On October 18 and 19, 2014, Yun Lin Weiqi (Game of Go) Contest and the Philosophy of Chan was organized by Hangzhou Lingyin Temple and Zhejiang University Weiqi Association at Lingyin Weiqi Center. Buddhist masters from Lingyin Temple, Shanghai Zhenru Temple, Chengdu Wenshu Monastary, Taiyuan Baiyun Temple attended the contest where they competed with professional weiqi players, including Wang Runan, Mao Yuheng, Zhang Yueran and Sun Yuan, as well as weiqi lovers from Peking University, Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University and China Academy of Art. All competitors tried to comprehend and enjoy the philosophy of Chan through the contest.
At 9:00 in the morning, Yun Lin Weiqi Contest and the Philosophy of Chan started with the Secretary General of Zhejiang University Weiqi Association Cai Xinyao as the host of the opening ceremony. Venerable Abbot Guangquan of Lingyin Temple addressed the audience:
＂Lingyin Temple has a long history of over one thousand and seven hundred years. Many eminent and venerable monks of Lingyin Temple were top weiqi masters, such as Master Jigong who once wrote a well-known verse about weiqi. The game of weiqi not only signifies the essence of Chinese traditional culture, but also contains the philosophy of life and the wisdom of Buddha Dharma. Today, it is the first time in the history of Lingyin Temple for monastic masters, university professors and professional weiqi players to gather together to compete with each other and discuss the philosophy of Chan. I hope all of us can go beyond the contest and benefit from the philosophy of Chan.＂
Professor Cheng Yanqi of Zhejiang University Weiqi Association gave a speech on behalf of university weiqi lovers:
＂There is a strong bond between Zhejiang University and Lingyin Temple. During the Cultural Revolution, staff and students of Zhejiang University were engaged in the protection of Lingyin Temple for four consecutive days and nights… Today we gather together at Lingyin Temple and have such an excellent opportunity to compete with each other in the game. It is meaningful to get enlightenment from the saying ‘Life is like a game of chess’.＂
The Director of Lingyin Weiqi Center Master Jueliang illustrated the relation between weiqi and Chan with three concepts -- a luminous mind, self-nature, and Buddha-nature. He hoped everyone could maintain a calm and peaceful mind in the game of weiqi. Master Ziyu talked about the relation between weiqi and mercy: ＂The game of weiqi comprises many moves. One should be crystal clear about every move and the intention behind it. Don’t be troubled by winning or losing because neither winning nor losing is real. Therefore, there is no need to be too aggressive in the game.＂

The scene of Yun Lin Weiqi Contest and the Philosophy of Chan

Venerable Abbot Guangquan addressing the audience

Professor Cheng Yanqi of Zhejiang University Weiqi Association giving a speech

Venerable Abbot Guangquan making a move on the checkerboard

Master Jueliang illustrating the relation between weiqi and Chan

Master Ziyu demonstrating the truth of no real winning or losing

Weiqi players competing each other while enjoying the philosophy of Chan

A group photo