Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen - Softcover

Master Shen-Yen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1786781603 ISBN 13: 9781786781604

Publisher: Watkins Publishing, 2018

Synopsis

An insider's guide to the principles of Chan - or Chinese Zen - this book gives unfiltered access to the kind of illuminating experience with a Zen Master that is usually only available to a few fortunate practitioners.

Having originated in China in the 6th century, Chan Buddhism is now growing rapidly in popularity, much of which can be attributed to its open, accepting attitude and its focus on a choice of meditative practices to best suit each individual. With the bulk of the text made up of edited transcripts of the teachings at two major retreats led in Wales in 1989 and 1995 by the then-head of the movement, Master Sheng Yen, this jewel of a book offers a rare glimpse inside both the ancient teachings and the contemporary practice of Chan. Words like 'enlightenment' rarely pass the lips of Master Sheng Yen. Instead, he makes it clear that his retreats are for the development of practice, to realize one is not in control of one's own mind, to discover how to train one's mind in awareness, to calm the mind, and to replace ignorance with insight. Commentary by Sheng Yen's much respected Western disciple John Crook gives full context to the teachings and provides a fascinating account of the practical aspects of a retreat of this nature, including the meditative practices of watching the breath, counting the breath and of 'Silent Illumination' that lies at the heart of Chinese Zen. In so doing the atmosphere of such a retreat is powerfully evoked, especially when Crook recounts the experiences and impacts of his own years of practice.

About this title

Review:

''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 has the truly rare ability to harmonize classical teaching with actual meditation practice... It feels as if he is taking us, step by step and with great clarity, on our own personal retreat. Here is invaluable guidance for all students of meditative living.'' -- Larry Rosenberg, author of Breath by Breath and Living in the Light of Death

''...the gentleness, warmth and humour of Master Sheng-Yen radiate through the text. This book thus provides a rare opportunity to listen in to the unfolding of a Chan retreat.'' --Stephen Batchelor, contemporary Buddhist teacher and writer

''Sheng Yen was a giant among contemporary Chan masters. His teachings are extraordinarily deep and breathtakingly clear. Reading Sheng Yen is like looking through a spotless window, providing a rare view directly into the very heart of Zen Wisdom.'' -- Doshin Nelson Roshi, Zen Master, teacher and Head Abbot at Integral Zen

''Chan Master Sheng-yen is a great teacher, and I have a great confidence in his scholarship and wisdom.'' --Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Master

''Master Sheng Yen is a true spiritual practitioner of deep and broad learning.'' -- His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

''John Crook's commentary gives full context to the teachings a provides a fascinating account of [...] Chinese Zen.'' --Watkins Mind Body Spirit magazine

About the Author:

Chan Master Sheng Yen (1930-2009) was a widely respected Chan (Chinese Zen) master who taught extensively in the West, with centres throughout North America, as well as dozens of others throughout the world. He founded the Dharma Drum Mountain (dharmadrum.org), a spiritual and educational foundation that is one of the most influential organisations in Chinese Buddhism. He co-led retreats with the Dalai Lama and is the author of numerous books, including Song of Mind, The Method of No-Method, and his autobiography Footprints in the Snow.

Dr John Crook, PhD. DSc (1930-2011) was Professor of Psychology at the University of Bristol for many years, yet it was in the Eastern practice of Chan Buddhism that he found peace. The first Western Dharma Heir of the late Chan Master Sheng Yen, he founded the Western Chan Fellowship (westernchanfellowship.org), a charity devoted to spreading the word about Chinese Zen in Europe, and he devoted his life to teaching Chan meditation.

About this edition

• Publisher: Watkins Publishing
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1786781603
• ISBN 13: 9781786781604
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 216
• Editor: John Crook