Commemorating Master Sheng Yen's Legacy: "His Footsteps II" Officially Premieres

Spanning four continents—Europe, America, Asia, and Oceania—and taking three years to film and produce, the documentary series "His Footsteps II" (tentative translation) officially premiered online on June 29, 2025. This documentary series traces the journey of Dharma Drum Mountain's founder, Master Sheng Yen, in his propagation of the Dharma. The Premiere screening was held on June 26 at the Kung-liang Hall of the Straits Exchange Foundation in Taipei. Ven. Guo Huei (果暉法師), Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), producer Chang Kuang-dou (張光斗), and nearly 300 attendees watched the premiere together in a heartfelt and moving atmosphere.

Ven. Guo Huei opened the event by expressing gratitude on behalf of Dharma Drum Mountain's Buddhist followers for the completion of this meaningful series. He noted that "His Footsteps" is like a vivid, 3D and full-color version of the Complete Works of Master Sheng Yen: blending past and present, with the Master's presence felt throughout time and space.

Chang Kuang-dou, who served as the series' producer, interviewer, and narrator, expressed his deep gratitude for the many favorable karmic conditions that made the production possible. Now, at age 70, he shared the emotional fulfillment of having completed the documentary of Master Sheng Yen's overseas journeys—a task long entrusted to him by the Master—and offered heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the series.

In August 2022, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the film crew began production in Europe, followed by visits to Russia, North and South America, the Middle East, and several Asian countries. The film team not only retraced Master Sheng Yen's footsteps, but also documented how the seeds of Chinese Chan Buddhism he planted have since taken root and grown.

The premiere featured two episodes from the UK and Japan, highlighting two major turning points in Master Sheng Yen's life dedicated to Dharma propagation: first, his first trip to Wales in 1989 to lead a seven-day Chan retreat, marking the beginning of Chinese Chan Buddhism's spread to Europe; and second, his years studying in Japan, during which he vowed to establish advanced Buddhist education—a vow that later became the foundation of Dharma Drum Mountain's Threefold Education system. The film also includes rare footage of Master Sheng Yen personally inspecting the Lotus Bell, now one of Dharma Drum Mountain's most featured treasures. When the bell was officially inaugurated, several of the Master's Japanese friends, who had studied with him in Japan at the time, came to Taiwan to offer their blessings—a gesture of sincere friendship that deeply touched the audience.

The first season of the documentary series "His Footsteps" premiered at the end of 2010, shortly after Master Sheng Yen passed away, resonating powerfully with disciples and followers around the world, who are have been strongly moved by his teachings. Now, 15 years later, the series "His Footsteps II" captures how the seeds of Dharma and Chan that the Master sowed have sprouted, taken root, and grown into forests.

Notably, all Master's Western Dharma heirs participated in the filming of His Footsteps II. The late British Dharma heir John Crook appears through archival footage. In addition, Simon Child (from UK), Zarko Andricevic (Croatia), Gilbert Gutierrez (USA), and Max Kälin (Switzerland) all shared their journeys of receiving the Master's Dharma transmission and carrying out the mission of propagating the Dharma, offering a glimpse into the living legacy and future of this Chan lineage.

The premiere event was hosted by Yeh Susan (葉樹姍) and featured Ven. Guo Shyan (果賢法師), Managing Director of Dharma Drum Mountain's Cultural Center, and many special guests, including Jin Xiuli (靳秀麗), Fu Peifang (傅佩芳), Chen Ruijuan (陳瑞娟), Hsu Renshou (許仁壽), Yang Du (楊渡), Fu Yue-an (傅月庵), and director Wang Zhengfang (王正方)—shared their profound karmic connections with Master Sheng Yen. Each guest fondly recalled personal moments with the Master, naturally expressing their deep admiration and heartfelt remembrance. The warm and moving atmosphere inspired everyone present to renew their dedication to Buddhist practice as a way of repaying the Master's compassionate guidance.

"His Footsteps II" consists of 14 episodes, produced by the Light Up Culture Foundation (點燈文化基金會) and supervised by Dharma Drum Mountain's Cultural Center. New episodes will be released every Sunday at 7:00 AM (Taiwan time) on Dharma Drum Mountain's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DDMMMP/videos

His Footsteps II EP.01 — A Light in the Window Amid Darkness: UK Chapter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYVuEO23EgQ

His Footsteps II – EP.02 — When the Master Meets Chopin – Poland Chapter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AupIScA3pvg

His Footsteps II EP.03 — Journey Through Flames and War – Russia Chapter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNRKjCe7Ahw



Original text in Chinese: 胡麗桂、曾彗睊  
Photos: 李佳純、曾彗睊   
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown