Huang Yuanshen was once a dazzling star in the Hong Kong film and television industry, and he is famous for his role as Huo Yuanjia. However, when his career was in full swing, he suddenly chose to become a monk, converted to Buddhism, and became a monk. Sixteen years later, he returned to the world and moved abroad with his family, leading a life of seclusion. Such a turning point in life has surprised and puzzled many people. Why did he become a monk?Why should he be vulgar?What did he experience between becoming a monk and returning to the world?
Huang Yuanshen was born in 1948 in Sichuan, and moved to Hong Kong with his parents from Shanghai at an early age. Due to his poor family, he learned to be considerate and hardworking since he was a child, and used the money from his part-time job to pay for his tuition. He originally wanted to study civil engineering abroad, but gave up his dream due to financial difficulties. He used to do all kinds of manual labor, and he also learned the polishing and identification of jade. He began to learn Wing Chun at the age of 12 and developed a good kung fu. In 1971, at the recommendation of his younger brother, he took the exam of the artist training class and successfully entered the film and television industry.
He has filmed many martial arts movies and TV series, and has won the love and recognition of the audience with his handsome appearance and superb martial arts. He played Ximen Blowing Snow in "Lu Xiaofeng", Jiang Xiaoyu in "The Peerless Twins", and Huo Yuanjia in "The Great Hero Huo Yuanjia", all of which are classic roles that make him the most popular TV student in Hong Kong. In particular, "Hero Huo Yuanjia" was introduced to the mainland in 1983, setting off a ratings frenzy, making his popularity popular from Hong Kong to all over China. He also founded his own film company and worked as a producer, director and actor. His career can be said to be in full swing, unmatched.
However, just as his career reached a whole new level, he made a shocking decision: to become a monk. In 1989, he suddenly came to Baolin Monastery, shaved as a monk, and took the Dharma name Yanshen. His parents, wife, and two children rushed to dissuade him, but he was determined to continue to become a monk no matter how much his relatives and friends cried. The reason for his ordination has always been a mystery. Some people say that it was because of the scandal between him and Zhao Yazhi, which made him feel guilty and tired. Some say it's because he feels disappointed and empty about Vanity Fair in the entertainment industry. Some say it was because he was inspired by a lay person who believed in Buddhism, and he became interested in and admired Buddhism.
Others say that it is because he has a new understanding of life and death, and wants to seek liberation and transcendence. Regardless of the reason, or a combination of many reasons, his ordination shows that he has rethought and chosen his life. After becoming a monk, Huang Yuanshen completely abandoned everything in the world and lived a hard and quiet life. He got up on time every day, chanted, meditated, and labored, and no longer ate meat, drank alcohol, smoked, or practiced martial arts. He worshipped Venerable Shengyi as his teacher and followed him on a journey to many countries in Southeast Asia, spreading the Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings. He also once returned to Hong Kong and participated in some Buddhist activities and projects, but he refused all the ** interviews and photographs, and did not meet his wife.
His wife, Shi Qianyu, has never remarried, nor has she bothered him anymore. His two children, too, respected his choice and occasionally wrote to him to tell him about the situation at home. His ordination lasted for 16 years, until 2005. In 2005, Huang Yuanshen suddenly announced his return to the vulgar, which caused a sensation again. The reason for his return to the world is also a mystery. Some people say that it was because of the death of his **Holy One Master, which made him feel helpless. Some say it was because his wife was sick, which made him feel worried and guilty. Some people say it's because his Dharma practice has been perfected, and he feels desireless. Some people say that it was because his ordination was impulsive, which made him regret and bored.
Regardless of the reason, or a combination of multiple reasons, his return to the vulgar shows that he has once again thought and made choices about life. After returning to the vulgar, Huang Yuanshen did not return to the entertainment industry, nor did he accept any more ** interviews. With his wife and two children, he moved to the United States and lived a reclusive life. He bought a house in the United States, surrounded by a forest, away from the hustle and bustle. His life was very simple, except for spending time with his family, that is, reading books and writing poetry. He didn't give up the Dharma completely, he still meditated and chanted every day, but he didn't wear a robe anymore and he didn't take ordination. His secular life has continued until now, and he is 74 years old.
Huang Yuanshen's life can be said to be very legendary and colorful. He has gone from a poor immigrant to a famous actor, from a smash hit star, to a monk with a pure heart and few desires, and from a monk who has practiced for 16 years to an ordinary person living in seclusion abroad.