New edition. Chinese Buddhist Master Sheng-yen offers us fresh insights into the ways we can bring Ch'an study and practice into our daily lives. The first part of this book includes lively anecdotal explanations of the history and concepts shaping Ch'an Buddhism, along with careful explanations of methods for meditation and other practices. The second part pulls us into the lyrical rhythms of actual practice, with aphorisms and poetic expressions that will guide people at any level of practice along the path to wisdom.
"In Buddhism, awakening from the long dream of life means realizing your self nature…Although we may understand that our lives are dreamlike, we still bear responsibility for this sleeping and walking dream. We must make our minds simple, peaceful, and tranquil. Sincere and rigorous practice lets us calm both body and mind, which in turn allows us, day by day, to reduce our karmic obstructions." Master Sheng Yen.
