Master Shao Yun (1938-2022) - Disciple of Master Xu Yun (1840-1959)

Ch’an Buddhism – Sit But Do Not Wobble! (5.5.2025)

Nowadays, the situation of Ch’an Buddhism in China is precarious. This is because the Ch’an Path is difficult to follow and is not easy to practice. Of course, there are many people who chant the Buddha’s Name and practice Tantric Buddhism – but there are very few who are truly able to practice Ch’an. Many temples focus on building Buddha Chanting Halls which are popular – with the required practice relatively simple to perform – whilst the establishment of disciplined Ch’an Halls are rare. Even if some temples have established Ch’an Halls, but these places often lack dedicated teachers and practitioners who will sit in meditation for long periods of time – and forget about the body and environment. It should be noted that the inheritance of Buddhism in China is largely due to the talents cultivated in Ch’an Halls.

Giant Mao Zedong Statue Tongxu County, Henan, PRC

China: Chairman Mao Zedong – Giant Statue Built By Villagers! (18.5.2024)

Chairman Mao Zedong is in a seated position (facing “South”) and is made of steel bars and cement. The outer layer is painted with golden paint and there is scaffolding next to it. From time to time, people come by car to take pictures in front of the statue of Chairman Mao. The front of the statue faces south – the back faces North (the traditional Chinese alignment), with Chairman Mao in a seated position. It is made of steel bars and cement. The outer layer is painted with golden paint and there is scaffolding surrounding the structure.