A. The Lineage
Venerable Bhikkhu Vūpasama Thera was born in Taiwan and is of Chinese heritage. He studied and practiced the Buddha's doctrines for over forty years and established Original Buddhism Society in several countries. He is the Dhamma lineage successor who has restored and revitalized the original teaching of Buddha Sākyamuni which was dormant for nearly 2200 years.
He was ordained by Ven. Baddanta Zagara Bhivamsa, a disciple of Ven. Ledi Sayadaw (C.E. 1846-1923) from a Burmese Theravada Saṅgha. Ven. Bhikkhu Vūpasama Thera is currently the chief mentor of the Original Buddhism Society in Taiwan, America, Malaysia, Australia, and Europe. He is also the mentor of "Sambodhi World" in Taiwan, Malaysia, and New York. All of his disciples including the "Sambodhi Saṅgha" practice Original Buddhism.
Master Vūpasama's core research and practice of Buddhism teachings are in the area of revitalizing the original teaching of Buddha Sākyamuni from the most ancient scriptures collected by the First Buddhist Council, a council convenedinthe same year the Buddha passed away. His main effort is to spread the original teaching, meditation techniques, and the path to enlightenment as taught by Buddha Sākyamuni.
Master Vūpasama has not only succeeded the Dharma lineage of Original Buddhism, he is also knowledgeable in all schools of Chinese Buddhism, and in the ideologies of the three Indian Bodhisattva Schools, namely "Prajñā," "Yogācāya," and "Tathāgata-garba." In addition, he has profound practical and teaching experience in the ideologies of "Prajñā-Pāramitā Sutras" and "Mādhyamikā commentary," as well as the meditation methods of the Chinese Zen School.
In 2011, the Master invited many elder monks of Theravada Saṅgha to organize “The Joint Declaration of Buddhism and the Four Noble Truths" in Taiwan, Malaysia, and the United States. These activities facilitated exchanges and cooperation among the Saṅgha members in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, United States, Malaysia, and Taiwan, as well as promoted social influence of "Buddhism of the Four Noble Truths."
In 2014, based on the mission of the Original Buddhism Society, the Master founded “The Buddhist Society of the Four Noble Truths” in order to unite disciples of Original Buddhism and those of Theravada Buddhism who believe and practice the Four Noble Truths. He advocates the following four lineages: Original Buddhism, Theravada School, Chinese exoteric School, and Tibetan esoteric School to share the same mission to benefit all beings.
In 2015, the Master based on "Agama Sūtras," "Amitābha Sūtra," and "Vinaya-Mātika Sūtra" wrote "Three Stages of Mindfulness Recitation and Meditation of the Amitābha Buddha." He advocates the three stages of mindfulness of the Buddha: "chanting the name," "concentrating," and "realizing the truths" by observing the principle of Relevant Influencing (Nidānas). The Master uses this method to redirect “Dharma-Ending Age” back to “the Age of the Right Dharma.” This book points out an important message: "the practitioners of Amitābha school will actually become the practitioners of Original Buddhism; the practitioners of Original Buddhism are also the practitioners of Amitābha school." He promotes the idea that Original Buddhism and ChineseBuddhism are of the same family and will prosper in harmony in this new era.
Since 2013, the Master began teaching meditation in various temples in China. He was invited as a mentor of Holy Buddha Temple and Middle-Path Cultural Center in Jilin, China. He guides Chinese Buddhists to study the Buddha's Original teachings and meditation methods, and also promotes the exchange and learning of various Buddhist cultures.
In 2015, Ven. Bhikkhu Vūpasama Thera gave Dharma talks together with Rev. Tenrai Ryushin Azuma Roshi of Japanese Soto Zen lineage, and later with Venerable Wendaruwe Sri Upali Anunayaka Thero from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka, to promote cooperation among various Buddhism Schools.
Master Vūpasama has completed a comparative study on "Samyukta-Āgama" of the Ven. Anānda lineage and "Samyutta-Nikāya" of the Ven. Upāli lineage. His study is based on the common doctrines, cross referencing with verification of suttas of the seven categories ("Relevant Influencing [Nidānas]," "nutriment," "noble truths," "realms," "five abstruseness [aggregates]," "six sense bases," and "Noble Paths [including Four Objects of Mindfulness]") of Samyukta-Āgama and Samyutta-Nikāya in order to restore the original teaching of the Buddha.
The doctrine of Original Buddhism is different from Theravada Buddhism, which is mainly based on the school of Vibhajjavāda. The main contents of Original Buddhism include:
- Using six sense bases as the divider for "the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)";
- Using nine methods of insight meditation to observe "The Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)";
- Using insight meditation to observe "The Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)" in order to cultivate the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Satta Bojjhaṅgā) to cease Ignorance (Avijjā) before the Cessation of Craving (Lobha);
- Basing on the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Satta Bojjhaṅgā) to practice in stages of the three rounds along with twelve aspects of the Four Noble Truths to accomplish awakening, detachment of craving, the Four Immeasurable Attitudes (viz. loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity), liberation (Mokkha), and Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi through "the Single Path of Awakening" (Ekāyana-magga).
Not only does Master Vūpasama not receive, use, nor accumulate money offered by devotees, but he also does not have a kappiya (layman) to manage money on his behalf. He travels around the world to spread the Buddha's original teachings and does not reside in one location permanently.
B. Publication of the Inheritance
Ven. Bhikkhu Vūpasama Thera's has had six major publications.
- The Master spent six years writing “Original Buddhism and the Evolution of Buddhism”: The contents are based on the Suttas, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma teachings, as well as historical records collected during the first two Buddhist Councils. The book clarifies the early schisms in Buddhism; the evolution and diversion of teachings within Sectarian Buddhism; the beginning and evolution of Mahāyāna Tradition; and the decline of Buddhism in India.
- “The fundamental and esoteric teachings of Relevant Influencing (Nidānas)”: It is broken down in two parts and there are a total of six hundred thousand words. Part I is the fundamental teachings of Relevant Influencing (Nidānas) and its deviations. Part II is the esoteric teachings of Relevant Influencing (Nidānas). The main contents are based on the common suttas of seven categories within "Samyukta-Āgama" and "Samyutta-Nikāya". The variations within the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing originated from the most ancient Abhidhamma – The Sāriputta Abhidhamma. These deviations have had a major impact on the development of different schools of Buddhism after the schism. The Master's book has restored the original teaching, meditation techniques and the path to enlightenment as taught by Buddha Sākyamuni. A concise version of this book was also published to clarify the original teaching of the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda).
- “The Middle Path (majjhimā paṭipadā) Meditation Technique”: This book discloses the proper teaching method associated with “The Observation of the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing” and “The Nine Methods of Meditation Based on The Observation of the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing”. The contents of this book are based on the common suttas of seven categories in "Samyukta-Āgama" and "Samyutta-Nikāya". It also elucidates the meditation practice of the Seven Factors for Awakening (Satta Bojjhaṅgā) to sequentially complete three rounds with twelve aspects of the Four Noble Truths, as to accomplish awakening, liberation from distress, and Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
- “The Middle-Path Practice for Humanistic Buddhism”: This book is based on the ancient suttas of the seven categories, highlighting the core teachings of the Relevant Influencing (Nidānas), and the practiceof the Four Noble Truths. Its purpose is to highlight the problems of resolution and eradication of distress. There is no contradiction between our daily living and the practice for enlightenment. The Master emphasizes Relevant Influencing (Nidānas) as the actuality of this world, and discards the misconceptions of using impermanence, suffering, non-self, emptiness, to explain the phenomenon of existence. The Buddha's teachings regarding the Middle Path and Relevant Influencing (Nidānas) are the proper ways for Humanistic Buddhism as they are based on the actuality.
- “The Connected Discourses on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment”: This book is based on three hundred suttas from the "Samyukta-Āgama" and "Samyutta-Nikāya". In addition, a more concise version of this book also highlights the "the Single Path of Awakening" (Ekāyana-magga).
- “The Samyukta-Āgama of Original Buddhism”: This book is based on the suttas of the seven categories within "Samyukta-Āgama" and "Samyutta-Nikāya". In addition, suttas collected during the first two Buddhist Councils are also used as proof of the development of distorted ideologies caused by the intermingling of suttas from different sects. The book refutes all distorted ideologies as a means to restore the original teaching of Buddhism.
Master Vūpasama is continuing teaching Buddhism and conducting meditation retreats. His publications in Chinese are as follows:
- In the Path of the Buddha, 2003
- Vegetarian and the Path of Loving-Kindness, 2005
- The Connected Discourses on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, 2008.
- The Testimony of Original Buddhism and its Development, 2010.
- Awareness and Cessation of Jealousy, 2011.
- The Wisdom and Methods to Overcome Difficulties, 2014.
- An Enlightened View on Wealth and Life Planning, 2015.
- Planning and Fulfillment of an Enlightened Life, 2014.
- Brief Talks on the Original Teaching of the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing, 2014.
- The Outline of the Connected Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, 2015.
- Definition of Original Buddhism, 2014.
- An Integration of a Generation of Noble Teachings of Buddha SÄkyamuni Based on the Seven Factors of Awakening, 2015.
- The Truth of Pure Land Teaching, 2014
- Three Stages of Mindfulness Recitation and Meditation of the AmitÄbha Buddha, 2015
To be published in 2016:
- Following the Buddha's Path - Part 1
- The fundamental and esoteric teachings of Relevant Influencing (Nidānas)” - Part I: the fundamental and its deviations
- Original Buddhism and the Evolution of Buddhism
- The Middle Path (majjhimā paṭipadā) Meditation Technique
- The Middle Path Practice for Humanistic Buddhism
To be Published in 2017:
- The Samyukta-Āgama of Original Buddhism
- Liberation and Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi
- The Exploration of Middle-Path Relevant Influencing (Nidānas) and Emptiness
- The Practice and Achievement of the Four Immeasurable Attitudes
C. Meditation Method and the stages for awakening path.
- First, fulfill the restraint of sense-faculties (indriya-saṃvara-sīla) by exercising control over the sense organs.
- Develop the first jhana (a stage of meditative absorption) by practicing Ānāpānasati” (mindfulness of breathing) so as to abandon restlessness (uddhacca) and dullness(thina-middha). Meanwhile, develop contemplation on the unpleasant (asubhānupassin), loving-kindness (mettā-saññā), the six recollections (cha anussatiṭṭhānāni) and the six things conducive to true knowledge (cha vijjābhāgiyā dhammā).
- Cultivate the enlightenment factor of mindfulness (satisambojjhaṅgo): discerning, as it actually is, the Twelve Factors ofRelevant Influencing(Paṭicca-samuppāda) is the core meditation method, which is alternatively expounded with the other nine meditation methods, namely, contemplating the arising and cessation of the Four Foundation of Mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna), of the Five abstruseness (aggregates), of Six Bases forContact (channaṃ phassāyatanānaṃ), of the World (loka), of the body in Being (sakkāya), of the four kinds of Nutriment (cattārome āhārā), of the base of power endowed with concentration founded on discrimination and the fabrications of exertion (vīriyasāsamādhippadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṃ iddhipādaṃ), of the aging-death, and lastly contemplating the truthof suffering, the arising and cessation of suffering during the first round of the four noble truths.
- Practice the most crucial parts of the contemplation of Relevant Influencing -- the 'Seven stages of insight meditation', 'The Forty Four Contemplation methods', and the 'Ninety-Two Arising Manifestation' which leads to claritythat the five abstruseness (aggregates) are the phenomenaof Relevant Influencing (paṭicca-samuppanna-dhamma), and therefore phenomenonof Relevant Influencing (paṭicca-samuppanna-dhamma) is impermanent (anicca), non-ego (anattā) and is not of mine, and consequently learn that from birth comes suffering (dukkha).
- After seeing clearly that the five abstruseness (aggregates) are phenomena of relevant influencing (paṭicca-samuppanna-dhamma), one realizes that craving is a trouble-makerwhichleads to suffering,dissipation of craving is the path to cessationof suffering.The right viewthat 'with the dissipation of craving for the five abstruseness (aggregates) comes the cessation of suffering'is obtained. Thus, one sees, as it actually is,how 'the five abstruseness (aggregates) relevantly arise and annihilate'; or sees, as it actually is, the 'arising and cessation of the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)', as expounded by the Buddha: 'from the attainment of the knowledge of relevant influencing (dhammaṭṭhitiñāṇaṃ) comes the knowledge of Nibbāna', and possess the seventy seven types of knowledge; thus dispel ignorance, ego, anddoubt; and consequently acquire indestructible confidence in Buddha, Dhamma and Saṅgha; falling no more intothe three evil realms, thus possessesthe wisdom for liberation.
- Practice the 'enlightenment factor of discrimination of Dhamma' (Dhamma vicaya) as follows:
By seeing, as it actually is,how 'the five abstruseness (aggregates) relevantly arise and annihilate'; one thus clearly sees, as it actually is, the path leading to annihilation of birth, death and suffering—the Eight-fold Path.This is also known as 'seeing the noble path as it actually is', and possessing the forty four types of knowledge. Thus, one hasclarityof the first four aspects of the first round of the four noble truths, dissipates the views of distorted grasp of rules and vows, and possessesthe root of wisdom and the root offaith, and is definitely ledto samyak-sambodhi.
- Practice the 'enlightenment factor of diligence (viriya) as follows:
Having possessed the clarityas a result of the first round with the first four aspects of the four noble truths, then by dwelling in the right mindfulnessand wisdom, one should cultivate diligently the Six Bases forContact(channaṃ phassāyatanānaṃ) (i.e. the five abstruseness[aggregates]) in accordance with dispassion, aversion, and cessation that lead to liberation, sequentially practicethe holy,cankerless (Anāsavā) and supra-mundane Eight-fold path, which is also known as 'the unexcelled development of the faculties in the discipline of a noble one[1]'. Thus apply the root of wisdom to the development of the root of diligence, the root of mindfulness and the root of concentration respectively,one practices in such a way is destinedforcessation of suffering, liberation, and samyak-sambodhi.
- In accordance with the sequence of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Satta Bojjhaṅgā), instructions on 'the fourteen essential methods on the development of wisdom and the cessation of cravingwill be given.
- Practice the 'enlightenment factors of Joy (pīti), Tranquility (Passaddhi) and Concentration (Samādhi) as follows:
By dwelling in the right mindfulnessandwisdom,cultivating diligently the Six Bases forContact(channaṃ phassāyatanānaṃ) for dispelling craving and the bond of the five abstruseness[aggregates]), one who practices as such will possess sympathetic joy from superior renunciation (enlightenment factors of Joy). Sympathetic joy gives rise to tranquility of body and mind (enlightenment factors of Tranquility); which subsequently leads to the disengagement from joy-abiding, thus, enabling pure one-pointedness concentration (enlightenment factors of Concentration).
Thus, in accordance with clear vision as the result of the first round of the four noble truths, sequentially practice to fulfill the supra-mundane Eight-fold path, which consequently leads to the attainment of right concentration, detachment from craving and hatred, the disconnection from the nutriment of consciousness(viññāṇāhāro), and liberation. By so achieving, one completes the second round with the four aspects of the four noble truths, and possesses the root of exertion, the root of mindfulness and the root of concentration.
- Practice 'the enlightenment factor of equanimity' as follows:
Upon the attainment of right concentration,onesequential attainsthe Five Roots, namely, the root of wisdom, the root of faith, the root of exertion, the root of mindfulness, and the root of concentration. Thus,dissipation of ignorance, craving, and hatred, the attainment of liberation with thorough knowledge and vision of liberation (vimuttamiti ñāṇaṃ hoti) normally proclaimed as 'Destroyed is birth, the holy life has been lived, what has to be done is done, there's no more this state of being'is achieved.This is the completion of the third round with the four aspects of the four noble truths.
Practicing the seven enlightenment factors in such a way is the integrated manifestation of all the noble teachings of Buddha Sākyamuni of his lifetime.
- By so completing the practice of the 'seven factors of enlightenment', the three rounds with twelve aspects of the Four Noble Truths is so achieved, thus possesses enlightenment, dispassion, the Four Immeasurable Attitudes (viz. loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity), liberation (Mokkha), and Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
- Utmost applicationsof the Four Noble Truths: the mostimportant teachings willbe givento the disciples by the master verbally.
D. Contribution in Restoration and Reappearing of Original Buddhism and Establishment of Humanistic Buddhism
Master Vūpasama's main objectives in the exploration and practice of Buddhism are to investigate and discover the doctrines of Original Buddhism, making every effort to advocate and practice Buddha Sākyamuni's original teachings, meditation methods, and the stages for awakening path. The Master makes remarkable achievements of research both in the history of the division of Sectarian Buddhism and in the evolution of the doctrines of Sectarian Buddhism.
Master Vūpasama has completed a comparative study on the Chinese translated "Samyukta-Āgama" of Ven. Anānda lineage and the Theravada Buddhism's"Samyutta-Nikāya" of Ven. Upāli lineage. By comparing and verifying the common contents of the suttasof the seven categories, namely "Relevant Influencing (Nidānas)", "nutriment", "noble truths", "realms", "five abstruseness (aggregates)", "six sense bases", and "Noble Paths (including Four Objects of Mindfulness)" of Samyukta-Āgamaand Samyutta-Nikāya, consequently he has restored the original works of the First Buddhist Council convened in the same year as the Buddha passed away. After many years of exploration and practices, Ven. Master has made ten major contributions in the restoration of the original teaching of the Buddha as follows:
- Research in unveiling the truth of the evolution of Saṅgha and the doctrines of the Buddhism in India.
- Restoration of "the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)" back to the original teaching with six sense bases as the divider.
- Recovering of the meditation methods of "the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)": contemplating the arising and cessation of six sense bases for insight into "the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)"; meanwhile, confirming that “contemplating the arising and cessation of the Four Foundation of Mindfulness, the Five abstruseness (aggregates), Six Bases for Contact (channaṃ phassāyatanānaṃ), the world(loka), the body in being (sakkāya), four kinds of nutriment (cattārome āhārā), the base of power endowed with concentration founded on discrimination and the fabrications of exertion (vīriyasāsamādhippadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṃ iddhipādaṃ), the aging and death, the truth of suffering, the arising and cessation of suffering upon the realization of the first round of the four noble truths are all referring to the contemplation of the arising and cessation of "the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)".
- Recovering the Single Path of Awakening (Ekāyana-magga): restoring the cessation of Ignorance must come before the cessation of Craving as the stages of the three rounds with twelve aspects of the Four Noble Truths.
- Recovering the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Satta Bojjhaṅgā) as the meditation method of the Middle way(majjhimā paṭipadā): by means of restoring the Buddha's original teaching of "the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)", the meditation method of the middle path thus reappears, which is to exercise the meditation methods of "the Twelve Factors of Relevant Influencing (Paṭicca-samuppāda)" by sequentially fulfilling the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Satta Bojjhaṅgā) integrating all of the thirty seven individual qualities of awakening (Bodhipakkhiyādhammā); and thus sequentially completing the three rounds with twelve aspects of the Four Noble Truths to accomplish awakening, detachment of craving, the Four Immeasurable Attitudes (viz. loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity), liberation (Mokkha), and Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
- Establishing the "Sambodhi Saṅgha": The tradition of practices is to diligently exercise, to advocate and to carry the meditation of the middle path in strict accordance with suttas and vinaya rather than the commentaries (Abhidhamma), and with the principles of only advocating the suttas, meditation methods and the Single Path of Awakening, and with the rules of not receiving, using and accumulating money and of no use of lay attendant (kappiya).
- Restoration of the original recited suttas: The restoration is to review the suttas of the seven categories in the Chinese translated "Samyukta-Āgama" of Ven. Anānda lineage and "Samyutta-Nikāya" of Ven. Upāli lineage, and based on the Chinese translated "Samyukta-Āgama" of Sabbatthivāda school to reproduce the original recited suttas by means of remediating and filtering of alteration and additions implanted by Sectarian Buddhists. A version of vernacular Chinese shall be produced too. This is fundamentally vital to the revitalization of Original Buddhism and is being undertaken by the "Sambodhi Saṅgha" with an estimate schedule of completion in 2016, which shall be a valuable, massive and long-lasting contribution to the reappearing of Dharma.
- Establishing Original Buddhism Society: to unite local and overseas practitioners of Original Buddhism to contribute collaborative efforts to the prosperity of the world and unity of Buddhism.
- Establishing the Buddhist Society of Four Noble Truth: to promote the union of both Original Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism in accordance with the Four Noble Truths, as well as to jointly advocate Buddhism and to make collaborative efforts to the welfare of the world with the guideline that we are one family of the four lineages, namely, Original Buddhism, Theravada, Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism.
- Completing the demonstration of the ideologies and practices of Humanistic Buddhism:
a. In the early twentieth century, Ven. Taixu who was the first to advocate “Buddhism for Human life” based on the doctrine of “the Dharmadhaatu Teaching of Perfect Awakening” (法界圓覺學), indicating his criticism of conventional Buddhism with an emphasis on funeral services and rites.
b. In the mid-twentieth century, Ven. Yin Shun advocated "Humanistic Buddhism" based on “Emptiness of its own entity”(性空唯名學), which left behind the mid-term and late-term MahayanaYogacara Buddhism with philosophy of “Mind-only or Consciousness-onlyor Cognition-only” (emphasizing phenomenology and ontology) (虛妄唯識論), and “embryo of the Tathagata” (真常唯心論), and returned to the emphasis of the ten good deeds of the human lives and the philosophy of “emptiness and non-own-nature” of the early Mahayana Buddhism in India.
Both Masters dedicated their life time to the reform of Chinese Buddhism to Humanistic Buddhism over the last century, causing a huge, massive and valuable effect to the Chinese society and the community of ChineseBuddhists. However, either adopting “Mind-only or Consciousness-only”or adopting the “impermanence, suffering, no-self, and emptiness” as the foundation for epistemology are both originated from the “Sariputta Abhidhamma”, and both apply the method of “affirm by denials of all” leading to the denial of the real world and the inability of achieving “the accordance of both development of human life and attainment of the enlightenment”.
c. In the early twenty first century, inheriting the spirit of altruism of the two Masters, Ven. Taixu and Ven. Yin-Shun, Ven. Vūpasama discovers that the Relevant Influencing (Nidānas) is the truth of the world and life, thus, realign the Humanistic Buddhism with the Relevant Influencing (Nidānas) as the core foundation, the three round withtwelve aspects of four noble truths as the stages of realization, the accordance of the fact of “To disprove error will not expose correctness whereas when correctness is exposed errors will be disproved” and the purposes of Buddhism as to solve problems and to eliminate the cause of suffering, therefore, achieving “the accordance of both optimization of human life and attainment of the enlightenment”. The ideologies and practices of Humanistic Buddhism are eventually re-aligned with the original teaching of Buddha, namely Relevant Influencing (Nidānas) and four noble truths, after the three stages of development over the past century. This proves that the Humanistic Buddhism is in fact Buddhism of the Buddha himself, and thoroughly demonstrates that Buddhism of the Buddha himself is the real Humanistic Buddhism.