Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui (1922-2013) served as the Abbot of Longju Temple, renowned for Jiangxi Mazu. A devoted disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, he immersed himself in the teachings and practices of dharma. Also known as Elder Monk Tonghui, he transcended the ordinary, attaining the revered status of a holy monk.
Venerable Master Tong Hui, born Tang Zhenbang on March 5, 1922, in Penglai town, Suining City, Sichuan Province, belonged to the Han ethnicity. Renowned for his intelligence from a young age, he adhered to a vegetarian diet and practiced abstinence, following his parents’ guidance. In 1931, he entered monkhood under Master Pu Jing at Jinwen Temple in Pengxi. Full ordination followed in 1940, under Venerable Master Miaoneng at Baoguang Temple, and further studies in Chengdu’s Jingci Temple under Master Nenghai in 1941. Residing at Longju Temple with Master Miaoneng in 1942, he served during the transmission of the Great Precepts by Master Nenghai. Master Nenghai was one of the most eminent monks in last century.
Post-liberation, Longju Temple faced dispersion, confiscation of properties, and occupation during the Cultural Revolution. As the warehouse keeper, Venerable Master Tong Hui personally bore the repercussions of stolen food, enduring imprisonment to spare innocent people. False accusations regarding the team’s beekeeping further led to additional years in prison. His unwavering compassion and selflessness epitomized the Buddhist spirit.
Reopened by the government on December 16, 1986, Longju Temple underwent extensive renovations under the venerable master’s guidance. The Arhat Hall, Main Hall, Scripture Hall, and Accommodation Building were constructed, while the main gate, Ksitigarbha Hall, Hall of Heavenly Kings, and Bell Tower were restored. The restoration of large Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, as well as Arhat statues, showcased the venerable master’s dedication. Numerous instances of his awe-inspiring virtue were evident, such as his ability to attract dharma-protecting deities and revive a withered ginkgo tree with Bodhi Holy Water.
Moreover, Venerable Master Tong Hui made significant contributions to Buddhism by bringing back Buddha and Bodhisattva statues made of Burmese jade from temples in Dayi County and Daying County.
A legendary story recounts Master Tonghui’s visit to Burma in 1992. Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui went to Burma to respectfully receive and take back with him a Jade Statue of the Buddha. The night before the Dharma teacher arrived, many people in Burma suddenly dreamed that he was a golden Arhat and would soon come to Burma. The next day when he arrived in Burma, hoards of people made offerings to him. In Hinayana Buddhism, Arhats are praised in the same way that Bodhisattvas who attained the marvelous fruit of enlightenment are praised. It is clear that Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui was an amazing and great sage.
Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui peacefully passed away on February 26, 2013, at the age of 92. His preserved body, following ancient Buddhist rituals, was respectfully opened three years later on June 12, 2016, revealing a full and jade-colored flesh body in the urn. This sacred event reaffirmed the authenticity and practicality of true Buddha Dharma.
The flesh body of Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui is now enshrined in Longju Temple for people to respectfully admire.
Dharma master Tonghui — Great Archivers
Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/02/16/dharma-master-tonghui-great-achievers/
#Buddhist #BuddhaDharma #LonjuSiTemple #MasterTonghui #DorjeChangBuddhaIII #HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII
Peace LiLy 