Master Chan Sheng Yen

About the Author

Master Chan Sheng Yen, a revered Chinese Buddhist monk and teacher, was born in 1930 in Jiangsu Province, China, and dedicated his life to the practice and dissemination of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Orphaned at a young age, he entered monastic life early, enduring the hardships of war and political upheaval before immigrating to Taiwan in 1949. There, he founded the Dharma Drum Mountain organization, establishing monasteries, universities, and retreat centers that have influenced countless practitioners worldwide. Through his teachings on meditation, ethics, and the integration of Buddhism into modern life, Master Sheng Yen bridged Eastern wisdom with contemporary challenges, authoring numerous books that elucidate the path to enlightenment. His autobiography, Footprints in the Snow, offers an intimate glimpse into his transformative journey from a rural novice to a global spiritual leader, inspiring readers with tales of perseverance and profound insight. Master Sheng Yen passed away in 2009, leaving a legacy of compassion and scholarly depth that continues to guide seekers on the path of awakening.