PICTORIAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE VENERABLE MASTER HSU YUN

continued from issue #72

COMPOSED BY THE VENERABLE MASTER HSUN HUA

Illustrated by a student of prajna

translated by Bhikshu Heng Yo

THE VENERABLE MASTER TA SHUI OF CHIAO MOUNTAIN ON THE CHEN RIVER #38

      Chiao Mountain is situated in the midst of the flowing rapids of the Chen River, and has the shape of a large crouching lion. The Hui Chu Dhyana Monastery is located on the mountain. Its abbot was the Venerable Ta Shui (Great Waters) who was an eminent Sangha member of that era, and one who had attained the Way. When the Master Yun was forty years of age, he arrived there to draw near to him. At that time, Lin P'eng Yu, (a director of the palace police force in the Ch'ing dynasty), was staying at the monastery and requested the Master Yun to speak the Dharma. Lin was deeply respectful and sincere.

The gatha says:

Of Chiao Mountain on the Chen River

and the Venerable Master Ta Shui,

And the Hui Chu Dhyana Monastery,

the ocean-like multitudes have heard;

A Dharma-protecting military general

paid reverence to the Triple Jewel, Affinities with the Master's teaching broke his obstructive attachments.