Zen Seven Talk

Author: Rev. Ri Hui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: The Buddhist scriptures say, "Zen is the heart of the Buddha." Zen is the essence of the Buddha, which is also the pure mind inherent in everyone. This Zen mind cannot be obtained from the outside; it must be attained through personal realization and experience. Zen teaches us how to calm the mind, purify the mind, awaken the mind, and illuminate the mind, thereby realizing the Buddha-nature inherent in everyone. This is the most important topic in life. Zen retreat, or "Zen seven," utilizes seven days of meditation practice to bring back our minds that are accustomed to grasping and clinging, enhance our awareness, and observe our own minds. It helps break free from the ego, transform consciousness into wisdom, and allow the pure Buddha-nature inherent in everyone to manifest. Maintaining a clear and bright mind, being present where the body is, and being in control everywhere makes one a true "master of the ox." In this way, whatever one does can be accomplished, and worries can be transformed into wisdom, making life more meaningful and life more free, peaceful, and joyful. We hope that through the dedicated practice of Zen retreat, we can let go of everything, cease delusions, find the source of life, and discover our place of stability. Keeping this mind always calm and free from worries, the heart becomes a land of brightness. We can then apply the wisdom of Zen to daily life, allowing others to experience this tranquility and peace, and together we can enter the world of Zen. Life will then become more valuable and meaningful. This book is a record of Rev. Ri Hui's teachings on Zen retreat, guiding us in methods of practicing Zen. It hopes to lead us onto the right path and away from the wrong one. Listen quietly, realize quietly—believe that if we work hard, life will be better.
[Table of Contents]
Preface
Part A: Zen Seven Talks in the New Year of Jia Xu (2004)
Day 1: Zen Seven · The Keyword of Zen
Day 2: Doubt · The State of Doubt
Day 3: The Case of No Words
Day 4: Detaching from Consciousness and Awareness
Day 5: The Divergent Paths of Practice
Day 6: The Expedients of the Zen Masters
Day 7: The Unique Family Lineage of Zen
Part B: Zen Seven Talks in the New Year of Yi Hai (2005)
Day 1: Direct Mind and Zen Practice
Day 2: Approaching the Unrevealed Peak
Day 3: Tending the Ox
Day 4: Valuing the Right Eye, Not the Strange Deeds
Day 5: De De's Enlightenment
Day 6: Self-Enlightenment and Self-Validation
Day 7: Approaching the Point Beyond Skillful Means
Part C: Solving Doubts Through the Keyword of Zen
Solving Doubts Through the Keyword of Zen
Appendix: Explanation of Meditation Posture