David Listen
David has been sharing Chan/Zen meditation and Buddhist teachings for over 15 years, leading intensive meditation retreats, classes, and activities at various monasteries, college campuses, and private institutions throughout North America, Europe, and East Asia. Previously known as Venerable Chang Wen (常聞法師), he was one of the few Western monastic disciples of Chan Master Sheng Yen. He had been a monk for over a decade, and has since returned to lay life to share the insights of the Buddha in his own creative way. David is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, and has done extensive work translating the teachings of Chinese Buddhism into English, both on retreat and in published works. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, and is currently a counselor at a clinic for people suffering from severe mental illness. He also has his own life mentoring/coaching practice, guiding people in their cultivation of wisdom and compassion on an individual basis.
Events with David Listen
January 27, 2024
Event Description Come practice and learn together with us online! Build diligence, experience camaraderie, and have fun as we explore self-mastery through Chan meditation. Requirements to be accepted: 1. Previous…
February 16 - 19, 2024
Event Description Come experience the joy of moment to moment awareness and find stillness within. This retreat was originally designed during the COVID-19 pandemic as an online retreat for participants…
June 14 - 16, 2024
Event Description This in-person weekend retreat has a simple and relaxed schedule that allows you to settle your mind while at the same time allowing you to maintain a constant…
July 20 - 21, 2024
Event Description Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain…
September 21 - 22, 2024
Event Description Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain…
October 18 - 26, 2024
Event Description This is a full seven-day foundation meditation, designed for people newer to practice and experienced practitioners alike. The retreat schedule, with typical sitting periods lasting 30 minutes, is…