The ASA is the peak body which represents ordained Buddhist monks and nuns in
Australia.

The ABC article, Devotees of Tasmania’s Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism claim
leader is ‘living Buddha’, but former members have concerns (9/8/2023), contained
reference to a group of so-called Buddhist “monks and nuns” who follow Wang Xinde
(Buddhist name “Zhi Ji”) and the Jingang Dhyana group and who are “permitted to
marry and have children”. The article stated:

Mr Wang claims to be the 28th patriarch of Jin-Gang-Dhyana Buddhism. Its beliefs differ from many sects. Unlike almost all other Buddhist movements, monks and nuns – including Mr Wang – are permitted to marry and have children.

This group also operates under the name Tasmanian Buddhist Chinese Academy of
Australia. The ASA affirms that celibacy is a requirement for ALL Buddhist monks and nuns according to the Buddhist monastic code (vinaya).

In 2017, it was affirmed by the ASA committee that the ASA does not regard this
group as having a legitimate monastic lineage.

Neither Wang Xinde nor other individuals in robes associated with this group are recognised as being ordained monastics (bhikshu or bhikshuni or any type of monk
or nun) by the ASA.

Members of this group’s leadership are ineligible for ASA membership and do not
participate in or maintain close relationships with the ASA. The ASA remains committed to educating the public on Buddhist monks and nuns. The ASA is available for comment on this and other matters in relation to Buddhist monks and nuns/claimants of Buddhist monastic status in Australia.

Signed electronically by
Thubten Chokyi
Chair,
Australian Sangha Association

For further inquiries:
Contact asasecretary@gmail.com
Media contact: Ven. Thubten Chokyi/Ajahn Brahm