Dharma Drum: The Life and Heart of Chan Pracice

by Master Sheng Yen

Overview

Here is an ideal guide to the practice of Chan Buddhism by a great modern teacher. Part One presents Master Sheng Yen’s lively, anecdotal account of the history and main principles of the Chan tradition, along with his careful instructions for meditation. Part Two consists of 180 of his gemlike aphorisms and sayings that serve as inspirations to spiritual practice. The book will appeal to beginners as well as experienced students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780834828230
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	10/10/2006
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	546 KB

About the Author

Chan Master Sheng Yen (1930–2009) was a widely respected Taiwanese Chan (Chinese Zen) master who taught extensively in the West during the last thirty-one y ears of his life, with twenty-one centers throughout North America, as well as dozens of others throughout the world. He has co-led retreats with the Dalai Lama, and he is the author of numerous books in Chinese and English, including Song of Mind, The Method of No-Method, and his autobiography, Footprints in the Snow.

Read an Excerpt

From Part Two: The Reality of Ch'an Practice

Some people say that mountain climbers are really wasting their time. They have nothing better to do so they climb mountains, tire themselves out, and come back with nothing to show for it. Yet a person who climbs a tall mountain sees the world and experiences nature in a very different way from someone who never leaves his own front door. Genuine mountain climbers do not struggle up great precipices for the glory of it. They know that glory is only a label given by others. A true climber climbs for the experience of climbing. And this is an experience no one can have without setting a foot on the mountain path. If there is any purpose in Ch'an, we may say it is to discover the nature of the self. Those who make this effort discover something sublime. They do not strive for glory and praise from others. Rather, they do the work for themselves.

* * *

Those who take up the study of Buddhism before their views have expanded are subject to fears and doubts. They doubt the method and whether they can reach the objective. Like those who have narrow views and only see what is in front of their eyes, their perspective is shallow and limited.

* * *

What is known and what is seen are more important than what you do. Knowing and seeing refer to practice that is in accord with what the Buddha knows and sees. Practice is important, but that which the Buddha knows and sees is even more important. Without the guidance of the Buddha's experience, people would not be practicing Buddhadharma correctly.

* * *

Over the years I have met many people who lack faith, who reach a certain point in their practice and find they can go no further. They may have partial faith; for instance, they may have confidence in themselves but no trust in the method. Or they may put all their faith in the method and mistrust the teacher. Some people may trust the teacher but doubt the level they can actually reach with Ch'an practice. Their doubt prevents them from having a deep experience.

Editorial Reviews

 Praise for Sheng Yen:


“When I listen to Master Sheng Yen’s presentation of Chan Buddhist teachings, my immediate and very profound feeling is that I am listening to words of wisdom from someone who is very experienced and a great practitioner.”—His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

“Chan Master Sheng Yen is a great teacher, and I have a great confidence in his scholarship and wisdom.”—Thich Nhat Hanh

From the Publisher