Photographer's Profile

Zhen Ru

Canada

Zhen-Ru is a trailblazing female Buddhist leader, entrusted by her teacher to guide over 1,000 monastics and thousands of lay practitioners—an extraordinary and unconventional role for a woman in the Buddhist world. Despite challenges and disinformation, she has become a symbol of resilience, compassion, and wisdom. A prolific composer, Zhen-Ru has created hundreds of spiritual works featured in nine albums, performed at renowned venues like Disney Concert Hall and Lincoln Center. Her music captures the beauty of the human spirit and the connection between teacher and student, blending traditional and modern styles to inspire and comfort. Her intention is for art to serve as a bridge between people—a space for dialogue and a way to rediscover beauty and meaning in life. Zhen-Ru creates works not with traditional pigment, as her art style unfolds in flowing weaves of light that can be both strong and tender, playful and contemplative. Lines, colors, and shapes take on a life of their own, shifting like water, drifting like mist, and glowing with quiet intensity. Each work carries an atmosphere of transformation, imagination, and deep emotion. In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Zhen-Ru is an advocate for environmental preservation. She has inspired the planting of over 1.31 million trees, helping to build a "Green Great Wall" to protect Taiwan’s coastlines. Her leadership combines spiritual wisdom with practical action, addressing the challenges of modern life while fostering a deep respect for nature. Through her teachings, music, and her upcoming book Kindling Hope, Zhen-Ru empowers others to face adversity with strength, uncover their potential, and create a more compassionate and sustainable world. Her work bridges tradition and modernity, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.