Heng Sure
Heng Sure, born Christopher R. Clowery, is an American Chan Buddhist monk and a senior disciple of Venerable Hsuan Hua. He is widely recognized for his "Three Steps, One Bow" pilgrimage for world peace and his work as managing director of the Berkeley Buddhist monastery. Heng Sure has also contributed to interfaith dialogue and released albums of Buddhist folk music.
Key Facts
- ›Undertook a "three Steps, one Bow" pilgrimage from 1977 to 1979, covering 800 miles for world peace.
- ›Serves as the managing director of the Berkeley Buddhist monastery.
- ›Is a senior disciple of Venerable Hsuan Hua.
- ›Has released several albums of Buddhist folk music.
- ›Holds a PhD in Religion from the Graduate Theological Union.
- ›Participated in the Sixth World Buddhist Forum in China in October 2024.
Important Relationships
- Hsuan Hua
- Heng Chau
- Highway Dharma Letters: Two Buddhist Pilgrims Write To Their Teacher
- Paramita: American Buddhist Folk Songs
Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, South Pasadena, California, Ukiah, California, Toledo, Ohio, Oakland University, University of California At Berkeley, Graduate Theological Union
Hsuan Hua
English
Vow of Silence, Monastic Vows
About Heng Sure
Heng Sure, born Christopher R. Clowery on October 31, 1949, is an American Chan Buddhist monk and a prominent disciple of Venerable Hsuan Hua. He is widely recognized for his significant "Three Steps, One Bow" pilgrimage for world peace, undertaken between 1977 and 1979, and for his ongoing role as the managing director of the Berkeley Buddhist monastery.
Life and Spiritual Path
Heng Sure was born in Toledo, Ohio, and developed an early interest in Chinese language and culture. He pursued higher education at Oakland University and the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a master's degree in Oriental languages in 1976. That same year, he met Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, who ordained him and bestowed the Dharma name "Heng Sure," meaning "Constantly Real." In 2003, he obtained a PhD in Religion from the Graduate Theological Union.
Key Contributions
Perhaps Heng Sure's most renowned endeavor was the "Three Steps, One Bow" pilgrimage, a two-year and six-month journey from South Pasadena to Ukiah, California, covering 800 miles. This arduous pilgrimage, undertaken with his companion Heng Chau, was dedicated to fostering world peace and involved observing a vow of silence. Their experiences and reflections were later documented in the book "Highway Dharma Letters: Two Buddhist Pilgrims Write to Their Teacher." Beyond this, Heng Sure is an accomplished musician, having released several albums of Buddhist folk music, including "Paramita: American Buddhist Folk Songs." He has also been a dedicated participant in interfaith dialogue, serving on the boards of various interfaith organizations and regularly presenting at the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Current Roles and Activities
Currently, Heng Sure serves as the managing director of the Berkeley Buddhist monastery, president of the board of directors of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association, and a member of the board of trustees at Dharma Realm Buddhist University. He has previously held academic positions as a professor at institutions including the Graduate Theological Union and Dharma Realm Buddhist University. In October 2024, he participated in the Sixth World Buddhist Forum in China, where he spoke on themes of gratitude and interconnectedness.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Three Steps, One Bow" pilgrimage?
The "Three Steps, One Bow" pilgrimage was a journey undertaken by Heng Sure and Heng Chau from 1977 to 1979. It involved taking three steps and then performing a full prostration to the ground, covering approximately one mile per day and lasting over two and a half years. The pilgrimage was dedicated to world peace.
Who was Heng Sure's teacher?
Heng Sure's teacher was Venerable Master Hsuan Hua. Hsuan Hua ordained Heng Sure, giving him the Dharma name "Heng Sure," meaning "Constantly Real." He also inspired the "Three Steps, One Bow" pilgrimage.
What is Heng Sure known for besides his pilgrimage?
Besides his pilgrimage, Heng Sure is known for his role as managing director of the Berkeley Buddhist monastery and as president of the board of directors of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association. He is also a professor, an author of Buddhist folk music albums, and an active participant in interfaith organizations.
When and where was Heng Sure born?
Heng Sure was born on October 31, 1949, in Toledo, Ohio. His birth name was Christopher R. Clowery.
What academic background does Heng Sure have?
Heng Sure earned a master's degree in Oriental languages from the University of California at Berkeley in 1976. In 2003, he furthered his academic pursuits by obtaining a PhD in Religion from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley.
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