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继程长老多年来在世界各地指导禅修。
For many years, Venerable Chi Chern has guided meditation practices around the world.

n 24 January 2022, after obtaining approval recognised degree in its own field’. Venerable Chi
Ofrom the Honorary Doctoral Degree Committee, Chern gave several notable examples of accomplished
Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts awarded an Buddhist masters with doctorate degrees. They are:
honorary doctorate to Venerable Chi Chern, the Venerable Yin Shun who was awarded the official
well-known Malaysian Zen master and the Principal doctorate degree by Taisho University through
of Malaysian Buddhist Academy (MBA). The award his thesis ‘The History of Zen Buddhism in China’;
ceremony was held on 8 April 8 2022, in conjunction Venerable Sheng Yen earned his doctorate degree from
with the 15th Anniversary of Dharma Drum Institute Rissho University; Venerable Hui Min, the President
of Liberal Arts. of Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts, holds a
doctorate in literature of University of Tokyo, Japan.
It was a surprise for Venerable Chi Chern when he was
first informed about the award in November 2021. ‘Venerable Sheng Yen's mentor has reminded
He accepted the offer and provided the required him earnestly to be a religious master instead of a
information, such as relevant photos, as well as his scholar. However, Venerable Sheng Yen found out
works over the years, including more than 20 books later that academic credentials play an important
published by Dharma Drum Publications and more role in teaching and promoting Buddhism. Therefore,
than 70 books published by Venerable himself. Venerable Sheng Yen went to Japan to pursue his
doctorate degree. When Venerable Sheng Yen gave
In recognition of Venerable Chi Chern’s contribution talks in universities in the United States, his doctoral
to the Buddhist community, it is the first time Dharma degree proved to be helpful. One of his students even
Drum Institute of Liberal Arts awards this honorary established a research centre for Venerable Sheng
doctorate. Over the years, Venerable Chi Chern has Yen at Columbia University.’ In general, although a
assumed the leadership roles for many national degree is not a necessity for a religious master, it is
Buddhist organizations such as Young Buddhist certainly advantageous in many ways.
Association of Malaysia (YBAM), Malaysian Buddhist
Association (MBA), and Malaysian Buddhist Sangha Degree is supplemental but useful
Association (MBSA). At the same time, he has been
mentoring meditation in Taiwan and many places When being asked how the Malaysian Buddhist
around the world, which has been important and community views academic degrees, Venerable
influential in the Dharma propagation.. Chi Chern shared his forward-thinking view. ‘In the
Buddhist community, degrees are just supplemental,
‘An honorary doctorate in religious studies is a but a degree does demonstrate the academic

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