Benyin (simplified: 本因大师, traditional: 本因大师, pinyin: Běn Yīn, jyutping: bun2 jan1) was the abbot (方丈 — fāngzhàng) 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.
Personality and traits
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.
Martial arts 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.
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.
See also
- Tianlong Temple