ICBI: XU YUN'S WORK CONTINUES

[Shi Da Dao]

INTERNATIONAL CH'AN BUDDHISM INSTITUTE

Master Xu Yun, during his very long lifetime, never visited the West, but he did travel outside of China and visited many other countries in Asia. He was aware of Westerners and their interest in the Dharma because many travelled to China to seek knowledge about Buddhism. He met with, (and personally instructed) Ananda Jennings and John Blofeld – both famous Buddhists in the West - and many other Europeans on his travels. During the Boxer Uprising master Xu Yun was even threatened by a foreign soldier, but as he showed no fear whatsoever, the soldier let him go. Despite his often secluded existence - living in the hills of China - it is evident from his biography that he was very much aware of the international situation, and the immense interest that was developing in Buddhism outside of China. He initiated a translation project of Chinese Buddhist texts into English, and actively encouraged the peaceful spread of Buddhist wisdom throughout the world.

The International Ch’an Buddhism Institute (ICBI) recognises the distinctly ‘Chinese’ character of Ch’an Buddhism, and intends to strive to bring all the many lineages together under the spiritual influence of master Xu Yun. Master Xu Yun may have dropped his physical body after 120 years in 1959, but the strength of his spiritual presence continues unabated. It is this immense presence that has the power to wipe out in an instant all klesa that manifest in the human mind and which causes conflict between human beings and cruelty aimed at other living things. The divisions of politics, culture, religion, and ethnicity, can be dissolved in the enlightened presence of master Xu Yun’s eternal and shining character. It is with respect that the ICBI continues the mission of bringing peace and order to the world.