Venerable Master Taixu was not only a profoundly insightful Buddhist thinker but also a dedicated practitioner committed to the revival and reform of Buddhism. Throughout his life, he tirelessly worked to propagate the Dharma and restructure the Sangha system, leaving a lasting impact on the development of modern Buddhism.
Reading this chapter is like beholding an old oil lamp flickering in the vast corridor of history. From the yellowed pages emerges the figure of Master Hongyi—not in the solemn majesty of a high monk, but as a pure educator, whose very life embodied the deepest meaning of the word "education." The warmth flowing through these words allows us, in this restless age of 浮躁人心 (turbulent hearts), to touch the most authentic essence of true teaching.
At the heart of this work lies the principle that "daily life itself is spiritual practice." This perspective shatters conventional stereotypes of Buddhism as confined to mountain monasteries, proposing instead that the Dharma should permeate ordinary existence. Whether in interpersonal interactions or social service, every moment becomes a field for cultivation—enhancing Buddhism's practicality while making it more relevant to modern needs.
Master Hongyi's life—from the pinnacle of artistic achievement to the depths of Dharma—was a journey of awakening beyond material glory. His poetry, calligraphy, paintings, and musical compositions were unparalleled, yet he resolutely relinquished all worldly attainments, donned monastic robes, and devoted himself entirely to the Dharma and precepts.
Though the mind wanders and life distracts, persistent effort gradually stabilizes awareness. When coupled with static practice, sustained dedication eventually yields seamless mastery—unifying body-mind and inner-outer realms is no impossibility.
The belief in "inherently pure mind-nature and intrinsic Buddha-nature" was once universally acknowledged—not just in Zen but throughout Buddhism and society. Zen practitioners relied on this right view, ensuring their practice had clear direction, free from blind striving.
Thus, one who awakens to their true nature transcends all worldly dualities—impermanence, suffering, non-self, and impurity (the four correct views of the mundane world) as well as permanence, bliss, self, and purity (the four inverted views)—and realizes the absolute truth of eternal bliss, true self, and purity.
During Chan’s golden age, its expedient methods, entry points, and realization were all vividly expressed, though historical records often lack systematic organization. The teachings were fully present in the instructions of Chan masters and scattered throughout classical texts—the challenge lay in how to synthesize them.
The nature of reality is as it is; the mind is inherently pure. Hence, Zen practice is nothing more than manifesting the essence and function of the originally pure mind—not seeking, not grasping, not eliminating, not adding. Yet, it is also not a return to an original substance or divine Self. All this is simply the unique characteristic of the Dharma: non-self and lack of inherent nature—nothing more.
Awakening in the Buddhist path entails realizing selflessness (anātman) and essencelessness (niḥsvabhāva). The conceptual understanding of these truths must first be established through study and reflection, forming an unshakable conviction before one can cultivate wisdom accordingly. The development of wisdom within śamatha is vipaśyanā, and through this insight, direct realization arises.
Ordinary people can practice Zen. Indeed, all can practice, provided they apply themselves earnestly and consistently. Without these qualities, even the finest teacher, the most profound method, or the loftiest "talent" remains a fleeting illusion—impermanent and devoid of true substance.
Since the truth contemplated is selflessness and emptiness (śūnyatā), as insight matures, not only is the observed phenomenon seen as empty, but the observing mind also realizes its own emptiness. When both subject and object are empty, emptiness is simply emptiness. Subject and object dissolve; all is empty—not only formless but devoid of inherent nature and mind itself.
My Buddhist journey started with folk religion before encountering the Dharma's depth. Taking refuge and ordaining under Venerable Zhu Mo, then receiving full ordination in Taiwan with Venerable Yin Shun as preceptor clarified core Buddhist principles for me. But meeting Master Sheng Yen became the pivotal turn from theory to embodied wisdom—Zen practice bridged understanding and experience.
In Malaysia, we've conducted over fifty silent retreats and thirty-plus annual life retreats. Maintaining this continuity has proven crucial—it builds enduring foundations, reflecting Master Sheng Yen's visionary approach. Despite his busy schedule, he consistently held annual retreats, understanding that steady, long-term commitment stabilizes Zen's transmission.
When teaching in the West, I must simultaneously understand local cultural contexts while bridging Eastern and Western perspectives. During a retreat in Poland coinciding with the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day), I explained traditional Eastern views on love. Similarly, I've discussed the Ghost Festival, Ullambana, and concepts like Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and hell realms - not to demand acceptance, but to foster cultural exchange.
Regarding the mindfulness movement and spiritual therapies, Chinese Zen maintains its essential character while adapting to contemporary needs. Our priority remains making authentic Dharma accessible. Modern secular mindfulness programs, stripped of religious elements, have become society's go-to solution for psychological distress.
Master Sheng Yen consistently emphasized the paramount importance of faith in practice. Genuine spiritual progress, he taught, begins with great faith (mahāśraddhā), from which arise great diligence, profound inquiry, and vast vows. This foundational faith cannot be manufactured through imagination—it must be grounded in direct experiential realization. As practice deepens, each genuine experience reinforces this faith, creating an upward spiral of confidence and commitment.
