Master tells how to cope with modern life

5:03am Friday 28th March 2008

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IN the world of silent meditation, Master Yu Tianjian is a very big noise.

The Mongolian born spiritual master is ranked as a Living Buddha. If Buddhists believed in hierarchies, he would have the same status as the Dalai Lama.

Master Yu, who has taught all over the world and was a key speaker at the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit, is now travelling to Leigh to share his spiritual insights.

The talk will be held tomorrow in Leigh.

"Ancient teachings can be used to help people with the problems of the modern world," he says, in explanation of his travels.

Master Yu's Hanmi Buddhist teachings stem from the traditions of the ancient Long Quan temple in Chifeng, Mongolia, of which he is spiritual master.

The teachings have been passed down in secret from one master to another since 720AD.

Yu is the 49th master in succession. Hanmi Buddhism, of which Master Yu is now the chief living exponent, became the official religion of China, before being banned and forced underground by Chinese ruler Tang Wu Zong.

The master is visiting Essex as the guest of Chelmsford driving instructor and acupuncture practitioner Paul King.

Paul says: "I first encountered Master Yu while I was studying acupuncture in Hawaii. Listening to him talk, it was clear he was a true teacher, able to express deep wisdom in a simple, but authoritative, manner - something few people can do.

"He explained his teachings were now being taught to the public to help people deal with the difficult time the world is facing.

"People come from all walks of life to learn from him - hairdressers, van drivers, office workers, care assistants. A number of people have since told me what they leant from Master Yu has had a very positive effect in their lives, ranging from an increased sense of peace and calmness, to dramatic improvements in their health."

Paul went on to take a three-month course of meditation classes with the master.

"These meditations had a very profound healing effect on me," he says.

"I started to experience an inner peace, something I had been searching for, for a long time."

On his visit to Essex, the master will offer spiritual advice and tips.

He will also provide practical instruction on the mantras and silent meditation at the core of Hanmi Buddhism. Paul says: "I particularly wanted Master Yu to come to Southend, because it was where I spent the first 18 years of my life. I was born in Rochford hospital and lived in Shoebury, Benfleet, Westcliff and Chalkwell before leaving to study in London."

Master Yu will speak at the Quaker Hall, Leigh, Saturday, March 29, at 2pm. This will be followed by a guided meditation session at 7.30pm.

Paul is charging £5 (conc £3), purely to cover costs. Master Yu receives no payment. For further information call 0784 6069713.