Benyin (simplified: 本因大师, traditional: 本因大師, pinyin: Běn Yīn) was the abbot (方丈) of Tianlong Temple (天龙寺), the national temple of the Dali Kingdom.
Biography
Benyin was a senior monk and the current abbot of Tianlong Temple, the most prestigious Buddhist institution in the Dali Kingdom. He was the disciple of Ku Rong Master (枯荣大师) and held a position of great authority and respect within the temple hierarchy.
Martial Arts and Abilities
Benyin was skilled in the One Yang Finger (一阳指 – Yīyáng Zhǐ), a powerful martial art technique that was one of the signature skills of the Dali royal family and their monastic order. This technique demonstrated his high level of martial arts cultivation.
Relationships
Monastic Lineage
Benyin’s monastic lineage included Kurong (枯荣大师 – Kūróng Dàshī) as his master, and several monastic brothers including Bencan (本参 – Běncān), Benxiang (本相 – Běnxiāng), and Benguan (本观 – Běnguān).
Family Connections
Benyin was the uncle of Duan Zhengming (段正明 – Duàn Zhèngmíng) and Duan Zhengchun (段正淳 – Duàn Zhèngchūn) in terms of family hierarchy, though they were also his monastic brothers.
Key Plot Events
Appearance in the story
Benyin appeared in Chapter 10 “剑气碧烟横” (Sword Qi Like Blue Smoke), where he represented the highest authority of Tianlong Temple.
Battle with Jiumozhi
Benyin engaged in combat with Jiumozhi (鸠摩智 – Jiūmózhì), a powerful Tibetan monk. Despite his considerable martial arts skills, Benyin was ultimately defeated by Jiumozhi, demonstrating the latter’s exceptional abilities.
Personality and Character
Benyin was portrayed as a wise and respected Buddhist master who embodied the spiritual and martial traditions of Tianlong Temple. His deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy earned him the respect of monks throughout the Central Plains.
Behind the Scenes
Benyin served as a representative of the Dali Kingdom’s religious and martial heritage. His role highlighted the connection between the Duan royal family and the Buddhist monastic order, as well as the high standards of martial arts cultivation maintained at Tianlong Temple.