Pin Tsung

TAIWAN, Changhua

Pin Tsung was a monk, poet, and calligrapher who renounced in 1924 under Master Miao Chan of Jingang Temple, in Hsinchu Temple, Taiwan. Three years later, he cultivated and studied Mahayana sutras as a recluse, living in a hut in Taichung. Acclaimed as a poet monk, he was often invited by intellectuals to discuss poetry and was a distinguished guest of the literary community.
Traveling extensively to acquire more knowledge and wisdom, he eventually returned to Taiwan in 1937 to propagate the Dharma at Lunghu Temple. He advocated studying the sutras and teaching the Dharma among monastics in Taiwan. His superb teaching skills were demonstrated by his ability to thoroughly explain profound teachings in simple terms.
Pin continued to live a reclusive and frugal life, devoting himself to teaching the Dharma and writing books. He authored Commentary on the Amitabha Sutra, Commentary on the Heart Sutra, and Essence of Surangama Sutra, all of which were compiled in Bequeathed Collection of Monk Pin Tsung. His calligraphy Seven-Character Couplet is now kept at Fayuan Temple.
Over time he established several temples including Fayuan Temple and Faji Temple. He also founded the South Tiantai Institute for Buddhist Studies at Fayuan Temple and constructed the South Tiantai Dharma Propagation Hall in Taipei. When he passed away, over 100 pieces of relics were found in his remains after cremation.