Propagating the Dharma in Hong Kong

Lady Clara Lin-Kok was a driving force behind the resurgence of dharma propagation in Hong Kong.

After returning to Hong Kong, Lady Clara Lin-Kok contacted followers to promote Dharma activities in the colony. In 1922 she invited Venerable Ruoshun of the Qi Xia Monastery, Venerable Aiting from the Bamboo Grove Monastery, and Venerable Yuhua to Ming Yuan in Hong Kong to be in charge of a seven-day retreat, drawing the participation of more than one thousand devotees, and giving momentum to a new stage in the teaching of the Dharma in Hong Kong.

In inviting eminent monastics to Hong Kong, Lady Clara Lin-Kok was in particular keen to address the widespread problem of misconceptions and misrepresentations of the Buddhist teachings in the colony. To further this agenda, in 1925 Ven. Yuan Gong convened, at Lady Clara’s request, a series of talks on Mahayana Buddhism spanning three months. The response to this initiative was excellent, with the event attracting extremely large crowds.

This event was described by Lady Clara in the Notes on Mountain Travels as follows: “I did not lean back for a second during the three months of dharma talks. I personally took care of the large audience, so that the seeds of dharma would be planted… I started my journey seeking the dharma for myself, and coincidentally benefited more people by helping them plant the seeds of the dharma. It was an unexpected miracle which owes to the blessings radiated by the light of the Buddha which embraces all sentient beings. It is unfortunate that no one has taken up this responsibility before….” Indeed, Lady Clara could be considered as having played a important, pioneering role in supporting the resurgence and propagation of orthodox Buddhist teachings in early colonial Hong Kong society.

A Compassionate Goal to Benefit All Sentient Beings

By 1929 Chinese society had been ruptured by the growing civil war, prompting Lady Clara Lin-Kok to feel the teaching of the dharma was desperately needed to promote social harmony. To this aim, she worked on advancing Buddhist education. At that time very few women enjoyed the privilege of formal schooling. Lady Clara felt that educating women was essential to advancing social stability, and decided to establish a Buddhist school for women. She mentioned this in the Notes on Mountain Travels: “I thought about this seriously in solitude, that people are born with similar potential, and yet some become ignorant due to a lack of educational opportunities. I feel bad about this and would like to educate people in the Dharma, so that the law of cause and effect can be understood and people can better assist their parents, society, and bring harmony to the world. This is a good way to help people better their hearts and minds and reform society.”

Po Kok First Free School for Girls and the Po Kok Centre of Buddhist Studies

Hong Kong’s first Buddhist School, Po Kok First Free School, was established in 1930. Soon after, the Po Kok Second Free School was established in Macau. The primary purpose of both schools was to help poor women gain greater independence. Subjects were thus practical, including basic maths, sewing, weaving etc.

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Ven. Aiting (in the middle), a teacher of Tung Lin Kok Yuen during the early days of establishment.	Ven. Aiting giving dharma talk in Hong Kong Bodhi Center during the early days.
Po Kok Girls' School, the First Buddhist School in Hong Kong. It was established in 1930 on Percival Street.	Inauguration of Po Kok Girls' School in Macau in February 1936.
Teaching at the Po Kok Girls’ School emphasized on theories and practices. The curriculum is practical for everyday life.	Ven. Aiting at Po Kok Centre of Buddhist Studies which was established in 1932 for the purpose of training women to propagating dharma.