On a warm spring afternoon filled with sunshine and the gentle fragrance of tea, the Atlanta Chapter of the RUC North America Alumni Association (RUC-NAAA) hosted a Tea & Zen Salon on April 6 at Fo Hui Zen Temple, the Atlanta Buddhist Association’s serene and welcoming temple.
The event featured Master Benkong (Harold E. Lemke), a scholar and Buddhist translator specially appointed by the School of Philosophy at Renmin University of China, as the keynote speaker. Master Faren, abbot of Fo Hui Zen Temple, was also invited to join the event, where they explored questions of wisdom and life with RUC alumni.
The event opened with remarks from alumnus Yue Jingsheng, former Chairman of RUC-NAAA. Introducing Master Benkong, he said:
“Master Benkong is a wise man who has devoted himself to Buddhist practice for many years. As a Westerner with a sincere appreciation of the Buddhist spirit of the East, he has dedicated himself to translating and sharing Buddhist philosophy. He is a scholar appointed by the School of Philosophy at Renmin University, and also a friend whom we deeply respect.”
With a touch of humor, he added, “A monk who has traveled a long way knows how to deliver the teachings. Talking with a wise person helps us better understand the principles of life and live with greater wisdom.” His remark brought warm smiles from the audience and set a respectful yet relaxed tone for the gathering.
Dressed in a brown monastic robe, Master Benkong spoke in a calm yet firm voice. Under the theme “Tea and Zen as One,” he explored three central Buddhist concepts: letting go, awareness, and compassion. Drawing on his experience translating Buddhist scriptures as well as his background in psychology, he presented Buddhist thought in an accessible and engaging way.
“Translating Buddhist scriptures is not merely a matter of translating words. It means listening to the voices of the masters and bringing wisdom accumulated over a thousand years to the hearts of people today.”
“Zen is not an escape from reality. It is a way of helping us live more clearly and freely within reality.”
Master Benkong also reflected on his first encounters with Buddhism as a child. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, he recalled frequently traveling between Little Italy and Chinatown in Manhattan. Those childhood memories of passing through Chinatown became the starting point of his connection with Buddhism.
“As a child, I did not understand the teachings of Buddhism,” he recalled, “but I was already drawn to its sense of solemnity and compassion.”
His presentation combined academic depth with the warmth of personal spiritual practice, offering alumni a moment of tranquility and an opportunity for reflection.
The event also featured a dialogue between Dawson Lee, Chair of RUC-NAAA, and Master Benkong. Lee remarked:
“Your Chinese is not only fluent, but also filled with compassion and philosophical insight. Listening to you explain the Buddhist teachings feels like having a conversation with wisdom itself.”
Master Benkong smiled and replied:
“I am not here to lecture on Buddhism. I am here to return with everyone to the original place of the heart.”
His gentle words prompted quiet reflection among those present.
The salon unfolded at an unhurried pace, accompanied by tea, refreshments, quiet conversation, and laughter. Buddhism no longer seemed distant, and philosophy no longer felt abstract. Instead, they became a cup of tea, a verse, a smile from a fellow traveler, and a moment of awakening in silence.
About Master Benkong
Born Harold E. Lemke in Jersey City, New Jersey, Master Benkong went to Taiwan at the age of 17 to attend high school and study Chinese. He later studied Asian Studies at Seton Hall University, History at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, and at the Professional School of Psychology in San Francisco, where he earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology and received professional credentials in religious ministry. At the age of 49, he ordained at Nan Hua Temple in South Africa. He is currently based at Foon Yin Monastery in New York, where he focuses on translating Chinese Buddhist scriptures into English and teaching Buddhist studies. In 2022, he was appointed by RUC’s Institute for the Study of Buddhism and Religious Theory as an expert on the major research project “English Translation of Fang Litian’s Essentials of Chinese Buddhist Philosophy,” sponsored by the Ministry of Education’s Key Research Base for Humanities and Social Sciences. In February 2024, he was appointed Resident Monk at Fo Hui Zen Temple of the Atlanta Buddhist Association and has also assisted the temple in developing Chinese-English Buddhist education and training programs.
About Master Faren
Born in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, Master Faren ordained in 2005 and subsequently studied at the Hebei Buddhist Academy, while also studying courses in religion and patriotism at Hebei Normal University. From July 2009 to May 2012, he resided at Bailin Zen Temple in Zhao County, Hebei, where he studied under the renowned contemporary Buddhist master Jinghui. In June 2012, he came to the United States to teach Buddhism and has actively participated in activities organized by the Buddhist Association of the United States. In 2022, he founded Fo Hui Zen Temple of the Atlanta Buddhist Association.
Contributed by: Atlanta Chapter
Edited by: Wu Yafeng