Zhao Puchu

b. 1907, Taihu, Anhui; d. 2000, Beijing

Buddhist, political activist

A well-known social activist and one of the religious leaders in China, Zhao Puchu enrolled in Soochow University, but discontinued his studies one year later because of illness. Recuperating at home, Zhao began studying the doctrines of Buddhism. In the early 1930s, Zhao served as chief secretary of the Chinese Buddhist Association based in Shanghai.

During the War of Resistance against Japan, he went to Shanghai to participate in charity work. In 1945 Zhao Puchu, together with Ma Xulun, Xu Guangping and Lei Jieqiong, founded the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD).

After 1949, Zhao Puchu engaged in more social and political work. Among his numerous official titles were Secretary of the Chinese Writers’ Association, Vice-Chairman of the Sino-Japan Friendship Association, President of the Chinese Buddhist Association, Honorary President of the Red Cross Society in China, and Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. For his efforts at promoting peace and Buddhism, Zhao won the Buddhist Evangelic Credit Award from the Japan Buddhist Evangelist Association, an honorary doctorate from the Japanese University of Buddhism and an international Peace Award in 1985. Accomplished in classical poetry and calligraphy, Zhao has left two collections of poems, A Collection of Drops of Water (Dishui ji) and A Collection of Stone Pieces (Pianshi ji), both warmly received. His calligraphy is much sought after by visitors.

FU HONGCHU