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Chairman of MABA: Bhikshu Ji Ru
Born in Malaysia. Bhikshu JiRu learned about Theravada Buddhism and ordained in Thailand in 1980. He later studied Chinese Buddhism and ordained in that tradition under the late great Buddhist Master Venerable ZhuMo in 1986. He was supervisor of Triple Wisdom Hall and vice-chairperson of Buddhist Association of Malaysia Youth Division. He was a speaker at the Triple Wisdom Hall's Buddhist research class and several youth training camps. In 1991, he was religious advisor of the Sabah State Liaison Committee of Malaysia where he helped establish the "Sabah and Labuan Buddhist Educational Foundation".
Bhikshu Ji Ru came to the United States in 1992 to give a Dharma Talk, and shortly thereafter he was appointed the Abbot of Great Enlightenment Temple of Buddhist Association of U.S. in New York. In 1993 he became Secretary of the "Buddhist Union of New York". He came to St. Louis, Missouri in 1995. He became the vice-chairperson of Mid-America Buddhist Association in 1996. He formed the Youth Buddhist Educational Foundation in the following year. In 1999 he became the Abbot of Mid-America Buddhist Association.
He was invited by the committee members of International Buddhism Friendship Association in Chicago to be their Abbot in 2000 after the passing away of their old Abbot Bhikshu Xin Quan. In 2002, he was appointed by the Buddhist Association of United States to be the Abbot of Chuang Yen Monastery, and Great Enlightenment Temple of Buddhist Association of U.S. in New York, and he resigned from the post as Abbot in 2003 due to busy commitment with the two monasteries in Augusta, Missouri and Chicago. Now, he remains the Abbot of Mid-America Buddhist Association and International Buddhism Friendship Association, and continue to offer Dharma teachings around the United States and other countries.
A Short Message from Bhikshu Ji Ru
Buddhist culture is without doubt an Oriental religion that has gained most attention in recent years in mainstream America. It currently exists as a one of the subordinate cultures in the Western society, which is mainly composed of European and American heritages.
Either from a scientific or theological point of view, Buddhism as a whole is something quite different from the Western mentality. No matter how people think of Buddhism, it has proven itself to be one of the most adaptable and most resilient religions and cultures in history. This religion created by the Buddha has displayed enormous sensibility, modesty, and tolerance, which are crucial to international interactions in the 21st century. Also, Boddhisavatts' compassion and selflessness are qualities that are desperately needed by mankind.
Today, Buddhism has become more and more popular. This is a very positive trend. I have devoted my life to educating people about Buddha's wisdom. My residency in the U. S. is for contributing what I know about this extremely beneficial way of living to our society. MABA's creation is the beginning of realizing this dream. I wish MABA's establishment as well as its existence bring people joy and benefits. I also look for your continued support and encouragement.
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