Other Distinguished Sangha
Mahayana Sangha
Venerable Yan Pei (1917 - 1996)
Venerable Yan Pei (1917 - 1996) was born in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China in 1917. He was ordained at the age of 12 by Venerable Chang Shan and went on to study at various Buddhist colleges. Due to the Sino-Japanese war, Venerable Yan Pei went to Hong Kong with his teacher, Venerable Ci Hang in 1937. Later, he returned to China and furthered his studies in the Mahayana teachings at the highly esteemed Han Zang Dharma Institute in Chongqing. Between 1952 and 1956, Venerable Yan Pei undertook many important roles and was active in spreading the Dharma, especially in Taiwan, South East Asia and North America.
In 1963, Venerable Yan Pei started to reside in Singapore. Apart from giving Dharma talks, he also dedicated himself to the cause of Buddhist education, culture and charitable Welfare work.
He established Fu Hui Auditorium and Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services. The benevolent Venerable Yan Pei was highly acclaimed for his charity work. He set up of numerous charitable Welfare organizations to serve the needs of the poor, sick, needy and drug-abusers. With unconditional kindness and universal compassion, Venerable Yan Pei was conferred the Public Service Medal (PBM) and Public Service Star (BBM) awards by the President of Singapore in 1986 and 1992 respectively. Venerable Yan Pei was also a prolific writer of the Buddhist teachings.
Venerable Yan Pei departed on 10th November 1996 at the age of 80. He was well respected locally and overseas for his consistent efforts of propagating Buddhism and indefatigable stamina in implementing social welfare projects. Venerable Yan Pei was a great spiritual leader and role-model for the Sangha community.
By courtesy and permission from The Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services
Extract from Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services website:
"The late Venerable Yen Pei (1917-1996) was a learned scholar well versed in Sutra, Vinaya and Abhidharma. He was reputed as a Master of the Tripitaka."
"As a religious minister, he conducted Dharma classes and made the Buddhist teachings simple for the average man to understand."
"He was also a social worker with great compassion and drive in serving the community of Singapore ever since he settled here in the 50s.
He was awarded the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 1986 and the Public Service Star (BBM) in 1992."
"Being a Fattithful follower of Buddha's teachings, he practised and propagated the Fattith in his daily life, as well as promoted numerous welFattre projects."
