Meditation, including vipassanā and mindfulness, have recently become popular mindbody-spirit practices in modern society. Possible mind-body problems developed from meditation have also been alerted. Since pre-modern period many Chan masters have pointed out the causes and solutions of ‘meditation sickness’ (Chanbing). Wrong understanding and meditation practices can cause problems. Master Sheng Yen, who received Chan meditation teachings from Master Lingyuan, had experienced a 6-year intensive closed retreat. With his understanding of the role and application of Chan in modern society, Sheng Yen set up a meditation centre and started teaching meditation to the Westerners in the United States in the 1970s. He had also promoted Chan to Chinese enthusiastically after establishing Dharma Drum Mountain. Through examining the writings on Chan by Sheng Yen, this paper will explore the understanding of ‘meditation sickness’ and solutions by Sheng Yen. Finally it will discuss the similarities and differences of Sheng Yen’s understanding in the context of Chan lineage.
