Master Sheng Yen was a Taiwanese Chan (Zen) teacher who was born in 1931 in Jiangsu, China. He was raised in a Buddhist family and was exposed to Chan Buddhism at a young age. His grandfather, who was a devout Buddhist, often took him to temples and taught him about Buddhist scriptures and practices.

At the age of 13, Master Sheng Yen became a novice monk at Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, China. He studied under Master Dongchu, a renowned Chan master, and later under Master Dongshan Liangjie, who was known for his teachings on the Platform Sutra.

After completing his monastic training, Master Sheng Yen traveled to Taiwan in 1949, where he continued his studies at several monasteries. He also pursued a degree in Buddhist studies at National Taiwan University. During this time, he was exposed to different schools of Buddhism, including Pure Land and Tiantai.

In 1960, Master Sheng Yen received full ordination as a monk and began teaching at various temples in Taiwan. He also traveled to Japan to study under Master Hakuun Yasutani, a prominent figure in the Japanese Rinzai school of Zen.

In 1975, Master Sheng Yen founded the Dharma Drum Mountain, a Chan Buddhist organization in Taiwan. He also established the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies, which offers education and training in Buddhist studies and meditation.

Master Sheng Yen's teachings were deeply rooted in the Chan tradition, but he also incorporated elements from other Buddhist schools and modern psychology. He emphasized the importance of daily practice and meditation in one's spiritual journey and encouraged his students to integrate Buddhist principles into their daily lives.

Throughout his life, Master Sheng Yen traveled extensively, giving lectures and leading retreats in various countries, including the United States, Europe, and Australia. He also wrote numerous books on Chan Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness.

Master Sheng Yen's teachings continue to inspire and guide many practitioners around the world. His emphasis on practical application and integration of Buddhist principles in daily life has made Chan Buddhism accessible to people from all walks of life. He is remembered as a compassionate and wise teacher who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Chan Buddhism.