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Chi Chern

Chi Chern, born Zhōu Míngtiān in 1955, is a highly respected Chan Buddhist meditation teacher in Malaysia and Singapore. He is known as the first appointed Dharma heir of Master Sheng-yen and is the principal of the Malaysian Buddhist Institute. His teachings stem from a profound spiritual experience during a retreat led by Sheng-yen.

Key Facts

  • Born Zhōu Míngtiān in Malaysia in 1955.
  • First appointed Dharma heir of Chan Master Sheng-yen.
  • A respected meditation teacher in Malaysia and Singapore.
  • Ordained as a monk by Master Chuk Mor in Penang.
  • Studied at Fo Guang Shan Institute of Chinese Buddhism in Taiwan.
  • Currently resides in Malaysia and serves as the principal of the Malaysian Buddhist Institute.
Chi Chern

Important Relationships

  • Sheng-yen
  • Chuk Mor
  • Fo Guang Shan Institute of Chinese Buddhism
  • Malaysian Buddhist Institute
Full Name
Chi Chern
Birth Year
1955
Associated Locations

Malaysia, Singapore, Penang, Taiwan

Influenced By

Sheng-Yen, Chuk Mor

Birth Place
Malaysia
Vows Taken

Monk's Vows

Role Type
Notable Status
Birth Name
Zhōu Míngtiān

About Chi Chern

Chi Chern, born Zhōu Míngtiān in 1955, is a prominent Chan Buddhist master and meditation teacher, particularly respected in Malaysia and Singapore. He holds the distinction of being the first appointed Dharma heir of the renowned Chan Master Sheng-yen. Chi Chern's spiritual journey began with his ordination as a monk by Master Chuk Mor in Penang, followed by studies at the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Chinese Buddhism in Taiwan.

Life and Spiritual Path

A pivotal moment in Chi Chern's life occurred in 1980 during a four-week retreat led by Sheng-yen. It was during this intensive period that he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, an experience later validated by Sheng-yen. Following this transformative event, Chi Chern returned to Malaysia to begin teaching Buddhism. Five years later, he revisited Taiwan and formally received dharma transmission from Sheng-yen, being given the Dharma name Chuan Xian Jian Mi, signifying the transmission of both exoteric and esoteric teachings.

Current Role and Influence

Currently, Chi Chern resides in Malaysia, where he serves as the principal of the Malaysian Buddhist Institute. He is recognized as one of the most influential meditation teachers in the region, guiding students in the practice of Buddhist meditation and teachings. His lineage traces directly back to Master Sheng-yen, a significant figure in contemporary Chan Buddhism.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Chi Chern?

Chi Chern, born Zhōu Míngtiān in 1955, is a prominent Chan Buddhist meditation teacher, particularly respected in Malaysia and Singapore. He is recognized as the first Dharma heir of the renowned Master Sheng-yen.

When did Chi Chern have a significant spiritual experience?

Chi Chern experienced a deep spiritual awakening during a four-week retreat led by Master Sheng-yen in 1980. This experience was later confirmed by Sheng-yen.

What is Chi Chern's Dharma name?

Chi Chern received the Dharma name Chuan Xian Jian Mi, which translates to "transmitting the exoteric, seeing the esoteric."

Where does Chi Chern currently reside and what is his role?

Chi Chern currently resides in Malaysia and holds the position of principal at the Malaysian Buddhist Institute.

Who ordained Chi Chern as a monk?

Chi Chern was ordained as a monk by Master Chuk Mor in Penang, Malaysia.