Kwan Yin Chan Lin Zen Centre (KYCL) was founded by Venerable Chi Boon in 1991. Its objective is to spread the Buddha’s true teaching so that we may attain our true selves and help all sentient beings to relieve from suffering. By practicing the correct meditation, we can find the correct direction of our lives and attain our true nature. We can also clearly perceive our correct situation, relationship and function at every moment, live in wisdom and compassion, to help our families, our friends, our country and this whole world to gain peace and happiness.
 
The name of our Zen Centre, “Kwan Yin Chan Lin”, carries a deep meaning. “Kwan” means to perceive and “Yin” means the sound of the world. “Kwan Yin” (in Korean, “Kwan Um”) means to perceive the sound within us, to remove our ignorance, attachment and incorrect mindset, and to practice the correct path. In addition, we should also perceive the sound of all sentient beings and help them to relieve from suffering and gain happiness. “Chan”, which is the Chinese word for Zen, represents simple and pure life. At present days, our lives are becoming more and more complicated, and many sufferings are made as a consequence. Zen practice can help us return to simple life and let our minds return to peace, tranquility, holiness and freedom. “Lin” means many tree. The many trees that make up a forest give it strength, and cannot be blown away by strong wind. “Chan Lin” represents many people practicing together so we can help each other and give each other strength to fulfil the great Buddhist vows.
 
继闻法师于1991年成立观音禅林，其宗旨是为了弘扬佛陀的正法眼藏，使大家都能找到本来自性，帮助一切众生脱离苦海。 通过正确的禅修，我们可以找回人生的正确方向，证入自性，时时刻刻清楚我们的正确处境、关系和运作，生活在智慧与慈悲中， 从而帮助我们的家人、朋友、国家和这个世界，都得到安乐。
 
本禅院以“观音禅林”为名，含意深刻。观是观照，音是世间的声音。观音就是观照自己内心的声音，去除无明执著与不善心， 修行善法，进而观照众生的声音，帮助众生离苦得乐。禅是指简单纯净的生活。现代人的生话过于复杂，制造了许多烦恼痛苦。 禅修能帮助我们回归简单的生活，使人心回归平静、安祥、庄严、自在。林是多的意思，很多树在一起就有力量，大风吹不动。 禅林就是很多人在一起共修，彼此扶持，成就大菩提愿。