--Composed by the Venerable Tripitaka Master Hua
--Illustrated by a Student of Prajna
--Translated by Disciple Bhiksu Heng Yo
Introduction
With Way-virtue and vow power unequalled and undisputed, the Venerable Master Hsu Yun is respected as the highest spiritual cultivator of the modern world. Until the very end of his one hundred twenty years he vigorously propagated the Dharma, established and refurbished scores of temples and monasteries, and rejuvenated the five Ch'an schools, gathering the Patriarchate of each line into one, and revitalizing the transmission.
Teacher of thousands upon tens of thousands of disciples, the Venerable Master Yun is known by his deeds, miracles, and signs of inconceivable Ch'an attainment as a Bodhisattva who entered the realm of enlightenment from which there is no possibility of retreat. He entered the world in a caul to remain undefiled by the process of birth, and manifested years of cultivation unsurpassed in the modern world to become a teacher of gods and men. Thus his life and teachings are a rich and inspiring source for those who wish to cultivate the unsurpassed Way.
Great as this teacher is, almost nothing about the Venerable Master Yun exists in English at this time. Consequently the Pictorial Biography composed by the Venerable Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua is an invaluable addition to the Buddhist canon now existing in English. Based on his Autobiography, Tripitaka Master Hua planned to present it to the Venerable Yun during his lifetime; on the day it was completed he received a telegram notifying him of the Elder Master's nirvana.
This able translation, made by Disciple Bhiksu Heng Yo, is a first in English. Vajra Bodhi Sea is grateful to have this opportunity to present such an important work to English speaking adepts of Buddhism.
--Bhiksu Heng Kuan
--Composed by the Venerable Tripitaka Master Hua
--Illustrated by a Student of Prajna
--Translated by Disciple Bhiksu Heng Yo
Seeking a Son Before Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva #1
The
Venerable Master Yun’s lay name was Hsiao. His ancestors, who came from Lan
Ling, were descendants of Liang dynasty Emperor Wu, and had for generations
dwelt at Hsiang hsiang in Hunan province. His father's name was Yu T'ang, and
his mother was of the Yen family.
In the first year of the Tao Kuang reign
period of the Ch'ing dynasty (AD 1821), his father entered into public service
as a K'e Yu' and became an official in Fukien province. When he was past forty
years of age, he was still without a son. This grieved him and his wife, so with
sincere words and sorrowful hearts, they offered incense and sought a son in the
Avalokitesvara Shrine of Ku Chao Temple.
The Gatha says:
Amassing merit, establishing virtue, a wholesome seed was planted,
Sincere in heart they sought for a son, and bowed to the Compassionate One.
Ten thousand anxious thoughts were stilled and only one remained,
Single-mindedly unconfused, they effected the response.