The Bodhi Lectern

INTRODUCING THE EMINENT DHARMA PROTECTOR

UPASAKA TSANG KUO-KUAN

      Upasaka Tsang Kuo-kuan was born on February 2, 1909, in Liao Ning, China. He attended Kio-I Ku University in Tokyo until the outset of World War II, at which time he returned to China. Later he went back to Kio-I University, and finished his Masters and Ph.D. requirements there in 1955.

      By the time he was twenty-five years old Upasaka Tsang was already a full Professor at the Kyoto Industrial University where he taught Chinese and philosophy.

During his summer vacations Professor Tsang taught philosophy in the Department of Education, Teacher's College, Taiwan.  He held that position for more than ten years before retiring in 1966.  He also held the rank of Professor at the Pu Jen University in Taipei, a private university, which, through his influence, developed an exchange program with Kyoto University in Japan.

In 1974 Upasaka Tsang became a disciple of the Venerable Master Hua while the Master was in Taiwan lecturing the Chapter of the Vows and Conduct of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva from the Avatamsaka Sutra. He was given the Dharma name Kuo Kuan. In an essay on describing the circumstances which brought about his belief in the Buddhadharma he said, "From Confucianism I went to Taoism. From Taoism I entered Buddhism. When instruction was given to me. Indecisively turned to Great Vehicle Buddhism and did not waste any more time.

"Thirty years have passed since then and by now I deeply understand the whole gamut of life. But unfortunately I have clearly known and deliberately violated." I have continually vacillated and been unable to make a firm decision to leave home and cultivate the Way. I see this as a most shameful and painful circumstance."

ANNOUNCING THE ANNIVERSARY OF SAKYAMUNI BUDDHA'S BIRTH

The 1975 celebration of the Buddha's birth will take place on May 18th. Festivities will begin early in the morning and continue throughout the day with chanting, mantras, Dharma talks and a vegetarian feast. The public is invited to come and bathe the Buddha. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gold Mountain Monastery.