Switzerland

Chinese Chan Buddhism blossoms discreetly    From Editors: Former Swiss pediatrician, Hildi Thalmann, deeply felt the anguish of this transient life, and turned to Chan meditation. In 2004, after participating in Chan meditation guided by Master Sheng Yen, she took refuge in the Three Jewels under the Master; aspiring to disseminate Dharma Drum Lineage of Chan Buddhism as taught by Master Sheng Yen in her motherland. She then founded the Chan Bern Center for Meditation, promoting a four-year educational curriculum. Through translating Master Sheng Yen's literatures and giving lessons, Thalmann's top priority was to help more people obtain correct guidance in Chan practice.   According to official demographics, among the entire Swiss population, only 0.3% of them are Buddhists, and immigrants are the major promoters of the Dharma. Other than the immigrants, Westerners have also played a role in spreading the Dharma. From the 60's to 80's, a group of Swiss went to Asia to learn Buddhism, such as the Kammaṭṭhāna Forest Tradition of Thailand, and started teaching vipassana upon their return. Some Japanese Zen masters came to teach Chan, while other Swiss priests went to study in Japan and later developed their own teaching techniques. However, in this over-saturated religious environment of Switzerland, Chinese Chan and Chinese Buddhism are still relatively new to the locals, due to their late arrivals.   Learning the Dharma through Chan practice Moreover, most Western followers came in touch with Buddhism through Chan practice. They were primarily interested in learning the techniques to knowing one's self and transforming negative habits and distorted views. Although learning the Dharma may not be their first intentions, but after reading or listening to some of the Doctrine, they soon realized that these concepts could not be found in other religions, and gradually developed an interest in learning