Advertise on podcast: The Way of Chan with Guo Gu

In response to the suffering experienced by our Dharma brothers and sisters, as well as the wider world, the Tallahassee Chan Center will be hosting Loving-Kindness Meditation sessions on the first and third Monday of the coming months, offered both in person and via Zoom. Guo Gu will teach and guide the practice, which will include a recitation of the names submitted by our sangha. More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events.

"The transfer of merit requires that we let go of our self-referentiality." -Guo Gu In his final talk on the Depths of the Chan Liturgy, Guo Gu reflects on the practice of transferring merit. The basis of this practice is the Mahayana teaching of interconnectedness and self-less compassion. Thus, We prayFor the flourishing of Buddhadharma – Buddhism has no “othering” in its teachings and recognizes and validates all traditions – which will lead to Peace in the world – which will lead to The joy and contentment of all people – which will lead to The freedom and ease of body and mind – which will lead to Departing from suffering – which will lead to The vows of the donors being fulfilled. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he concludes his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events.

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings.I vow to cut off endless vexations.I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma.I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. "The Three Gates of Liberation – emptiness, formlessness and non-contrivance – are essential for true liberation. Without them spiritual practice becomes merely an attempt to be a nice person.” — Guo Gu Through emptiness we learn how to relate to things; by practicing formlessness we don’t make them into a “thing;” and non-contrivance means to focus on intention. Engaging with the world through these 3 gates allows us to relate to others more fluidly, without imposing our own conceptual “containers” on them. The real measure of practice is flexibility: minimal clinging, openness to new experiences, ongoing learning, and sustaining a sense of wonder. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice.

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. "The locus of all sentient beings is not outside; it’s in our minds.” - Guo Gu In tonight's Guo Gu talk parses out the language of the Four Great vows, showing how they are actually meant work. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice.

The Four Great Vows. I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. “The practice of emptiness is the practice of seeing things and engaging with everyone through the lens of possibilities. Everything and everyone is workable.” Guo Gu In this evening’s talk, Guo Gu presents Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Sutra, which discusses the concept of the bodhisattva’s compassion. Compassion is described not as sentimental pity, but as an activity associated with awakened wisdom—characterized by being limitless, impartial, and unaffected by craving or fear. It is said to be rooted in emptiness and is intended to respond appropriately to suffering without exhaustion or self-reference. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. Join us on Mondays from 6:30-8:00PM Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987548741... More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events.

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. "In order to become a Bodhisattva your vow is to interact with all kinds of people, and we all know how difficult it is to relate to people.” -Guo Gu In Part Three of his teachings on the Four Great Vows of the Bodhisattva Path, Guo Gu explores the second group of the Fifteen Minds—loving-kindness, compassion, great joy, and equanimity—grounding them in the teaching of emptiness. He clearly lays out the causes and conditions behind our present state of individual and collective exhaustion. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. Join us on Mondays from 6:30-8:00PM Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987548741... More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/.

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. "The Four Great Vows are intimately connected to the 15 Minds, without which it would be very difficult to practice or understand the Bodhisattva path.” Guo Gu In Part 2 of his teaching on the Four Great Vows of the Bodhisattva Path, Guo Gu delves deeper into the wisdom of the Fifteen Minds, continuing his focus on the first four—generosity, kind speech, supportive action, and community building—as practices for cultivating relationships with others. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. Join us on Mondays from 6:30-8:00PM Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987548741... More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events.

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings.I vow to cut off endless vexations.I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma.I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood."The four great vows are the heart of the Bodhisattva altruist path of awakening, and probably the most meaningful thing we can do.” Guo Gu On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice.Join us on Mondays from 6:30-8:00PM Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987548741... More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events.

"The Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha – is your true nature, and the most important thing you can do in your life is to activate this true nature…foster it and bring it to fruition." Guo Gu On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. Watch the Dharma Talk at https://youtu.be/K4DZl3HyfP8?feature=shared

“I vow to transfer all merit to others.” Samantabhadra “At the core of it all, it’s about relieving suffering for oneself and others, and the primary obstacle to that is self-referential grasping.” Guo Gu The Tenth Vow of Samantabhadra is the culmination of the Bodhisattva path. This involves being engrossed in this world because it is through interaction with the world that the bodhisattva flourishes. In this powerful conclusion to Guo Gu’s talks on the Ten Great Vows of Samantabadhra he raises the bar for our practice and shares his own awakening story to show that it can be done. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/.

“I vow to harmonize with all sentient beings.” Samantabhadra “We are all interconnected on an unimaginable level.” Guo Gu There exists an intrinsic connection between Buddhahood and sentient beings—we are not separate but fundamentally interrelated. The principle of harmonizing offers a compelling model grounded in the profound concept of “interfusion,” or mutual inclusivity, presenting a meaningful alternative to the dominant capitalistic and individualistic paradigm. Guo Gu illustrates how this interconnected way of being can be realized through the Bodhisattva path, specifically by practicing the Six Perfections, the Four Methods of Conversion, and the application of Skillful Means. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/.

“I vow to always study the teachings of the Buddha.” -Samantabhadra "Samsara is the playground of full liberation, nirvana. This is where we perfect our practice.” -Guo Gu The first seven of Samantabhadra’s vows prepare us for the core eighth vow: to follow the Buddha in study and all that it entails—to emulate his wisdom and follow his practice as a Bodhisattva. In the process, we discover that there is far greater freedom and potential within us if we can let go of our attachments, and that the only thing that truly matters is helping others. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/.

“I vow to request that Buddha’s dwell in the world.” Samantabhadra “When you don’t have a stallion, a donkey will do.” Guo Gu As Buddhist practitioners, we read and study the profound practice of following the Buddha from 2,500 years ago. His teachings are so powerful that they continue to influence millions of people in countless ways. Since attaining enlightenment is believed to be much more likely under the guidance of a living Buddha, we aspire to cultivate sufficient merit—through generosity, virtue, diligence, patience, wisdom, and meditation—to meet the next Buddha, Maitreya, when he appears on Earth. To practice under a Buddha and awaken is our deepest aspiration. Short of that, we must ensure we are doing everything possible to be receptive and ready for a teacher to manifest in our lives now. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood .============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/.

“I vow to request the turning of the Dharma Wheel.” Samantabhadra “Of the three turnings of the Dharma Wheel none of them are called Making Us Feel Better…the full potential of the Buddha Dharma is not peace, not bliss, but freedom.” Guo Gu “The turning of the Dharma Wheel” refers exclusively to the Buddha’s teaching . Just as the mythical Chakravartan wielded his sword to subdue his enemies, the Buddha turned the Dharma Wheel to overcome all kleshas. There were three turnings of the Dharma Wheel, each covering a different approach to overcoming vexations. The 1st turning, which took place over the first 7 years of the Buddha’s teaching, aimed to dismantle the sense of self. The 2nd turning focused on the teaching of emptiness. The 3rd turning, sometimes called the “perfect teaching,” emphasized the interdependence of all existence. With an impassioned plea, Guo Gu reveals what he believes the 4th turning of the Dharma Wheel will be and how we can help bring it to fruition. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/.

Merit and The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. “I vow to rejoice in the merits of others.” Samantabhadra “In order to really rejoice in the merits of others we have to be selfless.” Guo Gu Merit shapes our connections with other sentient beings and is built upon recognizing the goodness in others. People serve as mirrors, revealing what needs to be done in our practice by exposing how the self manifests—through arrogance, liking, disliking, othering, judging and other ways. By gaining distance from these habitual tendencies, we can begin to truly see the goodness in others. Guo Gu shows how we can use our One-Minute Chan practice to practice seeing the goodness in ourselves and others; building new neural pathways that will then lead to merit. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra To pay homage to all the buddhas To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas To make ample offerings to all the buddhas To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds To rejoice in the merits of others To always to request the preaching of the dharma To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world To always to study the teachings of the buddha To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at tallahasseechan.org/events/.