Eminent Xu Yun [虚云] Ch’an Master – Passed Away in His 120th Year – He Revealed the Secret to Longevity Prior to his Passing!
Translator’s Note: The following is a contemporary "blog" article written by an ethnic Chinese person - communicating with other ethnic Chinese people (provided to me via the Baidu search-engine). Consequently, as this is an opinion piece, I have retained the original Chinese language text, and provided the "link" to it available via Google search-engine. Sometimes, the original links "disappear" due to the vagaries of the internet. The subject matter is a modern discussion about Master Xu Yun, and translated into English from the Chinese language blog entitled “可乐教你变美” (Ke Le Jiao Ni Bian Mei) – “Kele Teaches You How To Be Beautiful”. The author appears to live in Zhejiang – whilst this article was published online on 7.3.2024. I suspect the author is between 20-30 years old, and is discussing the reputation of Master Xu Yun from the modern (Chinese) perspective. The author is correct in their assertion that “abstaining” – as in “not-doing” something – is the key to understanding the spiritual power of the Vinaya Discipline. It is important to remember that both the laity and the ordained must obey the Vinaya Discipline to various extents. A monk or nun must obey all of the hundreds of vows, whilst the laity must obey at least five, eight, or ten vows – but is free to uphold all the vows like a monastic living within lay society. As well as this, the lay and monastic must adhere to the Bodhisattva Vows – which overlap in many places with the Vinaya Discipline. Even in the Pali Suttas, it is clear that lay-people can attain enlightenment. As all Ch’an monastics are “less” than the poorest lay-person – this point is accepted and understood with a suitable humility. The Chinese ideogram under discussion is that of “戒” (Jie4). This translates as “abstain”, “forbid”, “warn”, “caution”, “guard”, “purify”, “precept”, “order”, and “quit”. But what does it mean to uphold vows and keep from bad thoughts and behaviours? To solve this puzzle - an assessment of this ideogram might well be useful. This ideogram is comprised of two-particles:
Left-hand particle = 廾 (gong3) – two-hands holding an object in front of body
Right-hand particle = 戈 (ge1) – a halberd, an ancient spear with an axe-head
A halberd is held in both hands - in front of the body (like a soldier standing “on guard”) - acting as a “warning”, (or “defence”), against an enemy who might attack at any time. The body (and mind) is “guarded” by the correct and skilful wielding of a protective weapon. For the Buddhist, such a defence is replicated not by the use of an actual weapon (although martial arts practice is common in China), but rather by the vows contained within the Vinaya Discipline. Keeping away from that which is destructive – obviously removes the threat of that danger to the mind and body. The Vinaya Discipline, however, is not only a deterrent, but also a form of armour. It is a type of protection that works because it exists. It is a form of morality (sila) which was originally empowered by the will-power of the historical Buddha. Each generation re-empowers the Vinaya Vows and keeps the spirit of the discipline alive. ACW (10.10.2024)
The deep spirituality behind the longevity of venerable monk - Ch’an Master Xu Yun!
Ch’an Master Xu Yun is a very well-respected Buddhist monk within modern China. He is famous for his longevity as he lived into his 120th year. He was born in 1840 and he died in 1959, and is a prime figure in the history of contemporary Chinese Ch’an Buddhism. His original name was “Xiao Guyan” (萧古岩) whilst his (monastic) Dharma-name was Shi Xu Yun (释虚云) – “Venerable Empty Cloud”. He was born in Fujian province and his ancestral home (of his fore-fathers) was in Xiangxiang, Hunan. Ch’an Master Xu Yun showed a unique character when he was a child. He liked quietness (a peaceful seclusion) and did not want to eat meat. At the age of 18-years, he resolutely became a monastic and strove to practice Buddhism. He changed his name to “Xu Yun” and gradually grew into a towering spiritual figure within a generation of eminent monks. In addition to concentrating on studying Buddhism, Xu Yun was also very concerned about the future of the country and the nation. He actively supported the Anti-Japanese War of Resistance (1931-1945). He did this within a spiritual context - calling upon Buddhist monastics to live frugally and donate food to the country whilst assisting disaster victims. He also trained many outstanding monks such as Dharma Master Xuan Hua (宣化), Dharma Master Chuan Yin (传印), and the Venerable Elder Ben Huan (本焕). Due to Ch’an Master Xu Yun's lofty status in the Buddhist community, he served as the Honorary President of the Buddhist Association of China - after the founding of the People's Republic of China until his death (1953-1959). Before his death, Ch’an Master Xu Yun explained the essence of the Vinaya Discipline in just a single word - "Abstinence!" (戒 – Jie)! This word, which means “Keeping the Precepts” - reveals the secret of Ch’an Master Xu Yun's longevity.
The core of Ch’an Master Xu Yun's way of keeping healthy is "abstinence". He regards abstention from (a) bad habits and (b) desires as being the essence of the true meaning of life. This word "abstinence" includes many levels of “giving things up” and cultivating “non-attachment”.
A) Abstain from bad eating habits. Do not meat. Many ordinary people believe that not eating meat will lead to malnutrition. Ch’an Master Xu Yun refused to eat meat throughout his life, and yet he was still very healthy. He advised people not to eat the flesh of living creatures due to the bad karma it attracts, and that the nutrition contained within meat can be obtained in other ways. For non-monks, it may not be necessary to completely abstain from meat, but eating less meat through moderation (and supplementing this diet with appropriate vegetarian food) will greatly benefit their health.
B) Abstain from unnecessary desires that operate through the human heart and mind, such as unreasonable and harmful pursuits in life. Many people set their goals too high in order to cater to social expectations and external evaluations. Once these desires are not met, there are feelings of frustration and unhappiness. Ch’an Master Xu Yun pointed out that a person's true success lies in exerting his or her greatest ability, rather than blindly comparing money and status with others. After understanding this, we can gain real happiness and become calm in the face of life.
Of course, it is not easy to realise our true self-nature - which requires persistent practice. If you are interested in learning about genuine Ch’an meditation, I recommend studying the text by Ch’an Master Xu Yun entitled "Ch’an Self-Cultivation Enter Gate" (禅修入门 – Chan Xiu Ru Men) - which will be of great assistance. The following points may be extracted (or extrapolated) from this text:
1) Stop eating meat: Ch’an Master Xu Yun almost never ate meat in his life. He firmly believed that the purity of vegetarian food is beneficial to physical and mental health from a karmic point of view. Although modern medicine believes that a moderate intake of meat is good for the human body, excessive reliance on meat may cause a burden on the body. Therefore, we should control and moderate the intake of meat - especially foods such as red meat and smoked meat that are harmful to health. Instead, increase the intake of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits and grains to maintain physical and mental health – to keep a pure karmic habit.
2. Stop smoking and drinking: Tobacco and alcohol are two common harmful substances. Long-term addiction to smoking and drinking causes great harm to physical health. Smoking can cause respiratory diseases, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and increase the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer. Alcohol can directly damage organs such as the digestive system, liver and nervous system, and cause a variety of serious diseases. Therefore, quitting smoking and drinking is an important part of staying healthy, so that you can truly enjoy a long life.
3. Stop using mobile phones: Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of people's lives, but being addicted to mobile phones will have a negative impact on physical and mental health. Long-term use of mobile phones can lead to problems such as decreased vision, cervical spondylosis, lack of sleep, and may also cause psychological problems such as loneliness, anxiety and depression. Therefore, we should appropriately limit the time of using mobile phones, maintain good work and rest habits, communicate face-to-face with family and friends, and participate in various outdoor activities to enjoy the beauty of nature.
4. Stop being impatient: Ch’an Master Xu Yun emphasized the cultivation and practice of perceiving the empty mind ground in all circumstance. We live in a modern (external) society with fierce competition and high pressure, which can easily make us feel impatient. However, such a mentality is not good for our health and longevity. We should learn to relax, maintain a happy attitude, and participate in more stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, reading and spending time with friends. This will not only improve mental health, but also enhance immunity and strengthen the body's resistance.
5. Stop being lazy: Exercise is the key to maintaining good health. Although Master Xu Yun did not particularly emphasize exercise, the benefits of moderate exercise on the body are well known. We must get rid of the lazy mentality and cultivate the habit of persisting in exercise. You can choose some favourite sports, such as jogging, walking, Taijiquan, and yoga, etc., which are all very suitable for cultivating longevity and health.
6. Stop eating junk food: Modern people's eating habits are becoming more problematic. Junk food is prevalent, containing high calories, high fat, high sugar and additives, which cause great harm to physical health. Quit junk food and choose healthy food, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and a healthy protein intake, which can provide the body with the nutrients it needs and help prevent the occurrence of chronic diseases.
The wisdom contained within the concept of the word “戒” (jie).
Ch’an Master Xu Yun's words (and deeds) are steeped within profound wisdom. He revealed the secret of longevity through a single word - which is “戒” (jie). Master Xu Yun wrote in a song:
“Abstain from hatred – abstain from hostility. If deep habits of attachment are not uprooted – the surface activity of the mind will never be ‘stilled’. Abstain from all desire – Abstain from generating ignorance – this is the way an ordinary being can transcend the worldly and become an enlightened Sage!”
戒恨戒憎不戒深情心也未能静， 但戒欲戒痴可会超凡和入圣。
This poem explains the shallow and the deep. Superficial attachment and pettiness can only be transformed if the deeply-rooted (conditioned) habits ingrained in the mind are uprooted through correct Ch’an training. As the mind manifests as behaviour through the body – and bodily activity conditions the mind – all movement of body and mind must be brought to a final and permanent “halt”.
In our daily life, “abstaining” is a wise behaviour. Giving up bad habits and negative emotions means rejecting quick satisfaction and short-term pleasure, as well as pursuing long-term health and happiness. By giving up, we can control our desires, maintain inner balance, and pursue the attainment of a higher realm. In summary, Ch’an Master Xu Yun’s secret to longevity is "abstaining". Giving up bad habits and negative emotions, developing a healthy lifestyle, let us enjoy a long and happy life. Through the understanding of Ch’an Master Xu Yun’s wisdom, we can better maintain physical and mental health and pursue a higher realm.
