Dharma Drum: The Life and Heart of Chan Pracice

Description

This guide and companion for the practitioner of Chan Buddhism contains two parts: Part one is a lively presentation of the history and practice of Chan, along with careful instruction in meditation practice. Part two provides inspiration for practitioners in the form of short teachings and aphorisms by Master Sheng Yen that will provide motivation to practice for both beginning and advanced students: "The principle of practice is to not fear the rising of thoughts, but to fear becoming aware of them too late. Thoughts are illusory. Awareness is knowing that you have illusory thoughts." - Master Sheng Yen. The book includes an extensive glossary of Chan terms.

Chan Master Sheng Yen is the best-known Chan (Chinese Zen) master in America, having taught regularly in the West for 20 years. He has 21 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, including Song of Mind, Complete Enlightenment, and There Is No Suffering: A Commentary on the Heart Sutra.

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