Name Chin Ying Yin Ong Jun Wei Dominic Alexis Tong Chuan Yan Module Code GES1005/SSA1208

Tutorial Gp. D4

App Profile ID 143

Assignment Temple Visit Written Report

Submission Date 3 November 2017

1 Contents

Introduction ------3

History of the Temple ------3

Leaders of the Temple ------4-5 Shifu Chi Boon ------4 Master Seung Sahn ------4-5

Movement of the Temple ------5

Parts of the Temple ------5-6 Meditation Hall ------5-6 Buddha Hall ------6

Rites and Rituals ------6-7 Vesak Day ------7 KYCL 地藏法会 ------7

Appendix 8-23 Figure 1: Statue of Bodhidharma 达摩祖师 ------8 Figure 2: Inscription on the Statue of Bodhidharma ------8 Figure 3: Statue of Buddha ------9 Figure 4: Statue of Guan Yin ------9 Figure 5: Statue of Kshitigarbha ------10 Figure 6: Laughing Buddha and incense holder (香炉) ------10 Figure 7: Prayer Hall Altar (with Diamond Sutra written on the scrolls) ------11 Figure 8: Drum ------11 Figure 9: Wooden Fish ------12 Figure 10: Small bell for chanting ------12 Figure 11: Gong ------13 Figure 12: Entrance of the temple ------13 Figure 13: Interior of the Zen Shop ------14 Figure 14: Interior of the Zen Shop ------14 Figure 15: Artwork of Buddha with 对联 ------15 Figure 16: Outline of Buddha Hall ------16 Figure 17: Outline of Meditation Hall ------16 Transcript ------17-22 Questions from the Temple App ------23

2 Introduction

Kwan Yin Chan Lin1 (KYCL) is a pure Buddhist organisation which was founded by Venerable Chi Boon in 1991 in Pulau Ubin. The objective of the organisation is to spread the Buddha’s true teaching so that we may attain our true selves and help all sentient beings to relieve from suffering. To know more about this organisation, we interviewed one of the Jushi (居士), called Jin Quan as Venerable Chi Boon was not free during the day of interview. We heard from Jin Quan that group of disciples who were under him at that point in time decided to support him and provided lodgings for him to spread his teachings. One of the reasons that they moved out of Pulau Ubin is because the space is not enough to accommodate the increasing number of devotees as time passes.

History of the Temple

The founding of KYCL began with a Singaporean Buddhist Shifu named Chi Boon, also known as Venerable Chi Boon. Initially when Shifu Chi Boon became a monk (出家), he was living a quiet life and he was learning about alone. He did not have any plan to set up an establishment to gain followers or to spread Zen Buddhism on a wide scale. One day, he met a few jushi 2(居士) and he decided to set up a small, non-profit organization to establish their Zen Buddhism roots in .

Through their own means, Shifu Chi Boon and the Jushi slowly came up with their own funds to establish a Dojo (道场). With a Dojo of their own, the jushi followed Shifu Chi Boon in their quest to learn and practice Zen Buddhism. As the number of followers and believers increased over time, Shifu Chi Boon founded the KYCL Meditation Centre with Master Seung Sahn being the spiritual teacher in 1991. The temple slowly grew and relocated from Pulau Ubin to accommodate its large membership base. Today, KYCL is situated at 21 Lorong 25 with a Freehold Fee Simple lease.

1 The name, “Kwan Yin Chan Lin”, carries a deep meaning. “Kwan” means to perceive and “Yin” means the sound of the world. “Kwan Yin” (in Korean, “Kwan Um”) means to perceive the sound within us, to remove our ignorance, attachment and incorrect mindset, and to practice the correct path. In addition, we should also perceive the sound of all sentient beings and help them to relieve from suffering and gain happiness. “Chan”, which is the Chinese word for Zen, represents simple and pure life. At present days, our lives are becoming more and more complicated, and many sufferings are made as a consequence. Zen practice can help us return to simple life and let our minds return to peace, tranquility, holiness and freedom. “Lin” means many tree. The many trees that make up a forest give it strength, and cannot be blown away by strong wind. “Chan Lin” represents many people practicing together so we can help each other and give each other strength to fulfil the great Buddhist vows.

2 A jushi is a Buddhist believer who does not become a monk.

3 Leaders of the Temple

1) Shifu Chi Boon

KYCL was founded in Singapore in 1991 by Shifu Chi Boon. Shifu Chi Boon learnt and practiced Zen Buddhism from the 78th Patriarch of Chogye Order of and their Zen Master Seung Sahn. According to the members of the temple, Shifu Chi Boon is a quiet man who insists on keeping a very low-profile despite being the founder of KYCL as a big Zen Buddhism organization in Singapore. Throughout the establishment and operation of KYCL, Shifu Chi Boon’s motto has been the same - to keep a low-profile while spreading the values and principles of Zen Buddhism. This is exemplified through the nature of KYCL as a non-profit organization and Dojo where people who are seeking spiritual help in life can just drop in and chat with him or the rest of the disciples.

Shifu Chi Boon also insists that KYCL is a Buddhist organization that does not pursue fame or riches, but rather their organizational focus lies in helping people find their true self (自性) and aiding followers to awaken the inner good in their hearts. For his tremendous effort and contributions to KYCL as an organization, Shifu Chi Boon received the ‘inka’ on 8 November 1998 from Master Seung Sahn as an acknowledgment of accomplishment in Zen practice and authorization in teaching zen. An ‘Inka’ represents an affirmation of the completion of Zen practice. As such, Shifu Chi Boon was officially authorised to teach Zen, and his founding principles centered around Zen Buddhism lies in the roots and lifeline of KYCL.

2) Zen Master Seung Sahn

Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927 - 2004) was the spiritual teacher of KYCL. Contrary to popular belief, Zen Master Seung Sahn is of North Korean origin; he was born in 1927 in Seun Choen, North Korea. Intrigued by the values of Zen Buddhism and its teachings amid tumultuous times, he officially became a Buddhist monk in 1948. At the age of 22, he received the Transmission from Zen Master Ko Bong, cementing his role as the 78th Patriarch ‘in his line of succession in the Chogye order of Korean Buddhism’ (Kyclzen, 2017). His role as the 78th Patriarch can be traced along historical lines to Zen Master Hui Neng, who is the Sixth Patriarch of Chinese Zen Buddhism.

Recognising his calling to spread the Dharma, Zen Master Seung Sahn travelled to America and founded the Providence Zen Centre. The Providence Zen Centre then became known as the first center of the , which now has more than 100 Zen centres all over the world. As Shifu Chi

4 Boon adopted Master Seung Sahn’s ways and teachings in Zen Buddhism, the founding of KYCL is affiliated with the Kwan Um School of Zen as well.

Movement of the Temple

Parts of the Temple3

There are 7 levels in the KYCL Zen Centre:

Level 1 Entrance

Level 2 Administrative Office

Level 3 Buddha Hall (大殿)

Level 4 师父 office

Level 5 Meditation Hall (禅堂)

Level 6 Zen Shop (流通处) (Figure 13): Collection of books, CDs, statues

Level 7 TCM Department Office (中医施诊部办公室)

Meditation Hall (禅堂)

The Meditation Hall can be accessed by anyone and is mainly used by the disciples. They will wake up at 5am in the morning and meditate from 5.20am to 6.00am. After the meditation, they will prostrate (180 degrees bow) on the floor4, before resuming their original standing position. This is done

3 Refer to Appendix for the outline of the Meditation Hall and Buddha Hall 4 By standing with their palms together, then proceed to the kneeling position and kowtow with their hands beside their head, with palms facing the sky

5 before starting their individual chanting of sutras.

In front of the Meditation Hall, there is an aesthetically sculptured statue of Bodhidharma (达摩 祖师) (Figure 1), also known as the Master of Zen. Engraved on the sculpture are words “菩提心性长生 海，幽隐山林小有天 ” which means that the state of enlightenment lasts forever. This state is neither birthed nor able to die; it is hidden within our spiritual selves, waiting to be discovered. On the statue, one can see one of the Dharma Instruments (法器), wooden fish5 (木鱼). Meditation is being aware of one’s surroundings and one’s self. Those events that have happened and the feelings that you had at that point in time - just review them in your mind and reflect on it. This is so that you can return to your original mind - a clear mind without any perspectives on anything.

Buddha Hall (大殿)

The Buddha Hall on Level 3 has an altar with three huge deities on it. The three huge statues are Buddha (佛陀) (Figure 3), Guan Yin (观音菩萨) (Figure 4) and Kshitigarbha (地藏菩萨) (Figure 5). In front of the Buddha statue, there is a small statue of the Laughing Buddha (弥勒佛) (Figure 6) where people pray to him for happiness and sometimes wealth. Behind the statues, there are handwritten scrolls of Diamond Sutra (金刚经). Jin Quan mentioned that the 师父 does not like too much incense burning in the Buddha Hall. As long as one is sincere in his prayers, there is no need for much incense burning. Inside the Buddha Hall, there are a few more faqi (法器) such as the drum (Figure 8), the huge wooden fish 木鱼 (Figure 9) and the bell (Figure 10). The capacity of the Hall is around 100 people.

Rites and Rituals

KYCL does not place much emphasis on “rites”, because their focus is geared towards Zen meditation. Chanting practices are performed with the minimal number of rites for the purpose of unity and solemnity. Main activities include Buddhist celebrations such as Vesak Day, held either in the KYCL itself, or at open space venues. Chantings are done in a mixture of Korean, Mandarin, and English.

Vesak Day

5 The difference between this wooden fish and the other wooden fish from China is that one can carry it in his hands for chanting. On the other hand, the other version of the wooden fish from China requires the instrument to be put on a cloth and knock it during the chanting of sutras.

6 Vesak Day Celebrations are held over a period of five days. Mostly, KYCL will hold the celebrations at the Block 372 Bukit Gombak Hardcourt. The ordination of monks by the Venerable will also take place over this period too. The candidate will take in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), as well as undertake the Ten Precepts in Pali.

There will also be a Transference of Lights ceremony to remind people to let the Dharma be their light and refuge in life. The people will offer candles to represent the offering of light. The 3-Steps-1- Bow (三步一拜) ceremony requires the participants to walk the perimeter of the temple, bowing once every three steps while chanting mantras or the name of the Buddha. This purifies the mind, humbles the ego, and removes obstacles hindering their spiritual development. The Bathing of Buddha ritual will also be performed where scented, blessed water over the infant Buddha with his right forefinger pointed upwards and left forefinger pointed downwards. This symbolises the enlightened presence of Buddha. Medicine Buddha Chanting will also take place for refuge in times of illnesses. The Medicine Buddha Bhaisajyaguru is well-known for his abilities to heal, neutralise bad karma, and help people on their paths to enlightenment.

Kwan Yin Chan Lin 地藏法会

地藏法会 is conducted for a duration of five days, and participants will repent and pray for the souls of the deceased, as well as for the living world. The Repentance and Di Zang Sutras will be chanted and the Venerable will make use of several 法器 such as the ringing of bells and the knocking of the 木鱼 while the chantings are going on. Venerables will perform the kneeling actions directly in front of the main altar. Offerings will be made to the Buddha, such as rice, fruits, drinks, vegetables, and biscuits. During the 地藏法会, several chantings will be performed - Emperor Liang’s Repentance Chanting, Medicine Buddha Chanting, and the Chanting for the Deceased. For the deceased, there’ll also be the Transference of Merits that will be carried out, as well as the Prayers for Longevity and Merits (超度祖先 and 延生植福). Throughout these five days, only vegetarian food will be consumed by the participants.

Appendix

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Figure 1: Statue of Bodhidharma 达摩祖师

Figure 2: Inscription on the Statue of Bodhidharma

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Figure 3: Statue of Buddha

Figure 4: Statue of Guan Yin

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Figure 5: Statue of Kshitigarbha

Figure 6: Laughing Buddha and incense holder (香炉)

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Figure 7: Prayer Hall Altar (with Diamond Sutra written on the scrolls)

Figure 8: Drum

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Figure 9: Wooden Fish

Figure 10: Small bell for chanting

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Figure 11: Gong

Figure 12: Entrance of the temple

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Figures 13 and 14: Interior of the Zen Shop

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Figure 15: Artwork of Buddha with 对联

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16 Transcript This interview is conducted in Mandarin. Some of the words when translated to English might lose its meaning, therefore Chinese characters are used instead,

“Where did the Venerable Chi Boon learn to become a Zen teacher?” The founder learnt it from the 78th Patriarch of Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Zen Master Seung Sahn) and received ‘inka’ from him. ‘Inka’ means an affirmation of completion of Zen practice and Ven. Chi Boon is authorised to teach Zen.

“Who and what kind of people come here to learn Zen meditation?” These people come from many diverse backgrounds - people who visit our online Zen meditation centre site, by word-of-mouth, and also by advertisements in the newspapers. Some people come in groups while others come alone. Most of them are adults and middle-aged people. There are also children and young adults who come but they are the minority. Foreigners also come here to practice meditation. Those who come to Zen meditation practice are those who question their meaning on Earth and for what purpose they are living on Earth. This is catered to people who are asking philosophical questions about life, death and sufferings.

Do you know know about the story of Buddha? He is a prince from India, and should by right have no worries in his life. At around 30 plus years old he left the palace to find out about sufferings, and life, aging, sickness and death and afterlife. Buddha, when he was enlightened, said that everyone and everything have 如来的德行 within them. However, they do not know about it.

“How are the teachings of Buddhism passed down?” Christians have their Bible but we have our sutras. In Christianity, there are different denominations which is similar to Buddhism. There are three types - Buddhism (also known as Southern Buddhism), Buddhism and (known as Buddhism). In Zen Buddhism, 金刚经 (Diamond sutra) is one of the most important sutras, as with 法华经 (Lotus Sutra) and 楞严经 (Śūraṅgama Sūtra). Ananda (阿難陀) had the most retentive memory, so anything that the Buddha said he would remember and write down into sutras. Without Ananda, most of the sutras would not be present. Bodhidharma (打馬祖師) is the 28th Buddha. He said, “不立文字，教外别传，直指人 心，见性成佛”. We shouldn’t be relying on texts and books when we are learning about Buddhism. It’s

17 about understanding our own substance (本质). The teachings of the sutras point to your mind and spirit. If you are able to see and realise your true nature, then you become Buddha. It's not about reading all the teachings and sutras and then you'll become your own Buddha. Zen meditation is not focused on reading the sutras.

Zen Meditation consists of - bowing, 诵经 (chanting), meditating (静坐). Meditating is being aware of your surroundings and yourself. Think about the events that have happened and the feelings that you had at that point in time. Review it in your mind and reflect on it. Return to your original mind - a clear mind without any perspectives on anything. Zen Buddhism is about finding your inner 佛; your inner peace. It is not about actions like worshipping the Buddha statue or images of it (佛像). The statues are after all just a symbol, so the representation of them, (even racially), does not actually matter.

“How was Kwan Yin Chan Lin (KYCL) Centre established in Singapore?” The person who established KYCL here is Venerable Chi Boon, and its spiritual leader is Zen Master Seung Sahn - a North Korean. KYCL is a non-profit organization/dojo, and is in fact a low-profile temple. In fact, the shifu Chi Boon is very low-profile too. He believes that the establishment does not feed off fame, therefore, it should be kept as low profile.

In fact, when the shifu first became a monk (出家), he did not think of setting up an establishment like KYCL. He was living alone and learned about Buddhism alone. Then he met a jushi (居士，a Buddhist believer who does not become a monk). He met a few more jushi and decided to set up the establishment. They came up with funds to establish a Dojo (道场) and then the jushi followed the shifu to learn more about Buddhism. This led to an increasing number of followers and believers, which eventually led to the establishment of KYCL, which focuses on Zen Buddhism.

“What are the main ideas and concepts behind Zen Buddhism?” Confessions of sins are linked to the concept of Karma Buddhism. Confessions of sin in KYCL are acts of sincerity and less of an act of redeeming oneself because the rule of karma is that what goes around will come around. Contrary to popular beliefs, doing good deeds will not neutralise or eliminate one’s bad karma. What is karma? Karma stems from thoughts; thoughts lead to actions. Just having an evil thought might earn you bad karma.

18 There is this crucial question in Zen Buddhism - ‘Who am I?’

When you ask yourself that question, it is not referring to your name or personality. It goes way deeper than that. What gives you meaning in life is the “master” in you; your substance. The pursuit of material wealth, fame, and fortune does not give meaning to your life. 吕洞宾 / 吕祖 is a very important character in Buddhism. Regarding repentance, he says that sins do not disappear from actions trying to gain good karma like kowtowing or donating items. True repentance (忏悔) is about finding your inner heart which contains the consequences and karma of all your actions. If that heart is empty, then you have truly repented. Repentance is about finding the root of your karma. Every religion, including Zen Buddhism, teaches its followers to do good (行善), and get rid of evil (去恶).

What is special about Buddhism though, is that the rational teachings can be questioned and debated. If the master says something that the follower does not agree with, he/she can choose not to follow. Buddhism is not about omnipotence or just blindly following. There are of course discussions on the brainwashing aspects in radical religious practices. It isn’t limited to just Islam, but it’s present even in Buddhism. It is the same concept as marketing in the advertising world and social media. When it comes to meditation, you have to be aware and be awake.You must be attuned to your surroundings and yourself or you’ll never be able to sense and discover your substance.

“What is this substance (本质) that defines our personality?” Our personality differs when we’re 2 years old as compared to 80+, due to what we might have experienced/achieved in our lives. Our teacher Seung Sahn is an investigator, not someone who forces his teachings upon you. Bodhidharma says “见性成佛”; if we don’t read and study, are we still able to “成 佛”? You don’t have to figure it out now but you will discover as life goes on - what’s lacking in your life? Only you know the answer to that question, and only you can know what question you should be asking in life. Others, including myself, can only guide you along in your journey.

“When did you start questioning the meaning of your life?” It was gradual, not that I suddenly wanted to shave my head. I started questioning when I was in primary school. I tried many other religions and reading their books such as the Bible. My class tutor in primary school not only taught us academics, but also added some life lessons.

In this world, do not be greedy for money, jewellery, food, power, and more. If you want to pursue

19 something, pursue knowledge. It will give you lots of power, and gives you your education, job, and enlightenment in life. Your life will be smoother, and you’ll understand yourself more. To 舍生 (sacrifice) is to not be greedy. There is a Chinese belief that when you die, your body must “全尸”. But is it necessary? You will not be able to take what’s in the coffin with you when you die. So why not offer your organs so that someone else might benefit?

Personally, I felt that knowledge is not the most important thing on Earth, but I don’t know what is. So from then on, I began wondering and searching for answers. You will also realise in time to come that knowledge cannot make your life whole. Even now, I ask “What’s the meaning of life? What’s the purpose of my 人生? This question is more important than its answer. Just think of how Isaac Newton discovered gravity. It was because he asked the right questions when the apple fell on him that led to his discoveries.

The example of the movie “Matrix Reloaded” has a great meaning behind it.

Given the choice of: ● You’ll return to the norms of a life of illusions ● OR you’ll awaken, but you have to awaken people. You will be challenged.

When more power is bestowed upon you; when you are enlightened and know something that most of the other people don’t, you’ll face an uphill battle to awaken everyone while keeping yourself from slipping back into your previous state.

Viewing of the Meditation Hall, Buddha Hall, *Points to the guy sitting still and meditating* As 徒弟, we wake at 5am and meditate from 5.20am to 6am. Then we’ll go and 礼佛 (bow). There is no forcing, especially if you’re disabled. Remember we said that as long as you are sincere, the actions do not have to be strictly followed. Then we’ll start our chantings.

Faqi 法器 This 木鱼 is from Korea. The ones from China aren’t this big. Korean ones have a 手顶 for grip. The leader will 敲木鱼 when they chant the 性经 (Karma/Heart Sutra) and 大悲咒. Chantings are in Korean.

20 Every friday we 念金刚经 (Diamond Sutra) in Korean.

This is the 28th Buddha - 达摩祖师 (28th Buddha). Take a look at the inscriptions on the side. It reads - ‘菩提心性长生海，幽隐山林小有天’. This is an important quote in our teachings. Why do we think this is important? That is your homework for you today, just something for you to think about.

As a Buddhist organisation, we follow most Buddhist festivals (庆典). One of the most important festivals is Vesak Day. 佛诞，观音诞，地藏法会. Here are some more faqi that we use. This bamboo stick-like equipment is to 敲 3 times to signal the start of the 经咒. Meditations are usually performed for a minimum of 30 minutes, usually 40 minutes. The leader will 敲 again at the end. We do go overseas for meditations too. I also just came back from Korea. We will usually find places overseas that are more peaceful and quiet like the mountains, instead of the busy city areas. People usually choose to come to KYCL on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays for meditations. Classes here are held every Saturday for 6 weeks. The 师父 will sit at the front and talk about what is Zen, how to meditate, how to 反省, and talk about karma.

Entering the Buddha Hall, we bow as a sign of respect to their teachings. The words that are written on the “scrolls” behind the statues are words from the sutras - 汉传佛教的经典.

This is the Laughing Buddha 弥勒佛. This Buddha is for happiness, and perhaps even wealth. In some dynasty in China, 弥勒佛 transformed into a (gu dai fo shang - 肚子大大). There is a verse that goes along with the Laughing Buddha: 弥勒佛，笑口常开，笑天下可笑之人； 将军肚，大肚能容，容天下难容之事。 It means that our mouths will smile at things that makes us smile, but for things that are difficult to accept, we have to tolerate.

The 3 huge statues that you see here are 佛陀，地藏菩萨，观音菩萨. Here, there are also many 法器 that we use during our rites and chantings, such as the 香炉 (incense burner) and 木鱼. In this Buddha hall, big events and repentance chantings will be performed. Also, notice that the 师父 likes architecture, and he didn’t want the hall to have so many incense and joss sticks burning because as long as the heart is sincere, there’s no need to burn so much. This minimal usage of incense will preserve the beauty of the

21 hall. On the altar table, offerings are made, such as fruits. People offer something for their wishes (祈福) such as for 平安. But in fact, the real happiness and wholeness is within yourself. You have to look at yourself and search deeper. But of course, if people believe that they should still make offerings, they are welcomed to do so.

This Buddha Hall has a capacity of about a hundred people. There is less bowing in this hall, and more in the hall upstairs. Now this equipment is called a Shici Garuda feeder. The story behind this equipment goes like this:

In the 佛陀 times, the Eagle feeds on the Little Dragon. However, 佛陀 wants to protect Little Dragon because dragons are considered mythical creatures, especially to the Chinese. Eagle protested, saying, “What are we supposed to eat then? Starve?” On hearing this, 佛陀 says, “No problem, I’ll instruct my disciples and followers to make offerings (七粒米饭) before their breakfasts and lunches so that you will not go hungry. We’ll hit the bell to call for you when the offerings are ready.”

From then onwards, the practice has always been that the 法师 will hit the bell and perform some chants for a few minutes to await the arrival of the Eagle. In fact,, the Eagle was actually the legendary bird - Garuda.

22 Questions from the Temple App

What is the website of the temple? www.kyclzen.org What is the phone number of the temple? 63920265 What is the founding date of the temple? 1991 What is the temple’s original address? Pulau Ubin What is the address after the first move? 50 Jalan Asas S678811 What is the address after the second move? 203C Lavender St S338763 What is the address after the third move? 21 Lorong 25 Geylang S388299 Who is(are) the main god(s) of the temple? Buddha Who are the secondary gods of the temple? 地藏佛，观音菩萨 When are the god’s birthday rites? Vesak Day When are the dates of the other rites? Vesak Day and GuanYin celebration every 1st and 15th Any xitai to honor god(s)? No What is the dialect of the temple? Mixture of Mandarin, Korean, and English What is the number of members? 43 Is there a spirit medium in the temple? No Is procession done in the temple? Yes, and also sometimes at the Bukit Gombak Hardcourt Is there any mother temple (in china)? No Any connections with the mother temple? N/A Any links with temples in Singapore or Southeast Asia? Retreat Centres in and Desaru How long is the lease of the temple? Freehold Fee Simple

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