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. Many of the broadcasts were re-aired on New York City's educational Channel WNYE-TV as "Zen and Inner Peace." It is from that series that the name of this book is taken. Of the many broadcasts that were aired in New York, ten topics comprising 70 broadcasts were transcribed and translated into English to create the two volumes of Zen and Inner Peace. In February 2013, the Chan Meditation Center in Elmhurst, New York, published Volume One containing topics One through Five. The book was published as part of the annual "Passing of the Lamp" ceremony to commemorate the passing of Master Sheng-Yen on February 3, 2009. This book, Volume Two, presents topics Six through Ten. 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 lives, 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 of