Leader Chan Monk Da Xing Fa Shi

 

Da Xing Fa Shi *was born and raised in Genoa, Italy, in a typical Catholic family. From young age Da Xing Fa Shi started to learn Chinese martial arts and Qi Gong and was trained to become Shifu (Master) of the sixth generation from the founder of the Yang Style Tai Ji Quan. Years later, Da Xing became accomplished in Asian and Western martial arts. For many years, he was the owner and the leading teacher of a martial arts studio in Genoa.

 

While training in martial arts around the world, he had the opportunity to encounter Buddhist teachings, and soon decided to further investigate Buddhism. In fact, Da Xing Fa Shi started his studies, took refuge, and received the Five Precepts under Venerable Master Tae Hye Sunim. He continued his learning throughout Asia and United States, where he attended several intensive Chan retreats under the guidance of Venerable Master Sheng Yen, and other rigorous retreats at the City of Ten Thousand Buddha in Northern California, founded by Venerable Master Hsuan Hua. He spent significant amount of time at the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, where he studied Buddhism with the Abbot Venerable Heng Sure. During these years, he also led solo retreats of various durations.

In April 2005, after becoming a novice monk in Taiwan under the guidance of Venerable Master Sen Guang, Da Xing Fa Shi has received the full Mahayana monastic ordination under the supervision of Venerable Master Wei Chueh at Chung Tai Chan Si Monastery in Central Taiwan.

In 2011, Da Xing Fa Shi had the great opportunity to meet his current teacher, Chan Master Guo Ru, who is the great disciple of Master Sheng Yen carrying on the Chinese Chan Sudden Approach Teaching. From that time on, he has continued to follow Master Guo Ru’s instructions to practice Sudden Chan Approach. Nonetheless, Da Xing Fashi has been appointed by Master Guo Ru to assist in teaching and spreading of Chinese Chan Sudden Approach in China, and across the world. Now he travels in different countries conducting retreats and workshops, determined to practice Buddhadharma, and to propagate the Chinese Chan Sudden Approach to anyone interested in Buddhism.

 

Moreover, Da Xing loves Chinese Tea Culture, and started to practice and teach a method of meditation involving mindful appreciation of tea: The Tea Chan, which is a significant and captivating way to teach Buddhism. Fascinated by Chinese language and Chan poems, Da Xing is also practicing the Chinese language and writing. In fact, Da Xing Fa Shi is fluent in speaking Italian, English and Chinese.