Foreword by Layman Leong Kok Hin

The Beginner’s Mind, The First Steps includes a number of reports and articles, some written by Venerable Chi Chern himself. One such piece, “A Joyful Journey – Reflections on the Fourth National Convention of the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia,” vividly captures the spirit of those early years.

I still remember that convention well. During the launch of the Malaysian Buddhist Youth Foundation, Venerable Chi Chern, then representing the Taiping Buddhist Youth Group, addressed the delegates and wholeheartedly appealed for their support of the Foundation.

In 1984, the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia and the Taiping Buddhist Society jointly organised the Wan Yuan Dharma Assembly. At the time, Venerable Chi Chern was in secluded retreat. We specially invited him to write an article entitled “The Significance of the Wan Yuan Dharma Assembly,” which was published in Buddhist Youth as part of the event’s publicity. As Dharma speakers travelled throughout northern Malaysia giving Buddhist talks to promote the assembly, his article became an invaluable reference, helping many presenters communicate the deeper meaning and purpose of the event.

This volume also includes two news reports originally published in the Association Newsletter: “Teacher from Taiping Ordains at San Hui Lecture Hall to Dedicate His Life to Buddhism” (June 1978) and “Venerable Chi Chern Departs for Taiwan for Advanced Buddhist Studies” (December 1978). I wrote both reports while serving as editor and reporter for the newsletter, documenting the activities and milestones of the Buddhist youth movement.

Foreword by Layman Keoh Lian Chew

After returning to Malaysia upon completing his studies, Venerable Chi Chern entered a remarkably productive period of writing. His articles appeared one after another in Endless Lamp, Buddhist Youth Newsletter, Buddhist Digest, and various newspapers. His tireless efforts in introducing and promoting the teachings of Venerable Yin Shun sparked widespread interest in The Way to Buddhahood, leaving a lasting impact on the Malaysian Buddhist community. I was fortunate to follow in his footsteps and share in the Dharma joy that arose from his work.

During those years, he also wrote extensively in response to issues affecting the Buddhist world, including the historical development of Esoteric Buddhism, sectarianism, and the harm caused by misguided teachers and distorted teachings. Although not every discussion was without controversy, his thoughtful reflections enabled readers to better appreciate the complexities of these issues and gain deeper understanding.

Another distinctive aspect of his life has been his embodiment of the spirit of “Chan and Tea as One Taste.” For more than a decade, he has welcomed friends over tea with unwavering consistency. Alongside this, he has cultivated remarkable skill in Chinese calligraphy, using his art in recent years to support Buddhist and cultural activities through charitable fundraising. It is my heartfelt wish that, in the years ahead, he may continue to express his wisdom and creativity with effortless freedom, allowing every spontaneous brushstroke and every written word to become a source of inspiration.

Editor’s Note

By Laywoman Tan Choo Choo

It is my sincere hope that this book will help readers gain a deeper appreciation of Venerable Chi Chern’s journey in learning and practising the Buddhadharma.

His path from first encountering Buddhism to eventually resolving to enter the monastic life was far from easy. Along the way, he overcame many obstacles and hardships before finally dedicating himself to ordination, spiritual cultivation, and the study of the Dharma. Today, he is a highly respected Buddhist teacher whose contributions are recognised both in Malaysia and internationally.

Having received the Chan Dharma transmission directly from Venerable Sheng Yen as his first Dharma heir, Venerable Chi Chern has since become an internationally respected Chan teacher. Students learning meditation under his guidance can now be found throughout Malaysia, as well as in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Croatia, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Beyond his accomplishments as a Dharma teacher, Venerable Chi Chern is also a gifted artist. His profound understanding of Buddhism is matched by his distinctive achievements in Chinese calligraphy.

More than anything else, I hope this book will inspire and accompany those who are new to Buddhism. May readers take Venerable Chi Chern’s life as an example, learn from his unwavering dedication, and continue their own journey on the path of the Buddhadharma.