User:Ironbuddha108/IronBuddha

IronBuddha is the pseudonym, or pen name for the individual known as Mark S. Allen (1962 - ). Mr. Allen adopted and first used this name in the public domain in 1993 as a user name for the web service AOL. The name originated from the Oolong tea plant named "Tie Guan Yin" (literally meaning iron guanyin) This a premium variety of Chinese oolong tea associated with Anxi in Fujian province. Named after the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (known in Chinese as Guan Yin). Other spellings and names include Ti Kuan Yin, Tit Kwun Yum, Ti Kwan Yin, Tie Guan Yin, Iron Buddha, Iron Goddess of Mercy, Iron Avalokiteśvara, and Tea of the Iron Bodhisattva, which is probably the closest English translation. The name is spelled distintly with no space between the words. This is because he believed that there is no seperation between the iron will of the Buddha's Dharma and the Buddha himself. The name also was picked because this tea plant is one of the hardiest plants grown in this remote area. A very tough exterior, and strong in its roots. Mr. Allen identified with these characteristics and adopted the name. Also, because of his interests in Asian motorcycles, he once had an old 1980 Yamaha XS850, which he named "The IronBuddha". see website : http://www.ironbuddha.com