Hunan Provincial Buddhist Association, May 25, 2006

Yueyang, China -- On May 23, 2006, White Plum Blossom Poetry Anthology by Eight-fingers Dhuta (Ven.  Jing'an) published one century; Dharma-assembly of 155th Anniversary of Ven. Jing'an, the first president of Chinese Buddhist Society; a foundation-stone laying ceremony the Memorial Stupa of Ven. Jing'an were held in Xiangyin County, Hunan Province.

Ven. Shenghui, vice-chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, Hunan Provincial Buddhist Association; Ven. Dayue, Ven. Fatong, Ven.  Huaifan, Ven. Yuanbo, they are vice-chairman of Hunan Provincial Buddhist Association present the Dharma-assembly.

Ven. Shenghui gave an important speech, he said, Eight-fingers Dhuta is an eminent Master in China. He is good at poem, and he keep the suffering world firmly in mind while he learning Buddhism. His patriotic compassion mingled with the Buddhist principles, so he an honorary title "Patriotic Poetic Monk". This Dharma-assembly is to cherish Eight-fingers Dhuta's great contribution to the whole country and Buddhism.

Thousands of fourfold assembly from all over the country participated in this Dharma-assembly. The Buddhist Association of China, Tiantong Monastery in Ningbo sent congratulatory telegram respectively.

Why did he have a name Eight-fingers Dhuta? That's an amazing story. Ven. Jing'an is not only a poetic monk, but also an ascetic. In the autumn of 1877, he paid homage to the Buddha Relics in Ashoka Monastery in Ningbo, Zhejiang. When he saw the Buddha Relics for the first time, he became extremely excited, so after his finished his prostration, he scooped out one slice of his arm flesh, and ignited two of his fingers to pay homage to the Buddha. His courageous deed astonished every monastic in Ashoka Monastery. They congregated at the Buddha Relics Hall, chanting Buddha's name. Ven. Jing'an remained utterly and excellent calmness all the time, he bowed to the whole monastics, then he was gone. Since then, he called himself as Eight-fingers Dhuta.