Sichuan: Monastic Community of 20,000 Ch’an
Buddhist Nuns!
Translation & Commentary By Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD
Original Chinese Language Author: Long Long Long Gong Zi (珑龙龙公子) - Henan
Translator’s Note: The extant texts of Early Buddhism suggest that the historical Buddha rejected all modes of discrimination that existed within the Brahmanical society within which he was born. Therefore, the Buddha rejected the Caste System and the separation of men from women. Although he offered two pathways toward Enlightenment (the “lay” and the “ordained”) the Pali Suttas state clearly that lay men and women not only could realise full Enlightenment (like that experienced by the monks and nuns) – but that many did during the lifetime of the Buddha! The point the Buddha was making - was that there was a quick (monastic) path and a slow (lay) path – both arriving at exactly the same destination. Even so, as karma defines ability and progression – a monk or nun might find the training very hard and slow-going (due to implicit levels of ignorance and delusion) – whilst a layperson, despite suffering many handicaps and obstacles in this life, might storm ahead (like Hui Neng, Layman Pang and Vimalakirti) attaining complete and full Enlightenment. Following the death of the Buddha – his teachings schismed into numerous Schools - all disagreeing upon the meaning and implication of his guidance. Slowly, some of the ideas the Buddha rejected were quietly re-integrated into Buddhist philosophy (as they were prominent in the societies into which the Buddhist Schools were attempting to penetrate) – such as the nonsense of women being inferior to men. Women are not inferior to men and men are not superior to women. A study of Philology as related to Buddhist texts will reveal this reality to be the case. Remember, however, that the Buddha was illiterate - as a high education during his lifetime required listening, copying, and remembering – but not necessarily reading and writing. The Buddha was well-versed in all the Brahmanical texts, the art of yoga, the art of war, martial arts, and healing, etc. As he was being prepared to govern – he was also taught the art of leadership. Indeed, it was around 300-years after his death that his teachings were first committed to writing. Prior to this, the ordained Sangha was tasked with memorising all the 5,000 Suttas the Buddha had spoken – passing this body of knowledge onward from one generation to the next. My personal view is that the Chinese Buddhist dating of the 10th century BCE for the lifetime of the historical Buddha is correct. Whatever the case, the 20,000 women that comprise the largest monastic community in the world in Sichuan (South-West China) are fully literate and receive everything they need for their spiritual practice from the Chinese State!
ACW (29.4.2024)
Original Chinese Language Author: Long Long Long Gong Zi (珑龙龙公子) - Henan
Translator’s Note: The extant texts of Early Buddhism suggest that the historical Buddha rejected all modes of discrimination that existed within the Brahmanical society within which he was born. Therefore, the Buddha rejected the Caste System and the separation of men from women. Although he offered two pathways toward Enlightenment (the “lay” and the “ordained”) the Pali Suttas state clearly that lay men and women not only could realise full Enlightenment (like that experienced by the monks and nuns) – but that many did during the lifetime of the Buddha! The point the Buddha was making - was that there was a quick (monastic) path and a slow (lay) path – both arriving at exactly the same destination. Even so, as karma defines ability and progression – a monk or nun might find the training very hard and slow-going (due to implicit levels of ignorance and delusion) – whilst a layperson, despite suffering many handicaps and obstacles in this life, might storm ahead (like Hui Neng, Layman Pang and Vimalakirti) attaining complete and full Enlightenment. Following the death of the Buddha – his teachings schismed into numerous Schools - all disagreeing upon the meaning and implication of his guidance. Slowly, some of the ideas the Buddha rejected were quietly re-integrated into Buddhist philosophy (as they were prominent in the societies into which the Buddhist Schools were attempting to penetrate) – such as the nonsense of women being inferior to men. Women are not inferior to men and men are not superior to women. A study of Philology as related to Buddhist texts will reveal this reality to be the case. Remember, however, that the Buddha was illiterate - as a high education during his lifetime required listening, copying, and remembering – but not necessarily reading and writing. The Buddha was well-versed in all the Brahmanical texts, the art of yoga, the art of war, martial arts, and healing, etc. As he was being prepared to govern – he was also taught the art of leadership. Indeed, it was around 300-years after his death that his teachings were first committed to writing. Prior to this, the ordained Sangha was tasked with memorising all the 5,000 Suttas the Buddha had spoken – passing this body of knowledge onward from one generation to the next. My personal view is that the Chinese Buddhist dating of the 10th century BCE for the lifetime of the historical Buddha is correct. Whatever the case, the 20,000 women that comprise the largest monastic community in the world in Sichuan (South-West China) are fully literate and receive everything they need for their spiritual practice from the Chinese State!
ACW (29.4.2024)
On the Sichuan Plateau - surrounded by vast mountains – a remote and peaceful women's retreat stands quietly. It is called the “Praise Virtue - Ch’an Self-Cultivation - Centre for the Mind” (纳姆德禅修中心 – Na Mu De Chan Xiu Zhong Xin) and it is the largest gathering place for woman monastics in the world. Indeed, with such a dedicated environment, this place is often referred as the “Pure Land” (净土 – Jing Tu) of Buddhist practice. It is like a paradise in the world - where 20,000 talented (and pure-hearted) women who devote themselves to the practice of Buddhism - enjoying the unique experience of maintaining a glorious inheritance of transmission only by women. This Ch’an Centre has a long history dating back centuries – where it was originally founded by a famous (female) Ch’an Master.
This (female) Master firmly believed that women could also reach a high level in the practice of Buddhism, so she established this Bodhimandala (“Holy Site”) specifically designed for women. As time went by, this place gradually grew and increased, attracting women from all over the world to practice. Every female practitioner living on the mountain must keep strict Precepts – whilst their lives are simple and orderly. In the early morning, as the first ray of sunlight penetrates the mist, these monastics began their daily practice. From the morning Sutra Chanting classes to afternoon meditation, to evening study classes - their schedules are full. During the process of meditation, they constantly hone their willpower and improve their spiritual insight. These women practitioners also actively participate in various Social Welfare activities, such as dispensing medical assistance and educational support, etc., spreading the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism into the wider world.
The presence of these dedicated monastics not only brings peace and tranquillity to this plateau, but also provides spiritual comfort to believers around the world. This is not surprising as the area is surrounded by mountains and high peaks, beautiful valleys, clear waters, and pleasant scenery. At first glance, it looks like a paradise - isolated from the world. Surrounded by this unparalleled natural environment, Dharma-practitioners are immersed within Ch’an meditation every day, cultivating their minds in complete silence, sharpening their will in simplicity, maintaining a high degree of concentration at all times, and seeking inner peace and wisdom. These women unveil the truth of Buddhism, realise the true meaning of life's impermanence of happiness and suffering, understand the origin of all things, and explore the mysteries of life. Spirituality has firmly rooted itself here - through the mind being continuously purified.
Through painting, sculpture, music and other art forms, these female artists skilfully integrate their life experiences with the deep understanding of the universe their self-cultivating ensures. Every stroke, every cut, and every note are full of the exploration of the meaning of life and their deep reflection on existence. These women expertly use paint brushes to depict inner peace and harmony, use sculpture to capture the agility and vitality of nature, and use music to convey the deepest feelings and resonance in their deepest spirit. These works of art not only demonstrate their profound wisdom, but also reflect their unique perspectives and profound insights. They put all their passion and effort into the creation process, making each work exude a pure and strong aura of profound spirituality. This aura originates from their love for life and persistent pursuit of art, causing the audience to experience a spiritual shock beyond words when appreciating these works.
The works of these female artists are awe-inspiring, and at the same time inspire people to reflect deeply on life, art, and the deepest aspects of their hearts and minds. In this world of spiritual practice, sincerity, kindness, and perseverance are regarded as the most precious qualities. These women monastic practitioners work hard to cultivate their personalities, are always vigilant about their words and deeds, and strive to achieve a higher (realised) spiritual realm. They believe that only through continuous self-improvement and dedicated (daily) practice can they better understand the true meaning of life and achieve inner peace and harmony. This unique Retreat from the world is entirely administered by women, which is extremely rare in the traditional Buddhist world. These women have bravely broke away from the fetters of the world, realised their self-worth in this forge of Ch’an meditation, and demonstrated the strength and wisdom of what it is to be “women”. Every woman on the mountain is equal. They support and encourage one another, and together they create a Ch’an world full of compassion, loving kindness and wisdom.
It is precisely because of their existence and efforts that this Ch’an world has become more colourful. Each woman adds a unique glory to this Ch’an world, and their examples and strength of spirit inspire more people to pursue truth and explore the meaning of life. On the mountain, meditators sit together, live in harmony, and inspire one another. These women firmly interface with Buddhist practice on an equal footing, studying the classics with an open mind, and bathe in the light of wisdom. In the search for the true meaning of life, these women put aside their prejudices and instead absorb the essence of Buddhism with an open and tolerant attitude, thereby achieving a perfect integration with the spiritual realm. They warm everyone's heart with their kindness, light up everyone's life with their wisdom, and spread love and compassion to every corner of society. The 20,000 women are the embodiment of wisdom and selfless dedication. They use their pious beliefs and firm will to pursue spiritual integration with the Way of life, bringing peace, hope and love to the world. Walking into this spiritual community and experiencing the peaceful and tranquil life of the contemplative for yourself - will leave an eternal memory for all concerned. Here - you will experience the brilliance of human nature, understand the true meaning of life, and gain an unprecedented inner experience of transcendence!
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2024.
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2024.
Chinese Language Text: https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1794476760778662838&wfr=spider&for=pc
全球最大女僧人聚集地,2万名女子在此生活,禁止所有男性入内!
珑龙龙公子
2024-03-25 13:59
河南
在茫茫群山环绕的四川高原上,一座宁静祥和的女性修行之所静静矗立。这里被称为"纳姆德禅修中心",是世界上最大的女僧人聚集地,堪称佛教修行的净土。
仿佛一片世外桃源,20,000名才华横溢、心灵纯净的女子在此投身佛法的修行,领略女性荣耀传承的独特体验。
这座禅修中心的历史悠久,可以追溯到几个世纪前,当时由一位著名的女性禅师所创立。
她坚信女性同样可以在佛法的修行上达到很高的境界,因此建立了这个专门为女性设计的修行场所。随着时间的推移这个地方逐渐发展壮大,吸引了来自世界各地的女子前来修炼。
在这里每一位女性修行者都遵循着严格的戒律,她们的生活简单而有序。清晨随着第一缕阳光穿透薄雾,她们便开始了一天的修行生活。
从早课诵经到午后静坐冥想,再到傍晚的晚课,她们的日程安排得满满当当。在禅修的过程中她们不断地磨练自己的意志力,提高自己的精神境界。
这些女性修行者还积极参与各种社会公益活动,如医疗救助、教育支持等,将佛法的慈悲与智慧传播到更广阔的世界。
她们的存在不仅为这片高原带来了和平与安宁,也为世界各地的信徒们提供了心灵的慰藉。
这里四面环山,群峰簇拥,山清水秀,景色宜人。一眼望去犹如世外桃源,与尘世隔绝。
置身于这无与伦比的自然环境之中,禅修者们每天沉浸在冥想与禅学,在静谧中修身养性,在简朴中磨砺意志,时刻保持高度的专注力,寻求内心的平静与智慧。
她们揭开佛教真理的面纱,悟入苦乐无常的人生真谛,领悟万物的本源,探索生命的奥秘。灵性在这里得到了升华,心性被不断净化。
通过绘画、雕塑、音乐等艺术形式,这些女性艺术家们将自己的生命体验和对宇宙万物的深刻理解巧妙地融入到她们的作品中。
每一笔、每一刀、每一个音符都饱含着她们对生命意义的探索和对存在的深思。
她们用画笔描绘出内心的宁静与和谐,用雕塑捕捉到自然界的灵动与生机,用音乐传达出心灵深处的感动与共鸣。
这些艺术作品不仅展示了她们的高深智慧,也体现了她们独特的视角和深刻的洞察力。
在创作过程中她们倾注了全部的热情和心血,使得每一件作品都散发出一种纯净而强烈的灵气。
这种灵气源自她们对生活的热爱和对艺术的执着追求,使得观众在欣赏这些作品时,能够感受到一种超越言语的精神震撼。
这些女性艺术家们的作品让人肃然起敬,同时也激发人们对生活、对艺术、对自我的深刻反思。
在这个修行的世界里,真诚、善良与坚韧被视为最珍贵的品质。这些女性修行者们努力修身砥砺,时刻警醒自己的言行,力求在精神层面达到更高尚的人格境界。
她们相信只有通过不断的自我提升和修炼,才能更好地理解生命的真谛,实现内心的平静与和谐。
这个独特的修行之所完全由女性主理和经营,这在传统的佛教界中是极为罕见的。
她们勇敢地挣脱了世俗的羁绊,在这个禅修中心实现了自我价值,展现了女性的力量和智慧。
在这里每一位女性都是平等的,她们互相支持、互相鼓励,共同创造了一个充满爱与和谐的禅宗世界。
正是由于她们的存在和努力,这个禅宗世界变得愈发丰富多彩。每一位女性都为这个禅宗世界增添了独特的荣耀,她们的故事和精神激励着更多的人去追求真理、去探索生命的意义。
在纳姆德禅修者们共同进行冥想,和谐共处,互相启迪。她们以平等的姿态与佛教智慧对话,虚心学习经典,沐浴在智慧之光。
在对生命真谛的探寻中,她们放下了成见,以开放包容的心态吸纳佛法精髓,从而获得心灵的升华。
她们以善意温暖每一个人的心灵,用智慧点亮每一个人的生命,将爱与慈悲传播到社会的每一个角落。
这20,000名女子是智慧与无私奉献的化身。她们用虔诚的信念和坚定的意志,在人生的道路上追求精神的升华,为世界带来了和平、希望与爱。
走进纳姆德亲身体验那份宁静祥和的禅修生活,定将给每个人留下永恒的记忆。在这里将感受到人性的光辉,领悟生命的真谛,收获前所未有的内心体验。
全球最大女僧人聚集地,2万名女子在此生活,禁止所有男性入内!
珑龙龙公子
2024-03-25 13:59
河南
在茫茫群山环绕的四川高原上,一座宁静祥和的女性修行之所静静矗立。这里被称为"纳姆德禅修中心",是世界上最大的女僧人聚集地,堪称佛教修行的净土。
仿佛一片世外桃源,20,000名才华横溢、心灵纯净的女子在此投身佛法的修行,领略女性荣耀传承的独特体验。
这座禅修中心的历史悠久,可以追溯到几个世纪前,当时由一位著名的女性禅师所创立。
她坚信女性同样可以在佛法的修行上达到很高的境界,因此建立了这个专门为女性设计的修行场所。随着时间的推移这个地方逐渐发展壮大,吸引了来自世界各地的女子前来修炼。
在这里每一位女性修行者都遵循着严格的戒律,她们的生活简单而有序。清晨随着第一缕阳光穿透薄雾,她们便开始了一天的修行生活。
从早课诵经到午后静坐冥想,再到傍晚的晚课,她们的日程安排得满满当当。在禅修的过程中她们不断地磨练自己的意志力,提高自己的精神境界。
这些女性修行者还积极参与各种社会公益活动,如医疗救助、教育支持等,将佛法的慈悲与智慧传播到更广阔的世界。
她们的存在不仅为这片高原带来了和平与安宁,也为世界各地的信徒们提供了心灵的慰藉。
这里四面环山,群峰簇拥,山清水秀,景色宜人。一眼望去犹如世外桃源,与尘世隔绝。
置身于这无与伦比的自然环境之中,禅修者们每天沉浸在冥想与禅学,在静谧中修身养性,在简朴中磨砺意志,时刻保持高度的专注力,寻求内心的平静与智慧。
她们揭开佛教真理的面纱,悟入苦乐无常的人生真谛,领悟万物的本源,探索生命的奥秘。灵性在这里得到了升华,心性被不断净化。
通过绘画、雕塑、音乐等艺术形式,这些女性艺术家们将自己的生命体验和对宇宙万物的深刻理解巧妙地融入到她们的作品中。
每一笔、每一刀、每一个音符都饱含着她们对生命意义的探索和对存在的深思。
她们用画笔描绘出内心的宁静与和谐,用雕塑捕捉到自然界的灵动与生机,用音乐传达出心灵深处的感动与共鸣。
这些艺术作品不仅展示了她们的高深智慧,也体现了她们独特的视角和深刻的洞察力。
在创作过程中她们倾注了全部的热情和心血,使得每一件作品都散发出一种纯净而强烈的灵气。
这种灵气源自她们对生活的热爱和对艺术的执着追求,使得观众在欣赏这些作品时,能够感受到一种超越言语的精神震撼。
这些女性艺术家们的作品让人肃然起敬,同时也激发人们对生活、对艺术、对自我的深刻反思。
在这个修行的世界里,真诚、善良与坚韧被视为最珍贵的品质。这些女性修行者们努力修身砥砺,时刻警醒自己的言行,力求在精神层面达到更高尚的人格境界。
她们相信只有通过不断的自我提升和修炼,才能更好地理解生命的真谛,实现内心的平静与和谐。
这个独特的修行之所完全由女性主理和经营,这在传统的佛教界中是极为罕见的。
她们勇敢地挣脱了世俗的羁绊,在这个禅修中心实现了自我价值,展现了女性的力量和智慧。
在这里每一位女性都是平等的,她们互相支持、互相鼓励,共同创造了一个充满爱与和谐的禅宗世界。
正是由于她们的存在和努力,这个禅宗世界变得愈发丰富多彩。每一位女性都为这个禅宗世界增添了独特的荣耀,她们的故事和精神激励着更多的人去追求真理、去探索生命的意义。
在纳姆德禅修者们共同进行冥想,和谐共处,互相启迪。她们以平等的姿态与佛教智慧对话,虚心学习经典,沐浴在智慧之光。
在对生命真谛的探寻中,她们放下了成见,以开放包容的心态吸纳佛法精髓,从而获得心灵的升华。
她们以善意温暖每一个人的心灵,用智慧点亮每一个人的生命,将爱与慈悲传播到社会的每一个角落。
这20,000名女子是智慧与无私奉献的化身。她们用虔诚的信念和坚定的意志,在人生的道路上追求精神的升华,为世界带来了和平、希望与爱。
走进纳姆德亲身体验那份宁静祥和的禅修生活,定将给每个人留下永恒的记忆。在这里将感受到人性的光辉,领悟生命的真谛,收获前所未有的内心体验。