Master Sheng Yen, also known as Shifu, was a Taiwanese Chan (Zen) teacher who was highly respected and revered for his teachings and contributions to the practice of Chan Buddhism. His journey to becoming a Chan teacher was one that was filled with dedication, hard work, and a deep understanding of the teachings of Chan Buddhism.

Born in 1930 in Jiangsu, China, Master Sheng Yen was raised by his grandmother who instilled in him a love for Buddhism. He became a monk at the young age of 13 and began his formal training in Chan Buddhism. He studied under various masters and received teachings from different lineages, including the Linji and Caodong schools.

In 1949, Master Sheng Yen fled to Taiwan with his family due to the Chinese Civil War. He continued his studies and practice of Chan Buddhism, and in 1958, he received full ordination as a monk. He then embarked on a journey to deepen his understanding of Chan Buddhism by traveling to Japan, where he studied under the renowned Zen master, Hakuun Yasutani.

After returning to Taiwan, Master Sheng Yen became a teacher at the National Taiwan University, where he taught Buddhism and Chinese literature. He also founded the Institute of Chung-Hwa Buddhist Culture, which aimed to promote the study and practice of Buddhism in Taiwan.

In 1975, Master Sheng Yen traveled to the United States to teach at Columbia University and later at the State University of New York. During his time in the US, he noticed the growing interest in Buddhism and the lack of authentic teachers who could transmit the teachings of Chan Buddhism. This inspired him to establish the Dharma Drum Mountain, a Buddhist organization that focused on the practice and dissemination of Chan Buddhism.

Through his teachings and writings, Master Sheng Yen became a highly respected and sought-after Chan teacher, both in Taiwan and the West. He emphasized the importance of integrating Chan practice into daily life and encouraged his students to cultivate compassion and wisdom through meditation and ethical conduct.

Master Sheng Yen's journey to becoming a Chan teacher was one of dedication, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the teachings of Chan Buddhism. He dedicated his life to sharing the wisdom of Chan Buddhism with others, and his teachings continue to inspire and guide many practitioners around the world.