Chan Master Sheng Yen Passes

[This is an edited version of a message from Jimmy Yu, a disciple of Master Sheng Yen]

Venerable Master Sheng Yen of the Dharma Drum Mountain passed into Nirvanic bliss in Taipei on February 3rd, 2009.

Master Sheng Yen was born into a humble farming family and became a monk at age thirteen. He was a Chinese lineage holder of both the Linji and Caodong Chan Buddhist schools, a scholar of Ming Buddhism and of Master Ouyi Zhixu (1599-1655), and an active advocate of environmental protection.

Master Sheng Yen came to New York in 1976 and took up the challenge of teaching Chan to Americans. Until 2006 when he became ill, he divided his time between New York and Taipei, training generations of Chan practitioners with methods adapted to the contemporary problems facing his students. 

Master Sheng Yen was a dedicated scholar and prolific writer. His collected work amounts to over 100 volumes, covering topics as diverse as Tiantai and Huayan philosophies, vinaya, Buddhist scriptural commentaries, Indo-Tibetan and East Asian Buddhist histories, Chan Buddhist studies, and comparative religions. He also wrote many popular books introducing Buddhist teachings to both beginners and those with a more advanced understanding of Buddhism.

He spoke out for what he called spiritual environmentalism: the essential task of purifying our environment by first purifying our minds. This is more than just philosophy. It is a call for personal commitment coupled with practical goals that will benefit all the peoples of the world. Many in Taiwan and in other countries have responded to this exhortation with great enthusiasm.

His death poem reads:

無事忙中老，
空裡有哭笑，
本來沒有我，
生死皆可拋。

Busy with nothing, growing old.
Within emptiness, weeping, laughing.
Intrinsically, there is no "I."
Life and death, thus cast aside.

My friend Brian, who now lives in China, just sent an alternative translation to Chan Master Sheng Yen's death poem (6:35 a.m. PST):

without busy affairs, I grow old
empty within, i have both laughter and tears
originally, there was no I,
therefore, both life and death can be cast aside.

Comments

[Leaf Dharma]

That's really sad news. I've read several of his books and always admired his principles.

[buddhaofhollywood]

Life is an experience.
I think he had a great experience.
Not too many of us could say that about our life.
Thank you for being my friend!

[Uku]

*bowing in silence with palms together and lighting a candle to respect Chan Master Shen Yeng's efforts and teachings*

With palms together,
Uku

[Lauren]

I had not heard of Sheng Yen sensei until I happened to pick up a book of his in B&N yesterday. I enjoyed his smile. Now to hear this news, kana...

A great bell collapses in the temple yard.
Its tones still resonate through the world.

[Uku]

Thank you Barry for that another translation from your friend. I added it also to my blog's post about Sheng Yen's death.

With palms together,
Uku

[Puerhan]

Dear Barry, thanks for posting the news from Jimmy Yu. I have also posted an item about Master Sheng Yen's passing, he is in effect my Grand master as my teacher is one of his Dharma heirs. http://thushaveiread.blogspot.com/2009/02/universe-may-one-day-perish-yet-my-vows.html

The post also has some relevant links, eg to his monastery website and the Western Chan Fellowship posting (his lineage in the UK).

And today's poem also pays respect: http://puerhan.blogspot.com/2009/02/108-poems-026.html

Hi recently published autobiography in English is a wonderful read. (Footprints in the snow.) I imagine that not many people are aware of his homeless period in NY! :-)

~deep gassho~

[Barry Briggs]

Thanks, everyone, for your comment.

Puerhan, I also lost my grandteacher a few years ago, so I have some insight into the extraordinary vacuum this produces. I'm sorry for your loss.

Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal
Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal
Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal

[the psycho therapist]

Yes, his was a great Light.

[veggieinlove]

There is an inspiring article about Master Sheng Yen's 'homeless' period in NY from Winter 2008 issue, Tricycle Magazine.

The Wanderer
http://www.tricycle.com/excerpt/the-wanderer

with palms together

[Gregor]

Hi Barry,

Thanks for this post. I particularly appreciate the second translation of Master Sheng Yen's death poem.

I've never heard of him before, of course that does not mean much other than there is much I do not know (nothing new to this revelation).

FYI -- Upon the Path, is no more you may delete the link. I've started something new but no telling where it will go -- just wanted a place to go an write without the restraint of a specific theme.

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Gregor,

Yes, my friend's translation has a more . . . true . . . feeling to it.

Thank you for your occasional writings on Upon the Path - and also for being upon the path. Best wishes with your new effort!

Barry