This article attempts to focus on a particular book, Hoofprint ofthe Ox, to discuss in detail about Master Sheng-yen’s interpretation on sudden meditation practice in Chinese Chan School, and his endeavour of integrating gradual and sudden meditation practice. Several aspects are to be mentioned, including main characteristics of sudden practice, its differences with gradual practice, the capacity of potential of sudden practitioner, and actual operation methods; in addition, the experience and achieved enlightenment stages through sudden practice, the essential condition for its success, as well as possible problems and limitation for practitioners in modern times, will be analyzed. Based on these discussions, we can proceed to investigate key factors of integrating sudden and gradual practice prompted by Master Sheng-yen. This study also seeks to inquire how such integration is possible, especially when sudden practice can induce gradual process. Why sudden practice can have the effects of concentration is one important concern. Finally, Master Sheng-yen’s attempt of integrating two types of practices may have influential meaning in constructing school style for Dharma Drum Mountain, as well as impacts to Buddhist society in Taiwan, and these issues will also be considered.
