The Toronto Dharma Drum Mountain Group follows the Chan Buddhist tradition established by Master Sheng Yen. Our practice and teaching are closely connected with the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in New York.
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.
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:
Face it, accept it, deal with it, and let it go.
Keep the body and mind relaxed, and greet others with a smile.
His vision of “uplifting ourselves and benefiting others” continues to guide DDM communities worldwide.
Our Founder
Teachers
A Living Connection
The following interviews reflect a shared Chan lineage through the experiences of Ven. Guo Yuan and Ven. Chang Ji who began their practice in Toronto, Canada, and now serve at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in New York.
Guided by Master Sheng Yen’s teachings, they speak about his vision shaped their responsibility to share the Dharma—not only in Canada and the United States, but also in wider international contexts, including Europe and the United Nations.
In this interview, Ven. Guo Yuan reflects on Master Sheng Yen’s vision in establishing the Dharma Drum Retreat Center and his commitment to sharing the Dharma in both Taiwan and the West. He speaks about how Master Sheng Yen’s example inspired him to make his own vows and take responsibility for continuing this work.
The conversation also explores the challenges of teaching Chan in Western societies and what is essential for establishing a retreat center and cultivating genuine practice. Through these reflections, the interview points to Chan practice as something grounded in clear methods, steady vows, and a supportive environment that allows wisdom to unfold naturally.
In this interview, Ven. Chang Ji reflects on how Master Sheng Yen’s teachings guided her path of practice and shaped her growth over time. She speaks about learning through lived experience—within the conditions of her environment and through continuous self-cultivation.
The conversation also addresses the culture of indifference and its effects on society, religion, and global harmony. From a Chan perspective, she points to inner practice as the starting point for transformation, allowing wisdom and compassion to gradually influence the world we live in.