Wang Yuanyuan

    BENHUAN was a model of compassion and was loved deeply because of his kindness and outstanding contributions to Buddhism, said Yinkong, Benhuan’s first and oldest female disciple.

    “No matter what difficulties he encountered, he would practice every day without complaining. He treated all beings with the same generosity,” said Yinkong, 92, who came from Jiangxi Province to attend the memorial service and cremation ceremony Thursday.

    Yinkong, who started her Buddhism practice in Hubei Province when she was 19 years old, is now the chairman of Jiangxi Province’s Buddhism Association and former abbot of Jinshan Temple in the province. In 1987, Benhuan appointed her as the 45th descendent of the Linji sectarian in Chinese Buddhism.

    When Benhuan went to rebuild the Biechuan Temple on Danxia Mountain in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, in 1980, Yinkong went to assist. “The living conditions were terrible. There were only three of us, including Benhuan, me and a cook, living in a poorly constructed temple deep in the mountains. He worked hard every day to raise money and complete the construction. We would also pray and meditate in our spare time. Whenever inspiration came to him, he would write his thoughts on a piece of wood or napkin,” said Yinkong.

    According to Yinkong, Benhuan habitually put the needs of others ahead of his own. “He hardly ever thought about himself. Every time I came to visit him, he would ask me to take care of my health and say that I shouldn’t travel far on his account,” she said.

    When Yinkong last saw him in January, Benhuan was in a serious condition. “I told him that I planned to build a home for the poor and elderly. He was very happy to hear this, giving me advice despite his illness. That’s who he was and I will try my best to reach his standard and pass on his spirit to my disciples and followers,” said Yinkong.