Taiwan has supported some of the great Dharma Masters in the 20th century, who have led the way to a revival of the best aspects of Chinese Buddhism, and which have acted as shining lights to people throughout the world. One thinks of Master Hsing Yun of Fo Guang Shan and Master Cheng Yen of the Tzu Chi Foundation.
This is a long documentary on the life of another of these great monastics, Master Sheng Yen. It was made on the 10th anniversary of his passing at the age of 80 by his students and foundation members at the Dharma Drum Mountain, which he had founded at the end of the 90s.
The story is certainly not one of success following on success, but rather of the hard struggles he had to get through, from his early monastic life being cut short by military service; his studying in Japan when that was very much looked down upon; and his years in the US, amongst a small but dedicated group of followers.
Eventually he returned to his native Taiwan, around age 50 and this began the rise of his fame as a great Chan teacher, which eventually led to the founding of the Dharma Drum Foundation and reformed sect of Chinese Buddhism.
Through interviews with the people who knew him at the various stages of his life, and interviews with the master himself; together with vivid animation of scenes from his life we get to know this great master, and what he hoped to accomplish.
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to see an album of stills click here