Venerable Xian Zhong was born in Ladakh, India. Though born in a Buddhist family, he did not receive much of an opportunity to learn about the Dharma. At the age of 22, he departed his hometown with the mission of finding a place to study and practice Buddhism. Eventually, his path led him to Taiwan where he studied Buddhism under the guidance and tutelage of Venerable Master Huei Guang.
In 2004, he was officially ordained as a Buddhist monk. In 2007 he arrived in the United States with the objective of working with the IBS Prison Program. Since joining the program in Janurary 2008, Venerable Xian Zhong has established 48 sanghas and created 103 libraries within 33 different prisons. Additionally, Ven- Xian Zhong has coordinated several multi-days meditation retreats in different California prisons. These meditation retreats were unique due to them being the first of their kind to be approved by the warden in the state of California. Since joining the prison program, Ven Xian Zhong has been given the opportunity to visit 22 California prisons on a regular basis, in addition to visitation to 11 out of state prisons. Opening his heart to those who have lost their way, he continues to support individuals who are incarcerated realize their true nature. With the belief that everyone deserves a second chance and that many incarcerated individuals can benefit from the Buddha teachings, Ven Xianzhong’s dream is to one day offer Dharma and meditation teachings in all state prisons in the west coast of United States.
