It took him three months of braving the elements. He covered over 300 miles. He finally reached his destination. He spent another three months worshipping at each of the five peaks. He resided at Guangji Maopeng. This is now Bixia Temple.
During his time at Bixia Temple he wrote Buddhist scriptures. He used his own blood. He completed 19 volumes. They totaled over 200000 words.
In 1939 he became the third abbot of Bixia Temple. In 1947 he traveled to many Chan monasteries. He worshipped at Beijing’s Mituo Temple. He visited Tianjin’s Layman Forest. He went to Shanghai’s Puji Temple.
February 5 1949 was a pivotal day. He inherited the Dharma lineage. This was from the Venerable Master Xu Yun. He became the 44th generation successor of the Linji sect. He then served as abbot of Nanhua Temple.
The “Anti-Rightist Movement” in 1958 brought hardship. \u672c\u7115 was wrongly imprisoned. He spent 22 years incarcerated. Buddhist layman Zhao Puchu worked tirelessly for his release.
In 1978 after the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China \u672c\u7115 was fully exonerated. His reputation was restored. In 1980 he became abbot of Danxia Mountain Bietuan Temple. In 1987 he became abbot of Guangzhou’s Guangxiao Temple.
\u672c\u7115 dedicated his life to Buddhism. He made immense contributions to society. He donated to nine Hope Schools. He supported two civilian hospitals.
After his death numerous temples requested his relics. These countries included Thailand Cambodia Australia and Nepal.
The \u672c\u7115\u5854 stands as a symbol of his enduring legacy. It embodies his commitment. It signifies his compassion. It represents his profound impact on Buddhism. It is a place for reflection. It is a place to honor a life dedicated to enlightenment.