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Upcoming Events

  • Multiple Dates
    Sat, Feb 07
    Room Chapel, 427 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X6, Canada
    Feb 07, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST
    Room Chapel, 427 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X6, Canada
    Led by Ven. Guo Yuan, abbot, Dharma Drum Retreat Center. The aim of Buddhist practice is to awaken wisdom and compassion - to free ourselves from delusion and to benefit all beings. True learning manifests in a peaceful mind and a life of service, guided by clarity and kindness.
  • Multiple Dates
    Sat, Mar 07
    Room Chapel, 427 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X6, Canada
    Mar 07, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST
    Room Chapel, 427 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X6, Canada
    Delivered by Venerable Chang Yuan, Director of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Mandarin with English interpretation.
  • Thu, Jun 18
    Five Oaks Retreat Center
    Jun 18, 2026, 6:30 p.m. EDT – Jun 21, 2026, 1:00 p.m. EDT
    Five Oaks Retreat Center, 1 Bethel Rd, Paris, ON N3L 3E3, Canada
    Led by Ven. Guo Yuan, Abbot of Dharma Drum Retreat Center, Silent Retreat, Overnight Stay.
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1:30 p.m.
Five Lectures on Learning Buddhism
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Our Founder

​​Master Sheng Yen (1931–2009) was a respected modern Chan (Zen) Buddhist scholar-monk and the founder of Dharma Drum Mountain. He entered monastic life at age twelve and later continued his training in Taiwan under Master Dongchu.

 

He received Dharma transmission in both the Linji (Rinzai) and Caodong (Sōtō) traditions, grounding his teaching in the major Chan lineages.

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Throughout his life, Master Sheng Yen emphasized presenting the Dharma in clear, accessible language so it can be genuinely applied in daily life. He often reminded students:

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  • Face it, accept it, deal with it, and let it go.

  • Keep the body and mind relaxed, and greet others with a smile.

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His vision of “uplifting ourselves and benefiting others” continues to guide DDM communities worldwide.

Our Faculty

Listen to the Recordings

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