Long Gen

Venerable Long Gen (Chinese: 隆根长老) (1921-2011) was a key monastic figure in the Singapore Buddhist community.

Early life
Venerable Long Gen, a revered figure in the realm of Chinese Buddhism, was born in the picturesque Jiangsu province of China in the year 1921. His spiritual journey commenced at an extraordinarily young age, as he embarked on the path to enlightenment by becoming a Buddhist novice at the tender age of 10. It was at the venerable Mount Bao Hua in the historic city of Nanjing where his commitment to the monastic life took a profound turn. At the age of 22 he underwent formal ordination, marking the commencement of his lifelong dedication to Buddhism.

The mid-20th century brought about a period of immense change and turmoil in China's history. In 1949, amidst the sweeping social and political transformations, Venerable Long Gen made the challenging decision to leave his hometown of Wuchang. Driven by his unwavering devotion to his spiritual calling, he embarked on a journey that would take him to the southern cities of Guangzhou and Hong Kong. While details of his activities during this period remain largely hidden, his presence in these bustling urban centers undoubtedly played a crucial role in the propagation of and practices.

Furthermore, the year 1956 witnessed another significant chapter in Venerable Long Gen's life, as he made a notable visit to the island of Taiwan. His pilgrimage to Taiwan held immense symbolic importance, as it facilitated cultural and spiritual exchanges between Chinese Buddhist communities on the mainland and the vibrant Buddhist communities of Taiwan. Though precise records of this visit are scarce, it is widely acknowledged as a testament to his commitment to fostering unity and understanding among Buddhists across geographical and political boundaries.

Throughout his life, Venerable Long Gen's unwavering commitment to Buddhism and his tireless efforts to promote its teachings left an unerasable mark on the spiritual landscape of China and beyond. His journey from a small village in Jiangsu to becoming a revered Buddhist monk traversing diverse regions is a testament to his dedication to the path of enlightenment and his role in connecting the rich tapestry of Chinese Buddhist traditions.

Achievements In South East Asia
When Ven Long Gen was in Penang in 1960 propagating Buddhism, he also began the publication of Buddhist collateral in Malaysia and Singapore. Thereafter in 1964, Venerable Long Gen stayed settled down in Singapore, gradually relocating the Nanyang Buddhist Bookstore from Penang to Singapore. In November 1973, Venerable Long Gen was appointed as the Abbot of Leng Foong Prajna Temple. He also participated in the Singapore Buddhist Federation since 1984 before taking on the leadership of Buddhist Federation in July 1994. He died in 2011, aged 91.