ZHIGUAN LAY BUDDHIST — MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION PSYCHOLOGY INSTRUCTOR

Zhiguan Lay Buddhist (Chen Zhiguan) is a mindfulness and meditation psychology instructor dedicated to integrating modern psychological approaches with the wisdom of traditional Buddhist practice. As a National Level-2 Psychological Counselor and a certified Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) instructor, he brings both professional mental health experience and deep contemplative practice to his teaching.

Before joining the meditation community at Guanghua Temple, Zhiguan worked in the Clinical Psychology Department of a leading tertiary hospital in Beijing, where he spent 12 years engaged in psychological counseling, therapeutic support, and mindfulness-based interventions. Through years of working with individuals facing emotional stress, anxiety, and life challenges, he developed a deep understanding of the connection between mental wellbeing and inner awareness.

In 2016, Zhiguan began his personal journey into Buddhist meditation. He traveled to forest monasteries and meditation centers in Myanmar and Thailand, where he practiced Vipassana meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. These experiences allowed him to explore the traditional foundations of mindfulness beyond theory, developing a balanced perspective that connects ancient contemplative wisdom with contemporary psychological science.

Since joining the meditation teaching team at Guanghua Temple in 2020, Zhiguan has focused on creating a practical approach that combines MBCT principles, mindfulness training, and traditional Buddhist meditation. His teaching emphasizes awareness, acceptance, and self-understanding, helping practitioners develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts, emotions, and daily experiences.

Specializing in mindfulness-based stress reduction, emotional regulation, and insight meditation guidance, Zhiguan teaches with a style that is calm, rational, and deeply compassionate. Through attentive listening and gentle guidance, he creates a safe and supportive environment where students can gradually recognize their inner patterns and cultivate greater emotional balance.

He currently leads programs including the Five-Day Mindfulness Meditation Retreat and Meditation for Urban Stress Relief, which are especially suitable for professionals, busy individuals, and those experiencing high levels of stress. Through the integration of psychology and meditation, Zhiguan offers a modern pathway for people seeking greater clarity, resilience, and inner peace in their everyday lives.