Thích Thiên-n
United States·Thiền (Zen) Buddhism·Male·20th century
Thích Thiên-n was a Vietnamese Thiền (Zen) Buddhist monk and teacher who became active in the United States from 1966 to 1980. He is known for founding the International Buddhist Meditation Center in Los Angeles and for teaching Zen philosophy and meditation. His work introduced Zen Buddhism to a wider American audience, and his center continues to operate.
Key Facts
- ›Ordained as a Buddhist monk at Chua Chau Lam in Hue, Vietnam.
- ›Came to the United States in 1966 as an exchange professor at UCLA.
- ›Founded the International Buddhist Meditation Center in Los Angeles in 1970.
- ›Taught Zen Buddhism, Eastern Philosophy, and Asian Studies in Los Angeles.
- ›Authored books including 'Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice' and 'Buddhism and Zen in Vietnam'.
- ›Died in 1980 from liver cancer at the age of 54.
Important Relationships
- International Buddhist Meditation Center
Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice, Buddhism and Zen In Vietnam
- Chua Chau Lam, Hue, Vietnam
- University of California, Los Angeles
- International Buddhist Meditation Center, Koreatown, Los Angeles, California
- Los Angeles City College
English
Bhikkhu
About Thích Thiên-n
Thích Thiên-Ân
Thích Thiên-Ân (1925–1980) was a Vietnamese Thiền (Zen) Buddhist monk and teacher who established a significant presence in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, from 1966 until his death.
Life and Ministry
Ordained at Chua Chau Lam in Hue, Vietnam, Thích Thiên-Ân arrived in the United States in 1966 as an exchange professor to teach philosophy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His students recognized his scholarly depth and his identity as a Zen Buddhist monk, leading them to encourage him to share meditation practices and form a Buddhist study group on the UCLA campus. This burgeoning interest prompted Thích Thiên-Ân to seek permanent residency and establish a dedicated center for Zen Buddhist study and practice.
In 1970, he founded the International Buddhist Meditation Center in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. This center served as a hub for teaching Zen Buddhism, and Thích Thiên-Ân also contributed to academic circles by teaching Eastern Philosophy and Asian Studies at Los Angeles City College. His tenure at the college concluded in 1979 when he was diagnosed with liver cancer. He continued to teach at his center until his passing in 1980 at the age of 54, due to complications from the illness. The International Buddhist Meditation Center he founded remains an active institution.
Notable Works
Thích Thiên-Ân authored several influential books that brought Zen Buddhist teachings to a wider audience. His published works include "Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice" and "Buddhism and Zen in Vietnam."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Thích Thiên-Ân come to the United States?
Thích Thiên-Ân came to the United States from Vietnam in the summer of 1966. He initially arrived as an exchange professor.
What was Thích Thiên-Ân's role at UCLA?
Thích Thiên-Ân initially taught philosophy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) as an exchange professor. Later, his students encouraged him to teach Zen meditation and start a Buddhist study group on campus.
What is the International Buddhist Meditation Center?
The International Buddhist Meditation Center is a meditation center founded by Thích Thiên-Ân in Los Angeles in 1970. It was established to offer a place for practitioners to live and study Zen Buddhism.
What subjects did Thích Thiên-Ân teach?
Thích Thiên-Ân taught the traditions of Zen Buddhism at his center. He also taught Eastern Philosophy and Asian Studies at Los Angeles City College.
What books did Thích Thiên-Ân write?
Thích Thiên-Ân authored 'Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice' and 'Buddhism and Zen in Vietnam'.
When and why did Thích Thiên-Ân retire from teaching at Los Angeles City College?
Thích Thiên-Ân retired from teaching at Los Angeles City College in 1979 after being diagnosed with liver cancer.
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