Shenzhen’s largest Buddhist temple has new abbot
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Benhuan (R), former abbot of Hongfa Temple in Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, at a ceremony at the temple yesterday to mark his 102nd birthday. Government officials from Shenzhen and Buddhist followers from Hong Kong and Thailand attended the celebrations.(Wang Xiaoke)
A GRADUATE of Beijing University has been appointed abbot of Hongfa Temple, Shenzhen’s most influential Buddhist temple, in Luohu District.
Yinshun, 38, received the abbot’s instruments from his master, 102-year-old Benhuan, at a grand ceremony Saturday.
More than 5,000 people attended the ceremony, including revered Buddhists and senior government officials.
“I feel that the burden on my shoulders is very heavy. I will do my best to take care of the temple ? and fulfill the trust of my master and fellow monks,” said Yinshun.
Yinshun received a master’s degree of religion at Beijing University. He worked at a travel agency in Hubei Province and had a girlfriend for 10 years.
He became a Buddhist monk in 2000, after he met his master Benhuan while he was in Shenzhen on vacation.
“The master spoke with me for over three hours. He said I should become a monk at all costs.”
“After I returned home, he called me once each day. I changed my phone number four times, but he still managed to find me,” said Yinshun.
Six months later, Yinshun made up his mind. He left his girlfriend and his parents to join Hongfa Temple.
Founded by Benhuan in 1985, Hongfa Temple is the most influential Buddhist temple in Shenzhen. It has donated more than 50 million yuan (US$7.35 million) to charity and for public facilities.
Benhuan, born in Hunan Province in 1907, is regarded as an eminent Buddhist figure in China and overseas
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