Sheng-yen

Sheng-yen (聖嚴), (1930-2009) was a Chinese Buddhist monk, teacher, and scholar. He was a major figure in the revival of Chan Buddhism in Taiwan and the West during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Sheng-yen received full ordination as a monk in 1949. He initially practiced a traditional monastic life, focusing on meditation and scriptural study. Recognizing a need for more formal education and training, he traveled to Japan and earned a doctorate in Buddhist literature from Rissho University in 1975.

Upon his return to Taiwan, Sheng-yen became abbot of Nung Chan Monastery and Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies. He established Dharma Drum Mountain, a Buddhist organization dedicated to education, charity, and spiritual practice.

Sheng-yen was known for his accessible teaching style, which made Chan Buddhism understandable and relevant to modern audiences. He emphasized the importance of integrating Chan practice into daily life and promoted interfaith dialogue and social engagement. He authored numerous books on Buddhism, meditation, and philosophy, which have been translated into many languages.

He founded the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Pine Bush, New York, and led retreats and workshops around the world. His teachings emphasized mindfulness, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Sheng-yen is widely regarded as a key figure in bridging Eastern and Western cultures through Buddhist practice and philosophy. His legacy continues through the Dharma Drum Mountain organization and the many students who continue to practice his teachings.