Some Participants’ Feedback:
I am thankful for what you have done for us in the class. Your immerse knowledge, wisdom and the way you explain makes it so interesting, informative and beneficial for each and every one. We can never thank you enough for these… I am thankful for your consistent guidance. Amituofo, Sophia
Once again, many thanks to all your guidance. Looking forward to the next class. Amituofo, Lilian
Hi Bro. Shi’an, this was the second time I attended this course, and surely, I grasp it better [this time]. You have shared valuable Dharma knowledge during the class… [T]hank you for guiding us to Pure Land with the profound Dharma teachings. Namo Amituofo, Sally
Hi Brother Shi’an, Namo Amituofo. Thank you for organising the course! Me and my wife really benefited immensely as it gave us better understanding of Buddhism, and in particular the Pure Land tradition… Thank you for your time and effort! Regards, Chengyang & Manjun
Once again, thank you teacher. This is my first formal Dharma course. I like the way it is delivered – the Q&A sessions before class and many interesting stories. These help to strengthen my understanding of some of the principles, and to remember them… Since young, my Mum always reminded me to say ‘Namo Amituofo’ whenever I am scared or in distress. When I asked her why, she merely said Amituofo will come to my aid. This indeed helped to calm my nerves since young. So, in a way, I always had faith in Amituofo. Attending this course helped me to understand more, and it expanded my Faith. I now also understand the importance of having Aspiration and Practice too. – KT
Hi Brother Shen Shi’an, many thanks for your dedication and hard work to conduct the above course. You have… made it easy to understand the class. The question and answer sessions are very good and I really appreciated it. Best Regards. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu. – Poh Beng
Thank you very much for the informative lessons on 48 Vows Of Amituofo. It helped me to have better understanding and clear some doubts that I had previously. Once again, thanks a lot. Regards, Vincent
Teacher Shi’an is very learned and possess great knowledge of Pure Land Buddhism and Dharma practices. He is very eloquent in English and Mandarin. He speaks with full confidence and authority on the subject of Amitabha Buddha’s Forty-Eight Vows. He has evidently prepared his lessons painstakingly and thoroughly, and was able to deliver them effectively. From his lectures, I learnt the Three Provisions for reaching Amituofo’s Pure Land, which are profound Faith, sincere Aspiration and true Practice. I must follow them faithfully to be reborn in Amituofo’s Pure Land. I enjoyed his lessons very much, and look forward to attending more of his Dharma classes in future. Amituofo, Kim Bok
Greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into arranging the Dharma materials and conducting the classes, Amituofo, Schuanne
Thank you for your kind and generous sponsorship for the courses that I have attended. Regards, Joo Hiang
Thank you, Bro. Shi’an. Keep up the good work. Namo Amituofo, James & Bee Hong
Dear Teacher Shi’an… Very grateful to you for sharing your profound knowledge of the Dharma with us, and for your tireless efforts in promoting the Pure Land practice. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! Amituofo, Weih-Yeow
Great thanks to Bro. Shi’an, for the profound and meaningful teaching on the 48 Great Vows of Amituofo. This is the 2nd time I am attending this course and through this, I have been able to truly appreciate the Great Compassion of Amituofo and on why he had created these Vows to benefit us, sentient beings. If it is not for your relentless effort to propagate this… we would not have the opportunity to learn the powerful Pure Land teachings to liberate, not only ourselves but others too. Also your enthusiasm is very commendable as after every lesson, I feel very refreshed and energised, as if being nourished by the nectar of the Dharma. In gratitude, Eunice
Thank you for the wonderful Dharma classes. Amituofo, Pei Fen
This year, I’ve been attending your classes on a regular basis because personally, every session is a nourishing experience!… Amituofo, Estella
Bro Shi’an, your lessons are amazing, interesting and educational. I learnt a lot from you, especially on Nianfo. I’ll support you in the courses you conduct. You are very valuable to Buddhism & Buddhist teaching. Thanks for being my Dharma teacher. 感恩 🙏 I attended many of your courses… Please continue to teach as many more existing and new students can benefit especially from the Pure Land teachings. Amituofo, Suzanne
Dear Brother Shi’an, thank you very much for all the interesting lessons and notes. I have gained a lot of knowledge and understanding of the Amitabha Sutra and Amituofo’s 48 Vows [in the Immeasurable Life Sutra] from your classes. Now I am reading both sutras with better understanding and contemplation… Grateful for the ways you bring about the lessons for easy understanding and appreciation of Amituofo! Best Regards and Amituofo, Chee Mung
Thank you for being an ever engaging and passionate teacher! Regards, Nicholas
Amituofo, Bro Shi’an, thank you for your relentless efforts in bringing the Dharma to us. 我获益不少，心存感激。Amituofo, Kit Wah
I enjoyed this course so so much till I am back to retake this class. Kudos to Shi’an Laoshi, the class materials have been refreshed and we are using the ‘The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Immeasurable Life: Section On Amitābha Buddha’s Forty-Eight Great Vows’ as our textbook for this course. – Freddie
Amituofo, Bro Shi’an! Thank you for the insightful lesson tonight for the 2nd module for 48 vows of Amituofo! Sadhu, Estella
Thank you, Bro. Shi’an. Your explanation is the clearest I’ve received so far, and I’d certainly watch out for the Heart Sutra course. The articles you wrote are really very helpful… [M]any thanks again for the precious Dharma sharing. Regards, MH
Thank you, Bro. Shi’an for your swift reply. I am your current student attending the 48 vows of Amituofo as well as the new class [Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra] that began last Tuesday. I am blessed to be able to attend your class. Thanks again… After learning the 48 vows of Amituofo, I felt the greatness and compassion of Amituofo. Your earnest encouragement of us to Nianfo and uphold the Three Provisions is endearing. Truly appreciate it. See you in [the] ‘Destination Pureland’ [course]. Amituofo, Sally
Hi Teacher Shi’an, thank you for your effort and the research that you have done in preparing for the lessons. During the 2 modules, every vow brought forth by Amitabha Buddha is remarkable, and you are able to bring out the remarkable spirit of his vows. We can see his wisdom and the compassion with which he embraces all sentient beings through his vows. The lessons are interesting and enjoyable! I am filled with Dharma joy at every lesson. This strengthens my faith, aspiration and sincerity to practise to be born in Pure Land. Thank you for your compassionate guidance! May more be guided through the teachings! Amituofo :-] Sharon
Dear Bro. Shi’an, grateful for your wonderful teachings and your compassionate dedication to the students with your notes and emails… Will attend class when possible. Amituofo, Loretta
Thanks for your sharing! We are enjoying every lesson! Amituofo! – Sock Har & Chor Leng
Hi Teacher Shi’an, thank you for your guidance all along… Pure Land practice is my main practice now. Amituofo:) Sok Cheng
Your courses are superb and interesting. Looking forward to your forthcoming courses on Great Strength Bodhisattva (The Mindfulness Factor) & Project Rebirth. – Mdm Shen
Dear Brother Shen, I’ve enjoyed every lesson since Module 1 of ‘The 48 Great Vows of Amituofo’ course. It is very engaging, informative and easy to understand. It has a tremendous impact on me as all the missing pieces in my life have been finally put together. I’ve found my faith in Amituofo and would surely aspire and practise to reach his Pure Land. Thank you for your time, guidance and generous sharing. You’re a truly great Dharma teacher of the modern days. Amituofo, Josephine
Dear Teacher Shi’an, Thanks very much for conducting this course on the 48 Great Vows of Amituofo. After understanding the rationale behind each vow, I am further touched by Amitabha’s great compassion. There is no reason for us not to aspire to be born in his Pure Land! Thanks for the tireless effort you put in to make the lessons interesting and simple enough for us to understand by showing modern examples, colourful slides and video clips. You are indeed an excellent Dharma teacher! I would encourage all Pure Land practitioners to attend this course. It is important for us to know and understand Amituofo’s great vows as this would strengthen our faith and aspiration to reach Pure Land. 16 lessons (Module 1 & 2 together) just passed so quickly. I always leave the class filled with Dharma joy (法喜充满) at the end of each lesson. Thanks for sharing. Amituofo! – Ivy
I enjoyed being in your class. I like how you relate the lessons to real life example that would allow it to make logical sense and be much easier to understand. Thank you much.- Janet
Unless you overcome the fear of death, you will never be able to live fearlessly. This is what you will learn in this class, and more. With Bro. Shi’an’s wit, passion and generous sharing, you will come to realise that you hold the key to your future. And with diligent effort [and the blessings of Amituofo], you can actually enjoy a better life now, rather than later. Great job in delivering another excellent class and may you reach out to many more! – Han
Hi Shi’an Laoshi, as usual, very well-researched and collaborated! The modules did answered some of my questions on why certain vows are made… Looking forward to next year’s courses. Amituofo. – Zann
Dear Teacher Shi’an, I am glad that I had the affinity to attend your class for both module 1 & 2 of the ’48 Great Vows of Amituofo’ course. Your teaching and constant reminders to practise minfulness of Amituofo had inspired me to make some changes that I know they will increase my faith. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you with appreciation from the bottom of my heart. Once again, thank you for being a great Dharma teacher with your undying efforts to propagate Dharma to all of us. Yours sincerely, Yam Hoon
I sincerely appreciate your effort, time and generosity in sharing your knowledge and experience. It has strengthened my faith in Pure Land. I am blessed to have come to know about your teachings. I have encouraged my brother to attend your class on ‘Understanding Amituofo’. – Mee Nah
阿弥陀佛！It’s my first time attending your lessons, quite by chance. Saw the poster put up during one Sunday helping out at one of the children Dharma class for the first time. Initially, I thought it’ll be a boring or dry lesson. But it turns out that I was fully awake throughout your lessons… The lessons come alive during the teaching and I do really enjoy and ponder on many things that were taught. I do hope to study more sutras in the near future from your classes. Thank you so much again, and for your good work + skilful teaching. – KK
Great thanks for your sharing during the lessons. I learnt a lot from your sharing and greatly appreciate the opportunity that you have given us to learn more about Buddhism. My Mum too – she values your sharing and specifically asked to go for the 48 vows to learn more. Look forward to more of your sharing. – Violet
Thank you for painstakingly explaining every vow, giving a lot of examples and analogies that are innovative, relevant and interesting… and sharing of many Dharma stories. Every lesson helps to strengthen our faith and aspiration to go Pure Land… Thank you for sharing the Dharma… I have learnt a lot. Amituofo, Meow Lin
I always enjoy your lessons. – Bee Lan
Thank you very much for your clear teachings. : ) It’s indeed my blessing to be able to understand more about Amituofo through what you have taught. I am very grateful. Thank you. – Hock Chye
I really enjoy your lessons. Prior to meeting you I have read some of your books and have been a TDE subscriber for years. I am a beginner actually. So what you shared is interesting and informative to me… I signed up for 48 vows without knowing anything about Amituofo except it is a ‘mantra’! I am glad I did! You are very good at conducting such lessons in an interesting and lively manner, with very good visual effects too. I really appreciate your time and effort put into your research, detailed interpretations and guidance. Attending your ‘48 Vows’ and ‘Understanding Amituofo‘ courses has further strengthened my faith. My husband and I are very encouraged to take on the practice more seriously. We are looking forward to more of your courses. As the year is drawing to a close, I thank you, not just for the recent lessons, but also for all these years, for what I have learnt from your books and publications. I also sincerely wish that you are always blessed to continue your great work in sharing the Dharma. – Jenny
You are a really ‘Wonderful’ instructor. I really enjoy your class. It so interesting, so interactive. Looking forward for your class every week. A million thanks. – Wallace
Thank you Brother Shi’an for the painstaking planning, preparing and presenting of the course! The amount of research put into the numerous slides for the very interesting and mind-blowing knowledge-sharing sessions (and notes) is indeed commendable! We enjoyed the sessions and fellowship sessions and wish that everyone who attend them do too. We now believe that our aspiration to go to Pure Land has become stronger. We’ll definitely recommend people to attend the next run. Amituofo! Tio Siang & Jacqueline
Btw, I enjoy every single lesson and your effort is definitely appreciated! Amituofo, Monica
Dharma Teacher Shi’an is very sincere and earnest in delivery of his courses. Always filled with many interesting and creative analogies or metaphors to let us have a better idea and understanding. The various creative media used and implementation of the element of humour brings the Dharma classes alive without boredom, very often allowing me to feel inspired and invigorated with renewed energy after the lessons. Really appreciate the amount of effort Teacher Shi’an put into preparing his classes. Hope that the work of Teacher Shi’an will continue and benefit more of us! – Ricky
I would like to take this opportunity to say I enjoyed your lessens. They are very interesting. Many thanks. – Lilian
Thanks, Brother Shi’an for conducting the class. You had put in a lot of effort to explain in English. – Iris
About Teacher:
Shen Shi’an (沈时安) is an independent Buddhist teacher, author, researcher, translator, editor and publisher. He was a founding member of the Dharma Propagation Division of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bright Hill Temple) in 1997. Holding a Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies from University of Sunderland (March 2009), that covered all major Buddhist traditions, he served as the Dharma Trainer & Project Coordinator in its Community Development & Training Department until 2011, focusing on research-writing, teaching and answering of media queries on Buddhism. He was the founder of the temple’s Youth Mission, book purchaser for its Awareness Place project, and the Chief Editor of the Web & Library Department, that supported Buddhanet.
He is the founder and editor of TheDailyEnlightenment.com since 1997, one of the largest independent Buddhist inspirational e-newsletters with over 33,500 members, editor of ‘Be a Lamp Upon Yourself’, ‘The Stonepeace Book (Volume 1-2)’, ‘Awaken: Gateway to Buddhism (CD-ROM)’, author-editor of ‘The Daily Enlightenment: Reflections For Practising Buddhists (Book 1-7)’ and the bestselling graphic novel, ‘The Amazing & Amusing Adventures of Sam & Sara: The Zen of All Kinds of Stuff!’ (He is the author-editor-translator of 15 books.) He also contributes occasionally to magazines such as ‘Nanyang Buddhist’, ‘Awaken’ (for which he was Contributing Editor), ‘For You (Information)’ (for which he was invited to be an editorial board member) and ‘Eastern Horizon’. He served with the film selection team of a Buddhist film festival, writes movie reviews for BuddhistChannel, a Buddhist news network, and created Dharma@Cinema, which shares the Dharma through detailed film reviews.
With retranslated sutras and treatises, he has taught on the Pure Land teachings at Singapore Buddhist Federation, Kong Meng San, Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Centre and Poh Ming Tse. He also leads the Pureland Practice Fellowship, which he founded in 2008. He graduated from, and was invited to be a group counsellor for the ‘Theory And Practice Of Pure Land Buddhism’ course (净土教理研修班) at Singapore Buddhist Lodge, and to be its commemorative magazine’s chief editor. He has also committed to the Bodhisattva Precepts at Donglin Monastery (东林寺), which was founded by the First Patriarch Of The Pure Land Tradition Great Master Huiyuan.
He was also invited to teach Sunday School teachers on how to discern controversial ‘Buddhist’ groups. He is also occasionally invited to conduct Dharma discussions for youths of tertiary institutions’ Buddhist societies (NTUBS, NUSBS, SIMBB, NPBS, NYPBS, SPBS) on various subjects, and to introduce Buddhist perspectives at Secondary Schools (St. Patrick’s School, Manjusri School and its Buddhist Interact Club), Junior Colleges (Catholic Junior College) and International Schools (UWCSEA, SJII). He was also invited to share on Buddhism by NUS Medical Dhamma Circle, Dharma Drum Mountain (Singapore), Fo Guang Shan (Singapore), Tai Pei Buddhist Centre, Singapore Buddhist Mission Youth, Singapore Buddhist Youth Mission, Wat Ananda Youth, Buddha Of Medicine Welfare Society, The Buddhist Union Dharma Centre, Buddhist Fellowship, Dot Connections Growth Centre and Kampung Senang. He has also been invited to Indonesia (Ekayana Buddhist Centre) and Malaysia (Than Hsiang Temple) to teach.
He was a committee member of the Inter-Religious Organisation, through which he served in interfaith harmony projects by writing and giving of talks, having represented Buddhist points of view at national events held by NACLI, NHB, NHG, SAF, SPF, MHA, ACM, SPM, STB, OnePeople.sg, IRCC and MCYS. He was also chosen to be a volunteer member of the Publications Consultative Panel under Singapore’s Ministry Of Communications And Information’s (MCI) Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for 2 years, and invited to extend his stint. He also co-runs Moonpointer.com, a blog that promotes creative-writing, and Purelanders.com, which archives hundreds of English articles on the Chinese Pure Land teachings. He is also the founder of Facebook pages such as Buddhist Confessions & Resolutions, Cinema Dharma and Buddhist Vegan Fellowship.
He has a ‘Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate, completed (Feb 2017), T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell’ (a subsidiary of Cornell University), with which he uses to promote Maha-Veganism, as taught by the Buddha. He can be reached at tdethedailyenlightenment.com for invitations to share the Dharma via articles and talks.
Interview In Buddhist Magazine: http://moonpointer.com/new/2011/07/interview-with-shen-shian
Published Works (Books and articles written, translated, edited):
[01] The Daily Enlightenment 1: Reflections For Practising Buddhists
[02] The Daily Enlightenment 2: Reflections For Practising Buddhists
[03] The Daily Enlightenment 3: Reflections For Practising Buddhists
[04] The Daily Enlightenment 4: Reflections For Practising Buddhists
[05] The Daily Enlightenment 5: Reflections For Practising Buddhists
[06] The Daily Enlightenment 6: Reflections For Practising Buddhists
[07] The Daily Enlightenment 7: Reflections For Practising Buddhists
[08] Amitabha Sutra: The Sutra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Amita Buddha
[09] The Sutra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Immeasurable Life: Section On Amitabha Buddha’s Forty-Eight Great Vows
[10] The Great Buddha Crown’s Surangama Sutra’s Section On Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva’s Perfect Penetration With Mindfulness Of Buddha
[11] Guanshiyin Bodhisattva’s Universal Door Chapter
[12] The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra
[13] The Pure Land Passport: The Three Great Essentials When Approaching Death
[14] The Faith Factor: The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land
[15] The Stonepeace Book Volume 1: One Hundred Illuminating Inspirational Sayings
[16] The Stonepeace Book Volume 2: One Hundred Enlightening Inspirational Sayings
[17] The Amazing & Amusing Adventures Of Sam & Sara: The Zen Of All Kinds Of Stuff
[18] Be A Lamp Upon Yourself (Editor)
[19] Awaken: Gateway To Buddhism (CD-ROM) (Editor)
[20] With Same Vow And Practice (Editor)
[21] Various Articles in ‘For You Information’ magazine
[22] Various Articles in ‘Nanyang Buddhist’ magazine
[23] Various Articles in ‘Awaken’ magazine
[24] Various Articles in ‘Shi Cheng Chao Yin: Singapore Buddhist Lodge Newsletter’
[25] Article in ‘Eastern Horizon’
[26] Various Articles in ‘Buddhist Channel’ website
[27] Various Articles in Singapore’s Inter-Religious Organisation’s 2009 Commemorative Magazine for the China-Singapore Religious and Cultural Exhibition
About Free Course Book:
Reader Feedback:
Congratulations and rejoice on the launch of your latest Dharma book, which will definitely benefit and guide us in our practice. It’s so good to see English Dharma texts translated, and with so much thought and planning behind – be it the book cover, texture of the pages, design, layout and text. I have two of your great books and like them very much. Both books show the immense efforts, thought and passion you have dedicated. I have been using the Amitabha Sutra book daily to chant as it is complete. It has the sutra, repentance, aspiration and dedication verses for birth in Pure Land. I used to refer to different sutra texts. Now, I just use your one-in-all text. Thank you so much, and I hope you will continue to launch more books to benefit more English-speaking Dharma practitioners. Best regards, Pauline
