The Pilgrim Xuanzang

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on Monday, July 13, 2015.)

Statue of Xuanzang with his "backpack" at Xingjiao Temple, Xi'an

At some temples, the observant visitor may notice an unusual figure. A monk in antique clothing is carrying something on his back that seems a cross between a backpack and a wooden shrine cabinet.

The Monk Konghai

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on November 9, 2015.)

A statue of Konghai at Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou

The Japanese word for "Great Teacher" (大師) is spelled "Daishi" in Roman characters, and pronounced die-shee. (The Chinese spell it dashi in Hanyu Pinyin, and pronounce it da-shuh). One Great Teacher in Japan has been designated THE Daishi, since he stands out above the rest. His name was Kukai (Ch. Konghai) and his full title "Kobo Daishi" (Hongfa Dashi)--the Great Teacher who Spreads the Dharma (the Buddha's teachings).