Ashin Jinarakkhita

Ashin Jinarakkhita (1923–2002)

Ashin Jinarakkhita, born Tee Boan-an, was an instrumental figure in the revival of Buddhism in Indonesia during the 20th century. His efforts were crucial in re-establishing Buddhist traditions and fostering a sense of Buddhist identity within the nation.

Early Life and Spiritual Exploration

Born in Bogor, West Java, on January 23, 1923, Tee Boan-an displayed an early interest in yoga and spiritual matters. His youthful inquiries led him to Theosophy, where he was encouraged to read influential texts and practice meditation on Gede and Salak Mountains. After attending technical schools in Jakarta and Bandung, he pursued chemistry at Groningen University in the Netherlands, where he deepened his understanding of Theosophy and learned Pali and Sanskrit. During his time in Europe, he also attended lectures by Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Buddhist Ordination and Adaptation

Upon returning to Indonesia in 1951, Tee Boan-an became involved in religious organizations, including the Indonesian Sam Kauw Union and the Indonesian Theosophy Youth. He received novice ordination as a Mahayana Ch'an monk in 1953, taking the name Tizheng from Chinese Mahayana priest Benqing Lao Heshang. Due to political changes in China, Tizheng was sent to Burma in 1953 to practice Satipatthana Meditation under Mahasi Sayadaw. In 1954, he was ordained as a Theravada monk and received the name Ashin Jinarakkhita, after which he returned to Indonesia.

Revival of Buddhism in Indonesia

Ashin Jinarakkhita recognized that for Buddhism to thrive in Indonesia, it needed to be integrated into the local culture. He founded the first Indonesian Buddhist lay organization, Persaudaraan Upasaka Upasika Indonesia (PUUI), in 1955, which later merged into the Indonesian Buddhist Association (Perbudi). He also established the Sangha Suci Indonesia, a monastic organization that evolved into the Sangha Agung Indonesia, encompassing Theravada, Mahayana, and Tantrayana traditions. In response to the Indonesian state ideology of Pancasila, which mandated belief in one supreme God, Ashin Jinarakkhita creatively presented nibbana as the Theravada 'God' and Adi-Buddha as the Mahayana 'God,' drawing from ancient Javanese Buddhist texts.

Teachings and Legacy

Ashin Jinarakkhita's teachings were characterized by a liberal approach, emphasizing personal religious experience and the pursuit of one's own spiritual path. He often quoted non-Buddhist figures and admired spiritual leaders like Sai Baba. His core message highlighted the importance of duty, the sanctity of the body, and the pervasive nature of love. He had students and followers both in Indonesia and internationally, including Dutch lay student Ton Lathouwers, who later founded the Maha Karuna Ch'an organization in the Netherlands.

Ashin Jinarakkhita passed away on April 18, 2002, in Jakarta. His remains were interred at Sakyavanaram Temple in West Java, a place where he had lived.