Born in Tianjin, China, Mingzhou came to New York as an exchange student. His life changed after a profound awakening at Berkeley, sparking his quest to understand why awakening feels so close yet remains elusive for many.

In 2021, he met Genpo Roshi and trained in the sudden path of awakening. A year later, on the Spring Equinox of 2022, Roshi transmitted the Buddha’s mind-seal to him. In that instant, Mingzhou realized his true nature and life’s purpose. He was bestowed the title Roshi and the Dharma name "Yuan Ci" (圆慈/Circle of Compassion), tasked with sharing the Buddha-Dharma.

After a two-year solitary retreat, he began teaching. His students quickly grew from a handful to hundreds, finding inner peace, resolving deep-seated struggles, and transforming their lives.

Today, Mingzhou helps people awaken while balancing the world’s demands. He teaches Zen, Taichi, and calligraphy while running a construction company during the day.