Master Jen Chun, Guest Lecturer

Master Jen-Chun, Bodhi Monastery's founder and spiritual leader, has written extensively on the Buddha Dharma. He has lectured throughout the United States and in many other countries throughout the world. Born in China (Jiangsu Province) in 1919, he entered the Sangha (Buddha's order of monks and nuns) at age 7 under the guidance of Ven. Master Chuan Dao. He was fully ordained at age 17, and at age 20 entered the Buddhist academy of Tian Ning Temple. Thereafter he studied at the Ming Nan Buddhist Academy, beginning his teaching career after graduation. In 1949, he moved to Hong Kong where he met Master Yin-Shun and became his disciple. He then moved with Master Yin-Shun to Taiwan where he taught at the Fuyan Buddhist Academy. 

In 1973, Master Jen-Chun was invited by the Buddhist Association of the United States (BAUS) to be the abbot of the Great Enlightenment Temple in the Bronx, New York City. He became Chairman of BAUS. For approximately the last 20 years, Master Jen-Chun has led a simple life in New Jersey, teaching numerous followers. His goal is to create a pure form of Buddhism in the United States by emphasizing the study and practice of Dharma instead of ritual practices and ceremonies. 

Master Jen-Chun set up a scholarship program for people interested in learning how to expound the Dharma. Through his influence, the Yin-Shun Foundation was created to translate Master Yin-Shun's works into English. In response to his followers' urging to pass on his great learning to the next generation, he founded Bodhi Monastery with Yin-Shun Foundation help.