The Method of No-Method: The Chan Practice of Silent Illumination

Description

Here is a spiritual practice that is simple enough for anyone to learn, yet rich enough to be worked with for a lifetime. The traditional Chan (Chinese Zen) practice called Silent Illumination begins with simply putting aside all thoughts except the awareness of oneself 'just sitting'. The practice is so simple in execution that it has sometimes been called the 'method of no-method', yet to master it, the practitioner must first grasp the method in order to learn how to let go of it. When fully penetrated, this radical form of emptying one's busy mind-stream leads to perception of the vast ocean of pure awareness.Silent Illumination is closely related to the Japanese Zen practice called shikantaza, and Master Sheng Yen's teachings on it will be of great value to Zen students as well as to Buddhist practitioners of all the traditions. The book, based on talks the author gave during retreats, begins with instruction in Silent Illumination practice with detailed discussion of method, approach, and how to deal with difficulties that arise. Master Sheng Yen then proceeds to provide commentary on a well known Chan text that illuminates the practice and the philosophy behind it.

Chan Master Sheng Yen is the best-known Chan (Chinese Zen) master teaching in America, having taught regularly in the West for twenty years

"Chan Master Sheng Yen has the truly rare ability to harmonize classical teaching with actual meditation practice. In The Method of No-Method he does this for the beautiful and profound Chinese Silent Illumination approach to meditation. 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 "Master Sheng Yen is a true spiritual practitioner of deep and broad learning."-H. H. the Dalai Lama