Author Description

The Chan masters of old times discovered the principles of Chan through their own practice and shared them with their disciples so that they too, could awaken to the essence through the teachings. In the TV series "Great Dharma Drum," which was first broadcast by Taiwan's Chinese Television System, modern-day Chan Master Sheng Yen, using accessible language and media technology, addressed questions posed by the host, Ms. Chen Yueqing. Using Chan wisdom and compassion, Master Sheng Yen provided easy-to-understand and practical guidance to address these questions that are commonly experienced by many in daily life. This book is a selection of five of the ten topics that were re-broadcast in the U.S. as "Zen and Inner Peace," and were translated into English and compiled into this volume as part of the "Passing of the Lamp" commemoration of Master Sheng Yen's passing in 2009. Each of the five topics contains seven conversations between Master Sheng Yen and host Ms. Chen. The topics include major themes of everyday life, such as self-development, emotional management, attachment, career and Chan. In a forthcoming second volume, the Chan Meditation Center will publish the remaining five topics of "Zen and Inner Peace." This rare treasure of a book abounds with wisdom, especially for those who are interested in learning and experiencing Chan and Buddhism. As buddha nature is within all beings, this book expounds the meaning of "Life is Chan, and Chan is Life." Everyone can benefit by applying Chan wisdom and compassion in daily life, regardless of the complexity of their life, their environments and interpersonal relationships, along with the associated stresses and conflicts. The more one learns and applies these principles, the more one benefits. At a minimum one can lessen their vexations, and then further oneself to achieve happiness with an eventual advance into the essence of Chan.May all readers practice Chan at all times and benefit from the experience wherever th