Buddhism

What is Buddhism?

Many people might not realise that there are different schools of Buddhism. Chris belongs to the Esoteric School of Hamni Buddhism.

The Chinese Esoteric School of Hamni Buddhism was established by Enlightened Masters to transmit the realised practice, to guide those who aspire to know, and to raise awareness. The Esoteric School advocates the universal practice of ‘Know Yourself, Change Yourself & Conquer Yourself’.

Dechan Jueren, is the 49th lineage holder and current Master of the Esoteric School. His main message is to look first to yourself. “If anyone wants to change anything, you must change yourself first,” he says. “If we want to change our natural environment for the better, we must change our own thinking. Only then will the world have a better future. You must change your thinking and your behaviour to overcome your bad habits.”

The students of The Esoteric School must learn to forgive everyone, to respect everyone, to help everyone, and to give happiness to everyone!

The ultimate precept of The Esoteric School is to ask the highest and the best out of oneself. Anything you do, always check with your conscience first.

Chris’ Buddhism journey

It all started with a phone call out of the blue from someone Chris had never met or even heard of. “Would you like to bring a living Buddha to your area? An enlightened Master?”. Having no idea who he was or what he did, Chris knew she had to do it, and without hesitation said yes. Arrangements were quickly make for talks, workshops and free healing to be held at venues across Warfield.

Soon enough Master Yu, also known as Living Buddha Dechan Jueren (pictured, right), was sitting in a sunlit conservatory with his sunglasses on, talking, sharing and healing. Chris will never forget that day, instantly feeling overwhelming compassion and respect as soon as he entered her home. The attendees for the free healing all experienced something equally as special and powerful.

Later came more workshops. One called the Prajna Akas’agarbha – a sixteen movement meditation, a difficult one to master, but beautiful experiences to be had. Plus, a workshop on how to purify food, water and air – skeptical you might be, Chris says it really does work and cannot believe how powerful it is.

As Chris sat opposite Master Yu, trying to take in all the experiences she had experienced, she wondered “Will I ever meet you again?”. He looked up, and through his interpreter said “If it is in our destiny, we will meet again.” Amazing, but also watch what you are thinking around Master Yu!

At this stage Chris knew she wanted to know more and to become part of this. In all this there was a recognition and Chris felt very comfortable with it all. Before leaving, Chris asked if she could become a student of Master Yu, however it wasn’t the correct time and didn’t happen.

Master Yu left and Chris kept in contact with the person who had first contacted her – arranging visits, talks and workshops. He then told Chris that the Abbott of the Temple in Los Angeles was visiting the UK and would she like to put the word out for a talk and meditation. Again, Chris agreed without hesitation and full of optimism.

That’s how Chris met Dan Kendall, Abbott of the Dari Rulai Temple in Los Angeles (pictured, left). Feeling an instant connection with Dan, they spoke and discussed a few things, then he left.

After Dan had left, Chris heard he could also take on students. After some gentle pushing from people around Chris and building up the courage, Chris emailed Dan asking to be considered for becoming a Buddhist student. A reply came quickly back, “It may be difficult at this time, and because of the distance”, but it wasn’t a no.

Dan returned to the UK within a few weeks, and Chris once again arranged a small talk to be held and Dan wanted to do a Dharma practice with Chris. After completing the Dharma practice in Chris’ treatment room, Dan looked up and asked her ‘So, you would like to become a student?” Chris couldn’t say yes quicker, but was told by Dan to think it over for a couple of days.

After 2 days, Chris had thought it through and rang Dan. “Yes please” Chris said, and Dan became her Sifu.

Since then, Chris has brought Dan Kendall and Master Yu to various locations – in the UK, and Spain. Chris also regularly holds Esoteric meditations using CD’s produced by Master Yu.

Time moves so quickly , so I thought I would update you and let you know what has been happening.

In 2018 I set up the Golden Light Buddha Sangha Charity.
The idea is to find a space for the Sangha to practice Dharma and teach, and a place just ‘to be’.
I also want to facilitate and help the needs of the local community.
As you can imagine this is not a small undertaking. We need involvement and donations. The charity will be run by a number of Trustees.
So I, along with others are still working on attaining a site.

Of course along came Covid! Along with so many other plans it came to a halt.
Our hearts and souls are in the right place so it WILL happen!!

I am still offering Medicine Buddha practice groups over zoom as well as esoteric meditations.
Happily I am also able to still teach Six Dharmas of the Lotus Family. This can also be offered over zoom.