Master Sheng Yen, also known as Shifu, was born on January 22, 1930 in the city of Jiangdu, located in the Jiangsu province of China. His given name was Zhang Baokang and he was the youngest of nine children.

Growing up, Master Sheng Yen's family was not wealthy and he faced many challenges, including the loss of his father at a young age. Despite these difficulties, he was determined to receive an education and attended a local primary school. However, due to the Japanese invasion of China, his education was interrupted and he was forced to leave school and work on his family's farm.

It wasn't until the age of 13 that Master Sheng Yen was able to resume his studies and attend high school. He excelled academically and went on to attend Shanghai's prestigious Soochow University, where he studied philosophy. During this time, he also began to explore different religions and spiritual practices, including Buddhism.

In 1949, at the age of 19, Master Sheng Yen left China and moved to Taiwan with his family. There, he continued his studies at National Taiwan University and also began to deepen his understanding of Buddhism.

In 1959, at the age of 29, Master Sheng Yen was ordained as a monk in the Linji school of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. He then spent the next 13 years studying and practicing under various masters, including the renowned Chan master Dongchu.

In 1972, Master Sheng Yen traveled to the United States to further his studies and share the teachings of Chan Buddhism. He eventually settled in New York and established the Chan Meditation Center, which became a hub for Chan practice and study in the West.

Throughout his life, Master Sheng Yen dedicated himself to teaching and spreading the wisdom of Chan Buddhism. He traveled extensively, giving lectures and leading retreats, and authored over 100 books on various Buddhist topics.

Master Sheng Yen passed away on February 3, 2009 at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness. His teachings continue to inspire and guide countless practitioners around the world, making him one of the most influential Chan masters of modern times.