Many words. My only wish is that he keep speaking them; that he keep expounding the teachings of Buddha and the patriarchs; that he continue to weave stories, observations and daily life experiences into clear, inspirational advice and wisdom. I admit that I am dense, like the ox with the thick callous around its neck that doesn't feel the bite of the yoke anymore. I need the repetition.

Master Sheng-yen (his students call him Shih-fu, which is Chinese for "teacher-father") has been teaching in the United States since 1976. In that time, he has led students in over fifty intensive meditation retreats, and has given hundreds of lectures at the Ch'an Meditation Center and other places throughout North America and England. He has given even more retreats and lectures in Taiwan. His words have been of enormous help to most people who have listened, and for some, myself included, his guidance has been of life-changing significance.