Australian in China Opens Buddhist Peace Initiative

Nov. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Sydney Belmore resident Malcolm Hunt believes that Buddhism holds the key to peaceful and harmonious societies throughout the world.

Malcolm has a most unusual job as Retreat Facilitator at Guang Jue Monastery situated amidst scenic bamboo forested mountains near the little town of Zaoxi in Zhejiang Province in China. Abbot of the Monastery the Venerable Zheng Rong has welcomed visitors to stay at the monastery or do a meditation or Mindfulness Retreat run by Malcolm.

“I first came upon the monastery two years ago when I was visiting the region. It sort of had a special attraction and the Venerable Zheng Rong and I were like old friends right from our first meeting” says Malcolm who has also taken a Buddhist name Zhi Shen. “It was then I decided I would commit my skills as a mental health educator, counselor and Buddhist teacher to the monastery.”

“Many tourists and back packers come from around the world seeking something different. Buddhism is one of the cultural treasures of China and China is keen to welcome visitors to involve themselves in Chinese cultural heritage” Malcolm tells us. “As I am fluent in French and also speak some Chinese I am able to reach out to many people.”

Malcolm relates how Guang Jue temple was virtually totally destroyed in 1953 during the Japanese invasion of China. Most of the 200 monks and nuns fled to safety but one lone nun remained.  In 1990 when Master Zheng Rong was commissioned by his monastery in Hangzhou to go in search of the nun who was reportedly still alive he found her amongst the ruins reciting the Buddhist rosary chanting the Buddha’s name. It brought tears to Master Zheng Rong’s eyes. Later that night he had a dream that the Buddha came to him to ask him to rebuild the temple. Today the temple is almost completely restored.

“Buddhism is essentially a way of peace, a way in which we can find happiness and harmony in our lives” says Malcolm. “Guang Jue Monastery is of the Pure Land tradition of Buddhism. We believe that is we sow seeds of peace, good-will and good works then we will create a happy and prosperous society.”

Malcolm carries his Master’s message and teachings of peace to Australia where he travels teaching Mindfulness and the Meditation of Compassionate Light and Life.

In April 2011 Guang Jue Monastery will host a three day Meditation for regional and world peace inviting Buddhists and non-Buddhists from Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. “It will be even more special as this event will bring countries together where there has often been conflict.  We want to show together that there is a better way of living in harmony”, says Malcolm.

We asked Malcolm what he felt was the most interesting aspect of his job. “I get to meet wonderful people from all over the globe hoping I leave them with something truly valuable they can take back with them. I also enjoy the close community life of the small mountain villages which Venerable Zheng Rong and I visit regularly.”

If you want to know more about the Malcolm’s teaching work or Guang Jue Monastery then he can be contacted at http://www.taishendo.com

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T'ai Shen Centre and Guang Jue Monastery China provides training in Mindfulness, Naikan and Buddhist Meditation. We offer Temple Stays and Meditation Retreats at Guang Jue Temple in Zhejiang Province China near Hangzhou.