Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan BuddhismThis is an inspiring guide to the practice of Chan (Chinese Zen) in the words of four great masters of that tradition. It includes teachings from contemporary masters Xuyun and Sheng Yen, and from Jiexian and Boshan of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Though the texts were written over a period of hundreds of years, they are all remarkably lucid and are perfect for beginners as well as more advanced practitioners today. All the main points of spiritual practice are covered: philosophical foundations, methods, approaches to problems and obstacles—all aimed at helping the student attain the way to enlightenment. |
Contents
What Beginning Chan Practitioners | 7 |
part | 23 |
Distinguishing Practitioners Capacity | 31 |
Testing Practitioners and Cutting Away Illusions | 39 |
Giving Practitioners Training and Tempering | 46 |
Skillfully Turning Practitioners Around | 54 |
Cutting Through the Barrier and Opening | 60 |
Strict and Exacting Control of Conduct | 68 |
Lectures on the Methods of Practice | 94 |
There Is Not a Thing That Cannot | 114 |
Impermanence | 126 |
Faith | 134 |
Obstructions | 170 |
Enlightenment | 199 |
Remarks at the End of Retreat | 214 |
Glossary | 233 |
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Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism Master Sheng-Yen No preview available - 2006 |
Common terms and phrases
afflictions ancient arouse the doubt attain awakening awareness become enlightened birth and death Bodhidharma bodhimandala bodhisattva body and mind Boshan breath buddha-nature Buddhadharma buddhas and patriarchs Buddhism Caodong Chan community Chan Hall Chan master Chan practice Chan practitioners Chan school Chinese clinging compassion correct course of practice cultivate delusion doubt sensation empty experience eyes faith feel Gateless Gate genuine give gong'an guiding principles huatou Huineng impermanence investigating Chan Jiexian karmic karmic obstructions Linji Lotus Sutra Mahayana means mental mind of enlightenment monk nirvana one’s path prac practice Chan practitioner’s prajna precepts prostrating Pure Land realize reciting Buddha's name relax repentance retreat samadhi Sangha scattered mind Section omitted self-nature sense faculties sentient Shakyamuni Buddha Sheng Yen shikantaza silent illumination sitting someone Song dynasty Sutra teacher teachings things Three Jewels tion training and tempering understanding wandering thoughts wisdom words Xuyun Zhaozhou