When and where was Taixu born?
Taixu was born on the 8th of January 1890 in Haining, a county within Zhejiang province. His parents died while he remained very young.
Questions about Taixu
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What religious order did Taixu join at age sixteen?
At age sixteen, Taixu entered Xiao Jiuhua Temple in Suzhou for ordination into the Linji school of Chan Buddhism. He received the Dharma name Taixu shortly after this ceremony.
Why did Taixu go into seclusion starting in October 1914?
Taixu went into seclusion on Putuoshan for three years starting in October 1914 because he was shocked by the outbreak of World War I and suffering in China. This period followed his participation in secret revolutionary activities against the Qing dynasty.
How many monks were reduced in Taixu's reorganization plan by 1930?
Historical records indicate that by 1930, Taixu had cut the number of monks within the order significantly to revitalize Buddhism. This reorganization aimed to bring about a Pure Land in this world through tangible social action.
Which organizations did Taixu create to implement charitable methods from Europe?
Taixu implemented organizational styles from Christian charities into groups like the Bodhi Society and Right Faith Society. These lay organizations provided charity to the sick, poor, and misfortunate while maintaining critical distance from Christian theology.
When and where did Taixu die?
Taixu died on the 12th of March 1947 at Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai. His ideas were carried forward after his death by influential disciples Yin Shun and Dongchu.