altruism

Learning Chan methods and propagating the teachings of the dharma  Rebecca Li, a disciple of the late Master Sheng Yen, learnt Chan Practices from Master Sheng Yen in the US and served as a translator for the Master in many international conferences. Initially skeptical of Buddhism, she is now devoted to the practice of the Path of the Bodhisattva and to the propagation of Chan Buddhism. What causes this change? Below is her story: “The first 7-day retreat I attended was led by Master Sheng Yen (Shifu). This retreat was amazing and memorable; I couldn’t stop crying during the interview session as I realized that I have finally found the true Chan Master. ” On January 10, Professor Rebecca Li from the Sociology Department at The College of New Jersey was invited by Dharma Drum Special Lectures to share the story of her journey in embracing Buddhism, titled “Master-Disciple Affinities: Master Sheng Yen and I”.   Rebecca took refuge in the Three Jewels under Master Sheng Yen in 1995. In addition to serving as a translator, she assisted in the publication of the books “Footprints in the Snow” and “Chan Comes West”; she also received dharma transmission from Simon Child in 2016 (Simon Child is one of the Western Dharma Heirs of Master Sheng Yen ) then established the Chan Dharma Community (禪法共修會) dedicated to the propagation of Chan Buddhism.   Altruism is essential to Chan Practice In order to be closer to Master Sheng Yen in New York as well as to practice Chan and volunteer every weekend at the Chan Meditation Center, Rebecca applied for a teaching position in New Jersey. Her happiest moment was when Master returned from Taiwan every three months. “Every time Master returned, he will ask: How should we spread the Chan method to the Western society?” She was deeply moved by Master's unceasing effort to promote Chan Methods so that more people coul