Master Sheng-yen Dies

I was quite saddened when a dear friend informed me that the renowned Chan master Sheng-yen died in Taiwan today. He was seventy-nine (eighty by East Asian calculations). Not to be confused with the controversial Tantric teacher Lu Sheng-yen, master Sheng-yen was one of the foremost interpreters of Chan Buddhism to the West. And for those unfamiliar with the term “Chan,” the Japanese pronounce the word “Zen.” Sheng-yen was a scholar and author as well as spiritual director. Perhaps most significantly he left a number of successors including at least five Western lay masters.

I’m sure the Dharma Drum Mountain, which he founded will continue to be like that great bush in the western scriptures providing shelter for the birds of heaven.

Endless bows, teacher, and thank you…