Elder Peng Hua-ling (潘公道長華齡)The Virtue of Elder Peng Hua-lingIn 1886, Elder Peng was born in a wealthy family in Herbei Province (河北武清縣), China. His parents, being traditional Buddhists, often offered kindness to the communities with their generosity and benevolence. As a smart young boy, he enjoyed reading the classical Chinese literature: The Four Books (The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, The Confucian Analects, and The Works of Mencius) and The Five Classics (The Book of Poetry, The Book of Document, The Book of Rites, I Ching, Spring and Autumn Annals). He comprehended easily and was able to recite the literature fluently. He learned from Confucius principle, Lao Tzu’s teaching and practiced the Buddhist principles in his daily life. He also skilled in much hand-written calligraphy in Mandarin. Being a wise young man, with his humbleness and kindness, he was made many friends. In his adulthood, he became a successfully business man. He prosperously operated a jewelry store. With his fortune, he made much charitable contribution to his community.
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In 1938, he received Tao. His introducer was Elder Liu Meng-rong (劉夢榮道長).
In 1940, he was designated to be the Temple-host for Haoran Temple (浩然壇), in Tianjin Province (天津). He made huge financial contribution to propagate Tao. The most incredible story about him was his mercy and benevolence to Deity Bekan! He donated million dollars and 200 acres of land in exchange for elevating Deity Bekan to heaven. However, All of Elder Peng ’s brothers could not comprehend that the family-inherited properties were spent recklessly on something so foolish. Thus, all his brothers condemned his irrational conducts and alienated him purposely. Until 1949, China political situation took a drastic turn. The government confiscated all the citizen property and finance. Then, all the brothers realized Elder’s wisdom his intellegent foreseeing.
In 1941, he received the Heavenly decree and became an Enlighten Transmitted Master. The 18th Patriarch, Zhang Tien-ran, assigned him to be the Temple-host for Bao-guang Temple (寶光壇) in Shanghai, China. Again, Elder Peng donated significant amount of financial support to expand Tao. Although he came from wealthy family, but his cloth was always simple, his meal was usually plain, and his spending often was thrifty. He also inspired his families to follow Tao. His daughter was Temple host, his two sons were the channeling persons dedicated in the Tao mission, and his wife was also the transmitted Master with Heavenly decree. In less than 10 years, He expanded Tao to more than 10 provinces, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
In 1946 year end, he began Tao missions in Taiwan. He ordered and brought 52 sets of temple lamps from Shanghai transiting via trains and ocean flights to Hong Kong, then he managed to carry them via ocean flights to Kylung, Taiwan. Afterward, he rode train from Kylung to Taipei. During those years, the material used for temple-lamps were mostly lead and tin due to the sources of copper material were considered scarce and expensive. Thus, the 52 sets of copper lamps that Elder Peng brought were considered significantly distinguished and precious. The temple-lamps are essential items for the setup for alters. Lamps mean brightness signifying the original of life. The lamps also imply consciousness which means our inner-soul. Each set of lamp includes the upper lamp and the 1 pair of lower lamps. During his 1st trip to Taiwan, Elder Peng also purchased a two stories building in Taipei (台北市太原路92巷5至7號), Taiwan. He utilized first floor as retail grocery store and have second floor as temple, Chin-der Temple (親德佛堂). From 52 sets of temple-lamps he brought, he used one set for Chin-der Temple, and all others were bestowed to individuals who want to setup the temples. At the end, he was left with 8 set of temple lamps.
In 1947, Lunar month August 15th, Patriarch Zhang Tien-ren passed away. In 1947, Patriarch Sun continued the Tao lineages. Several Elder arrived to receive the Golden thread from Patriarch Sun. However, upon Patriarch Zhang’s return to heaven, Elder Peng was occupied in coordinating the memorial service for Patriarch Zhang and relocating his families. After completing the efforts, Elder Peng arrived late before Patriarch Sun. Upon fully explaining his reason for being late, Patriarch Sun bestowed the "True Heavenly Way" as a group title for Bao-guang Temple. From then on, the "True Heavenly Way" is scripted on the Heavenly Dragon Scroll which signifies all the Bao-Guang members will be guided to the true Heavenly way and Elder Peng’s virtue and spirit will continue for generations.
In the same year of 1947, mission of Tao in Taiwan experienced extreme difficulties. Three Masters (Master Chen Wen-sheng (陳文祥)、Master Liu Zhang-red (劉長瑞), Master Ku Zuan-nian (谷椿年) and 85 Tao members were arrested for wrongly allegation. Their residences and temples were confiscated by the police. The remaining 8 set of temple-lamps and pose of Patriarch Lu Dong-bing were impounded. The situations were disastrous and overwhelming. After several attempts and negotiation, fortunately, 85 Tao members were released gradually, but 3 Masters were still prisoned.
In 1948, Elder Peng arrived in Taiwan, the second time. Traveling between cities, he gathered and guided Tao members to repent and prayed Heavenly Lord’s mercy in rescuing the Tao environment.
In 1949 February, he came to Taiwan, the 3rd and final time. He realized the 3 Masters were still in prison. Upon returning, he informed the situation to Patriarch Sun. Patriarch Sun was torn with grief. Immediately Patriarch Sun knelt and prayed to the Lord’s mercy. Next day, miraculously, 3 Masters were released from prison. The 3 Masters were jailed totaling one year and 6 months. Although 3 Masters were released, the residences, temples, and the lamps were still seized by the government. Master Ku Zuan-nian (谷椿年) sought assistance from Attorney Young(楊蔭衡) to file several petitions in the superior court.
In autumn of 1956, finally, all the seized items were released, including the residences, temple-lamps, and pose of Patriarch Lu Dong-bing. When verifying all the items from lists, Master Ku (谷椿年) and Temple-host Chen (陳萬枝) found out all items were remarkably unharm. Later, several Tao members bought 7 sets of lamps. The remaining 1 set were kept by Temple-host Chen (陳萬枝) who later bestowed the set to be treasured and displayed in the Memorial Hall of Saint Yuan-jue.
In 1949, the Chinese Civil War ended, but the government began with the People’s Republic of China, the Communists. Mao Zedong and his Red Army (Communist to the core) drove Chiang Kai-shek and his National Army from mainland China to Taiwan. China has been a Communist country since 1949.
In 1950-1951, because of the unstable political situation, temples were seized. Many Tao members disappeared or were arrested for prosecution for unknown reason; the whole Tao environment had been squashed. Bao-guang Temple then was forced to relocate to Hong Kong. Together with Patriarch Sun, Elder Peng relocated safely. Elder Peng later set up 3 additional temples in Hong Kong.
During this time, in China, numerous Masters, Temple-hosts, Tao members were arrested for wrongly allegation and executed to death. The terrible news occurred in ongoing basis. The Communists held several Masters and Tao members’ hostage for threatening Elder Peng to surrender. Feeling grief, Elder Peng knelt before Patriarch Sun for permission to go back to China in exchange for Tao members’ life and freedom. Patriarch Sun stated: “You have just escape from danger. The great Tao missions await you to fulfill…” Elder Peng replied: “If I don’t surrender, many Masters and Tao members will be executed to death. By sacrificing myself, my life could exchange for numerous lives. Later when the political situation is over, their lives will be spared to continue propagation of Tao. I beg your permission to let me go.” Elder Peng knew returning to China was a death road, but his bravery was determined to save the whole Tao environment. Patriarch Sun had no other choice but reluctantly to let him return and surrender before the Communists. Upon the day of his departure in Hong Kong, all Tao members cried to say good-bye. Elder Peng persuaded them: “Why cry? I will see you in heaven.” He arrived in Canton, China. He publicly proclaimed that he was the primary leader of the Heavenly Tao. He was arrested immediately.
In 1953, Lunar calendar of May 1st, together with other elders, he was executed with numerous gunshots. On this day, thousands of people came to honor his bravery and sacrifice for the continuation of Tao lineage. To prevent riot from the Tao members and bystanders, the government arranged extra police force to line up barricade around the executing arena. On this day, Giant dust storms stirred up and rock trembled. Dark thundercloud covered the entire sky.
Although Elder Peng did not have much presence in Taiwan, he sacrificed his ultimate life to assure the continuation the Tao lineage. His selflessness and virtue is truly our model and would be deeply commemorated in our heart for generations to come.
In 1940, he was designated to be the Temple-host for Haoran Temple (浩然壇), in Tianjin Province (天津). He made huge financial contribution to propagate Tao. The most incredible story about him was his mercy and benevolence to Deity Bekan! He donated million dollars and 200 acres of land in exchange for elevating Deity Bekan to heaven. However, All of Elder Peng ’s brothers could not comprehend that the family-inherited properties were spent recklessly on something so foolish. Thus, all his brothers condemned his irrational conducts and alienated him purposely. Until 1949, China political situation took a drastic turn. The government confiscated all the citizen property and finance. Then, all the brothers realized Elder’s wisdom his intellegent foreseeing.
In 1941, he received the Heavenly decree and became an Enlighten Transmitted Master. The 18th Patriarch, Zhang Tien-ran, assigned him to be the Temple-host for Bao-guang Temple (寶光壇) in Shanghai, China. Again, Elder Peng donated significant amount of financial support to expand Tao. Although he came from wealthy family, but his cloth was always simple, his meal was usually plain, and his spending often was thrifty. He also inspired his families to follow Tao. His daughter was Temple host, his two sons were the channeling persons dedicated in the Tao mission, and his wife was also the transmitted Master with Heavenly decree. In less than 10 years, He expanded Tao to more than 10 provinces, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
In 1946 year end, he began Tao missions in Taiwan. He ordered and brought 52 sets of temple lamps from Shanghai transiting via trains and ocean flights to Hong Kong, then he managed to carry them via ocean flights to Kylung, Taiwan. Afterward, he rode train from Kylung to Taipei. During those years, the material used for temple-lamps were mostly lead and tin due to the sources of copper material were considered scarce and expensive. Thus, the 52 sets of copper lamps that Elder Peng brought were considered significantly distinguished and precious. The temple-lamps are essential items for the setup for alters. Lamps mean brightness signifying the original of life. The lamps also imply consciousness which means our inner-soul. Each set of lamp includes the upper lamp and the 1 pair of lower lamps. During his 1st trip to Taiwan, Elder Peng also purchased a two stories building in Taipei (台北市太原路92巷5至7號), Taiwan. He utilized first floor as retail grocery store and have second floor as temple, Chin-der Temple (親德佛堂). From 52 sets of temple-lamps he brought, he used one set for Chin-der Temple, and all others were bestowed to individuals who want to setup the temples. At the end, he was left with 8 set of temple lamps.
In 1947, Lunar month August 15th, Patriarch Zhang Tien-ren passed away. In 1947, Patriarch Sun continued the Tao lineages. Several Elder arrived to receive the Golden thread from Patriarch Sun. However, upon Patriarch Zhang’s return to heaven, Elder Peng was occupied in coordinating the memorial service for Patriarch Zhang and relocating his families. After completing the efforts, Elder Peng arrived late before Patriarch Sun. Upon fully explaining his reason for being late, Patriarch Sun bestowed the "True Heavenly Way" as a group title for Bao-guang Temple. From then on, the "True Heavenly Way" is scripted on the Heavenly Dragon Scroll which signifies all the Bao-Guang members will be guided to the true Heavenly way and Elder Peng’s virtue and spirit will continue for generations.
In the same year of 1947, mission of Tao in Taiwan experienced extreme difficulties. Three Masters (Master Chen Wen-sheng (陳文祥)、Master Liu Zhang-red (劉長瑞), Master Ku Zuan-nian (谷椿年) and 85 Tao members were arrested for wrongly allegation. Their residences and temples were confiscated by the police. The remaining 8 set of temple-lamps and pose of Patriarch Lu Dong-bing were impounded. The situations were disastrous and overwhelming. After several attempts and negotiation, fortunately, 85 Tao members were released gradually, but 3 Masters were still prisoned.
In 1948, Elder Peng arrived in Taiwan, the second time. Traveling between cities, he gathered and guided Tao members to repent and prayed Heavenly Lord’s mercy in rescuing the Tao environment.
In 1949 February, he came to Taiwan, the 3rd and final time. He realized the 3 Masters were still in prison. Upon returning, he informed the situation to Patriarch Sun. Patriarch Sun was torn with grief. Immediately Patriarch Sun knelt and prayed to the Lord’s mercy. Next day, miraculously, 3 Masters were released from prison. The 3 Masters were jailed totaling one year and 6 months. Although 3 Masters were released, the residences, temples, and the lamps were still seized by the government. Master Ku Zuan-nian (谷椿年) sought assistance from Attorney Young(楊蔭衡) to file several petitions in the superior court.
In autumn of 1956, finally, all the seized items were released, including the residences, temple-lamps, and pose of Patriarch Lu Dong-bing. When verifying all the items from lists, Master Ku (谷椿年) and Temple-host Chen (陳萬枝) found out all items were remarkably unharm. Later, several Tao members bought 7 sets of lamps. The remaining 1 set were kept by Temple-host Chen (陳萬枝) who later bestowed the set to be treasured and displayed in the Memorial Hall of Saint Yuan-jue.
In 1949, the Chinese Civil War ended, but the government began with the People’s Republic of China, the Communists. Mao Zedong and his Red Army (Communist to the core) drove Chiang Kai-shek and his National Army from mainland China to Taiwan. China has been a Communist country since 1949.
In 1950-1951, because of the unstable political situation, temples were seized. Many Tao members disappeared or were arrested for prosecution for unknown reason; the whole Tao environment had been squashed. Bao-guang Temple then was forced to relocate to Hong Kong. Together with Patriarch Sun, Elder Peng relocated safely. Elder Peng later set up 3 additional temples in Hong Kong.
During this time, in China, numerous Masters, Temple-hosts, Tao members were arrested for wrongly allegation and executed to death. The terrible news occurred in ongoing basis. The Communists held several Masters and Tao members’ hostage for threatening Elder Peng to surrender. Feeling grief, Elder Peng knelt before Patriarch Sun for permission to go back to China in exchange for Tao members’ life and freedom. Patriarch Sun stated: “You have just escape from danger. The great Tao missions await you to fulfill…” Elder Peng replied: “If I don’t surrender, many Masters and Tao members will be executed to death. By sacrificing myself, my life could exchange for numerous lives. Later when the political situation is over, their lives will be spared to continue propagation of Tao. I beg your permission to let me go.” Elder Peng knew returning to China was a death road, but his bravery was determined to save the whole Tao environment. Patriarch Sun had no other choice but reluctantly to let him return and surrender before the Communists. Upon the day of his departure in Hong Kong, all Tao members cried to say good-bye. Elder Peng persuaded them: “Why cry? I will see you in heaven.” He arrived in Canton, China. He publicly proclaimed that he was the primary leader of the Heavenly Tao. He was arrested immediately.
In 1953, Lunar calendar of May 1st, together with other elders, he was executed with numerous gunshots. On this day, thousands of people came to honor his bravery and sacrifice for the continuation of Tao lineage. To prevent riot from the Tao members and bystanders, the government arranged extra police force to line up barricade around the executing arena. On this day, Giant dust storms stirred up and rock trembled. Dark thundercloud covered the entire sky.
Although Elder Peng did not have much presence in Taiwan, he sacrificed his ultimate life to assure the continuation the Tao lineage. His selflessness and virtue is truly our model and would be deeply commemorated in our heart for generations to come.