Compilation and Publication of Periodicals
Buddhist magazines have played a crucial role in conveying spiritual teachings, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering community dialogue. However, their production during the turbulent 1930s and 1940s, marked by political unrest and economic challenges, required exceptional commitment and resources.
When Tung Lin Kok Yuen was established, Lady Clara Ho Tung pledged her commitment to spreading the Dharma by hosting the production of “Lamp in the Ocean of People” at Tung Lin Kok Yuen and covering all expenses. Even after the editorial board moved to Jinxian Temple in Ningbo, she continued to fund the magazine. Unfortunately, publication ceased in August 1937 due to wartime disruptions.
On the eve of the Japanese occupation, Po Kok students, encouraged by Venerable Kwan Bun, founded the school’s alumni association in 1941 and began publishing “Po Kok Alumni”. The magazine aimed to promote Buddhist teachings and document school activities. While publication was briefly suspended during the war, the magazine was revived post-war under new titles, “Po Kok Quarterly” and later “Po Kok Annual”, until its cessation in 1966.
The library at Tung Lin Kok Yuen also serves as a school library, housing a diverse collection of books and magazines spanning both Confucian and Buddhist traditions. Its holdings notably include Buddhist publications from mainland China during the Republican era, as well as early magazines from Hong Kong.
“Lamp in the Ocean of People”
Since the founding of Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Lady Clara Ho Tung recognised the profound role of cultural publications as a powerful tool for propagating the Dharma. With the coming together of favourable conditions, “Lamp in the Ocean of People” was first published in 1935. Starting from Volume 2, Issue 13, its publication moved to Tung Lin Kok Yuen in Hong Kong, becoming the one of first authentic Buddhist magazine in the region. The magazine was edited by Venerable Tong Yi.
Group Photo of the Hosts and Editors Across Three Editions of “Lamp in the Ocean of People”. Photographed in 1935 at Ho Tung Gardens
From left to right:
Back row: Madam Lam Ling Chun, Venerable Che Bin, Venerable Ai Ting, Lady Clara Ho Tung, Venerable Kui Di
Front row: Venerable Yue Xi, Venerable Zhi Feng, Mi Di, Venerable Ji Chen, Venerable Tong Yi
Venerables Zhi Feng, Ji Chen, and Kui Di were the hosts of the first and second editions of “Lamp in the Sea of People”. During a gathering in Hong Kong, Lady Clara Ho Tung recognized the significance of the occasion. As the host for the third edition, she organized a vegetarian offering for the venerables at Ho Tung Gardens and arranged for a commemorative group photo.
Selected Works from “Po Kok Alumni,” “Po Kok Quarterly,” and “Po Kok Annual.”
The publication “Po Kok Alumni” was launched in 1941 by the Po Kok Free School Alumni Association. Originally issued as a quarterly school magazine, it was later rebranded as the “Po Kok Quarterly” in 1956 and the “Po Kok Annual” in 1960.
The publication promotes authentic Buddhist teachings, featuring Dharma lectures by resident monks, articles by scholars, and records of student activities such as celebrations, speeches, art exhibitions, and Buddha-themed theatrical performances.
The quarterly magazine, jointly written and edited by Po Kok School’s teachers and students, showcased Tung Lin Kok Yuen’s early educational approach, encouraging students to integrate Buddhism into their daily lives creatively.
