Master Yin Shun’s Chronology (B1)

1. The Search for Meaning in Life (1906–1929)

Master Yin Shun’s Early Years and Search for Meaning

Master Yin Shun, whose lay name was Chang Lu-Chin, was born in Haining, Zhejiang Province. After experiencing the pain of separation from and loss of loved ones, along with periods of profound inner solitude, he began to ponder the ultimate questions of life and death. His encounter with the Dharma set him on a journey to unravel the fundamental questions of human existence.

2. Embarking on the Quest for the Dharma (1930–1940)

Ordination and Deep Study of the Buddhist Canon

After receiving ordination at Mount Putuo in 1930, Master Yin Shun traveled to southern Fujian and studied at the Wuchang Buddhist Institute and the Sino-Tibetan Institute of Buddhist Studies, immersing himself in the vast body of the Buddhist canon. Confronted by the worldly and superstitious practices prevalent in Buddhism at the time, he resolved to “trace the Dharma back to its origins” and clarify the Buddha’s original, pure intention in appearing in this world.

3. Discovering the Buddha in the Human World (1938–1951)

Exploring the Canon and a Turning Point in His Thought

As World War II spread and China was plunged into turmoil, Master Yin Shun was deeply drawn to the Agamas, whose teachings conveyed a sense of truth and immediacy that was closely connected to human life. This encounter profoundly influenced his thinking, inspiring him to ground Buddhism in human life and to develop the vision and aspiration of Humanistic Buddhism.

4. Spreading the Dharma with Compassion (1952–1963)

Bringing the Dharma to Taiwan and Laying the Foundations for His Thought

These were years of constant travel and tireless Dharma teaching. Over the course of twelve years, Master Yin Shun first moved to Hong Kong and later settled in Taiwan. He also traveled to Japan, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia, spreading the Dharma through teaching, establishing temples, and other activities. During this period, he founded Fuyan Monastery and Hui Ri Lecture Hall, dedicating himself to the education and training of monastics and giving profound expression to the Bodhisattva aspiration to benefit and liberate all beings.

5. The Dharma Rain of Miaoyun Nourishing the Human World (1964–2005)

Major Works and the Enduring Legacy of His Thought

After years of teaching the Dharma at home and abroad, Master Yin Shun entered retreat and devoted himself to intensive study and writing. During this period, he compiled the Miaoyun Collection and received a doctoral degree from Taisho University in Japan for his landmark work, A History of Chinese Zen Buddhism. In his later years, he continued to write, completing other major works, including the Huayu Collection, and did not put down his pen until the age of ninety.

In 2005, Master Yin Shun passed away peacefully at the age of one hundred. His lifelong dedication to “offering body and mind for the benefit of all beings” continues to inspire and influence the Chinese Buddhist community.

A Brief Biography of Master Yin Shun

Master Yin Shun was born in Haining, Zhejiang Province, on the twelfth day of the third month of the lunar calendar in 1906. His lay name was Chang Lu-Chin. On October 11, 1930, he was ordained at Fuquan Monastery under Venerable Ching-Nien, receiving the Dharma name Yin Shun and the courtesy name Sheng-Cheng. He subsequently went to Tiantong Temple, where he received full monastic ordination.

Master Yin Shun was renowned for his profound learning and exemplary practice, earning the deep respect of Buddhists in Taiwan and abroad. In 1967, he received the honorary title of Philosopher from the China Academy. In 1973, Taisho University in Japan awarded him a doctoral degree for his original scholarship in A History of Chinese Chan Buddhism.

In his youth, Master Yin Shun studied and worked with Master Tai-Hsu, contributing to the advancement of Buddhist education. After coming to Taiwan, he served as a professor at Chinese Culture University, as abbot of Shandao Temple and Fuyan Monastery, and as a teacher at Fuyan Buddhist College, Hui Ri Lecture Hall, and Huayu Temple. He also traveled abroad on numerous occasions to teach and propagate the Dharma, serving as chairman of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association and principal of Neng-Jen Middle School in the Philippines, as well as a senior resident monk at Hsin-Yuan Temple and Hua-Tsang Temple.

For several decades, Master Yin Shun devoted himself tirelessly to Buddhist study and writing, producing dozens of books and earning widespread recognition in both Buddhist and academic circles. In his later years, he continued to publish major works that received particular acclaim from scholars in Taiwan and abroad. His distinctive insights into the interpretation and classification of Indian Buddhist thought, as well as his studies of the history of Chinese Chan Buddhism, were highly original and differed significantly from conventional scholarship. Few scholars since the late Tang dynasty had achieved comparable distinction.

Later, Master Yin Shun established Miaoyun Temple, where he entered retreat and devoted himself to further study and writing. His spiritual influence and scholarly stature continued to grow, and he came to be recognized internationally as a leading Buddhist scholar and a national treasure.