Silent Illumination & Shikantaza: A Deep Dive into Chan and Zen Practices, Online 1/20

Practice Center
Date / Time
January 20, 2024 / 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Event Type
Classes & Extended Courses
Description

The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.


Join us for a discussion moderated by Abbot Jiryu Rutschman-Byler of the San Francisco Zen Center, featuring special guest Guo Gu, founder of the Tallahassee Chan Center. Having immersed himself in the teachings of the late Master Sheng Yen for over three decades, Guo Gu brings a pragmatic understanding of Silent Illumination (mozhao chan) to the table, while Jiryu offers insights from the Soto Zen tradition.

Throughout this session, Jiryu and Guo Gu will delve into their personal experiences with Silent Illumination and Shikantaza (“just sitting”) and explore the parallels and distinctions between these two profound meditation practices. Their conversation will not only shed light on the historical and spiritual underpinnings of these traditions, but will also venture into the nuances of translating and interpreting ancient texts in a modern context.

This rich dialogue is an introduction to a more in-depth exploration, Silent Illumination: Exploring Teachings from Chan Master Hongzhi with Guo Gui, on Saturday, January 27, 2 - 4pm PT. Centering on his translations and interpretations of seminal texts by Hongzhi, an 11th-century Chan master, Guo Gu will lead this workshop and offer an in-depth teaching on the Silent Illumination practice. 

Both sessions promise engaging Q&A segments, granting participants an opportunity to seek clarity on any queries and deepen their grasp on Silent Illumination and Shikantaza.

Please note that while it is not mandatory to attend both sessions, doing so will provide a more comprehensive understanding. Recordings of the sessions will be available. 

Fee Information
  • General: $37.50
  • Member: $33.75
  • Sliding Scale 1: $22.50
  • Sliding Scale 2: $10

For additional discount options, please email us at rezoffice@sfzc.org.

Register Online

Or call 415-354-0360.

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