Teachers
Venerable DaXiong(大雄法师)
Biography
Late Venerable DaXiong was born in 1913 to the Ding family from Hunan, China. In 1943, he was ordained by Venerable XingShan of Xi’an Tian Ci Shi (天池寺) and later received bhikshu vows under his guidance.
Later on, Venerable DaXiong left China and traveled South ward; he visited Penang Buddhist College (槟城佛学院), San Bao Wan Fo Shi (三宝万佛寺) in Cameron Highland, and settled in Singapore’s Beeh Low See Buddhist Temple (毗卢寺). During his stay in Singapore, he went to Tien Hou Gong (天后宫) in Pulau Tekong for one and half year retreat, reading and studying Tripitaka. Upon completion, he went to Fah Si Lam Temple (法施林) and stay there for 2 years including a 1 and half year retreat. After which, he went to Soong Shan Shi (松山寺) in Taiwan. He was invited as a researcher in Taiwan Chung Hwa Academy Buddhist Cultural Research (台弯中华学术院). He wrote a thesis on "The right understanding of Truly knowing and ignorance through establishing and refutation using Dependent Origination" (“正知真知与无明立破之缘起伦”). When he returned to Singapore, he stayed in Da Jue Shi (大觉寺), propagating Chan practice and Tian Tai Moho Zhiguang (天台摩诃止关).
The late Venerable DaXiong practiced six paramitas rigorously in his life, especially in the gift of dharma. He traveled to different Buddhist groups and organizations to teach dharma. He restlessly taught the aspirations of Buddhist masters and Zen Koan in great details.
Venerable DaXiong received Vajrayana teaching and practice from his teacher Gangkar Ani. Gangkar Ani’s main gurus were KangKa Rinpoche and 1st Beru Khyentse Rinpoche. She received her hair cutting ceremony from 1st Beru Khyentse Rinpoche. KangKa Rinpoche and 1st Beru Khyentse Rinpoche were good Dharma friends.
In 1979, Venerable DaXiong, as abbot of Lien Foh Lin Temple invited H.E. Beru Khyentse Rinpoche to Singapore. His Eminence Beru Khyentse Rinpoche transmitted Mahamudra to Venerable DaXiong due to his accomplishment in Vajrayana practice. With his assistance, they founded Karma Kagyud Chokhorling to spread Karma Kagyud teachings in Singapore.
Venerable DaXiong lived a simple life, teaching and practicing Buddha's teaching and aspirations. He compassionately and tirelessly taught whoever he was in contact with.
The late Venerable DaXiong departed on June 30 1987 with large amounts of relics after cremation. This was truly an evidence of a great accomplished practitioner.
