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What is Chan/Zen?

Chan 禪 (Zen in Japanese) originated in China and was influenced by Buddhism and Tao philosophy. Yet, it stands out in its unique approach and understanding. Chan flourished during the Tang (618–906 AD) and Song (960–1279 AD) dynasties, profoundly shaping Chinese poetry and aesthetics with its emphasis on simplicity, and the influence later extended to Japanese culture.

Here, we’ll explore some concepts of Chan from the teachings of Bodhidharma in the Treatise on the Bloodstream. Note that in this context, Buddha and Buddhahood refer to returning to one’s natural state.

"Seeing one’s nature is Chan. If you don’t see true nature, it isn’t Chan." 見本性為禪，若不見本性，即非禪也。

At its core, Chan is the state of awakening – return to one’s natural state. It’s not about adopting beliefs or rituals, cultivating states of mind, but shedding everything that obscures your true nature.

“The Buddhahood of the past and future is conveyed through the mind/heart, not through words.” 前佛後佛，以心傳心，不立文字。

“Pointing directly to the heart, seeing one's nature, and achieving Buddhahood.” 直指人心，見性成佛。

Chan is difficult to grasp because it’s a paradigm shift that goes beyond words – a profound transformation of the mind and its perception of reality, and the natural feelings emerge from the heart. The shift in paradigm results from dismantling the self-framework and discarding beliefs, not through the accumulation of knowledge or spiritual experiences.

Chan acknowledges that everything is an illusion. However, it does not encourage withdrawal from the world. Instead, it encourages questioning through koans and direct inquiry, challenging every assumption and habit of thought to uncover the true nature of reality. Live fully in the world, yet remain unattached - to be in the world, but not of the world.

Seeing one's nature (見性) is like dispelling clouds to reveal the sun (撥雲見日). The sun is there, just obscured by the clouds. Once the clouds disperse, the sunlight shines through. Similarly, your true nature is Buddhahood, or Buddha nature, merely obscured by false beliefs and frameworks. Once the obstructions are removed, you’re back to the natural state.

Removing everything that obscures the nature of self is not an easy task, nor a pleasant journey. As Chan Master Wumen (無門, "gateless") described, it is like swallowing a hot iron ball, unbearably uncomfortable, unable to sit or stand still, forcing oneself to expel all beliefs and impurities. Once all is removed from the system, you will see your true nature, like the water purification process, which removes all impurities to return to the purity of water, its true nature.

To reach the destination, we must pass through gates - but these gates are self-imposed: the beliefs, labels, and frameworks we construct and identify with. For example, one might say, “These are my beliefs. This is who I am.” These beliefs often obstruct our view of reality, keeping us away from our natural state.

Awakening is challenging in a way that it alters or shatters one's opinions, way of thinking, belief system, or structure. The brain struggles to comprehend the notion that “this reality is not real, but a grand illusion.” What we consider our personality or "personal" preferences may be nothing personal but merely shaped by genetic predispositions, childhood conditioning, or social influence. We are biological organisms dictated by genetic blueprints and limited by the brain's cognitive abilities and perceptions.

Defying conventional understanding, Chan is not about love, compassion, calmness, or even peace. It is solely about pursuing the truth - what is reality? How do we return to our natural state? Love, freedom, and peace are byproducts of this state. Once you relinquish all false beliefs, these qualities naturally emerge, rather than chasing after the projections and imaginations of compassion or peace. Compassion is rooted in the understanding of oneness and unity - we, as humans, heaven and earth, the universe, and consciousness are inseparable. Disturbing your neighbor is disturbing your inner peace. Compassion is not a goal to achieve or chase after. Rather, it is a realization and reciprocity.

Chan is not about meditation or accumulating knowledge, but digging for the truth, being brutally honest with yourself, tearing yourself open, and examining all assumptions and beliefs, leaving no room for contradictions. The koan "kill the Buddha" doesn’t imply physical harm but rather the destruction of deceptive beliefs and false identities. It means sharpening your mind to deconstruct self-imposed frameworks, values, beliefs, and norms.

Chan/Zen is not about cultivating awareness, silencing thoughts, or practicing meditation to achieve a state of emptiness. It’s about removing all beliefs and frameworks so you can return to your natural state.

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Where yarrow blooms, wounds heal 💛

Historically known as the master of the blood and wound healer, yarrow has been used to regulate blood flow - stopping bleeding, healing wounds, soothing bruises, and balancing circulation ❤️‍🩹

Emotionally, yarrow helps mend old wounds of the heart and brings balance during times of transition 💫

We had an eye movement session outside and the goose came to check it out 👀 🪿

Perfect Friday night activity - expressive art 👌

We both went food shopping this week:

Me: fruits and vegetables for my whole foods diet 🥦🍇🥑

Mom: alcohol. Just alcohol 🥂🍸

2025 vision activated ✨

#2025

Join us for Wine & Write at next Saturday evening! An evening to relax, reflect, and meet new friends 🍷📒

Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025

Time: 7:00-8:30 PM

Details and registration: https://www.harpeony.com/upcoming-events/reflective-journaling-circle-tmmkp-bkt97-cxkj6-22lyc-fppdj-jzjmm-9c6lj-zbbzy-gycgz

It’s looking a lot like Christmas 🎄

𝟱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 📙𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.

Here’s a selection of Chan/Zen and meditation-related books 📖. These books aren’t easy to understand, but they offer crucial concepts and direction for spiritual awakening. The last one is written by me 😊.
Reminder: The process of awakening is not a pleasant experience. The reality you have taken for granted will collapse. Awakening is a metaphysical death and rebirth, allowing you to return to your true nature. However, once you’ve made it through, you’ll feel tremendous clarity and ease, laughing at the self-imposed troubling thoughts you once had.

1️⃣ Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing by Jed McKenna
This book will shatter your understanding of reality and enlightenment. Awakening or enlightenment is not about becoming a better or happier person, nor about meditation, prayer, chanting, yoga, vegetarianism, following a guru, or purifying yourself. Enlightenment is about realizing the truth, undergoing a profound transformation, and breaking free from the illusions of conceptual frameworks. McKenna’s work will challenge everything you’ve known, dismantling your sense of self, waking you from the dream, and guiding you into a new paradigm.

2️⃣ U.G. KRISHNAMURTI (Note: NOT Jiddu Krishnamurti)
U.G. is an intriguing figure. Many books about him are edited recordings of his talks by students, as he had no interest in publishing anything himself. Many spiritually awakened or enlightened beings actually dislike the term “enlightenment” since it’s not a goal to achieve or attain, but rather a “natural state.” U.G. coined this term, which better captures the essence of awakening.
Buddhism describes awakening as “reaching the other shore,” but U.G. says, “I’m on the same shore; there’s no river to cross, and no ferryman needed!” Awakening is simply like clouds dispersing to reveal the sun. His words can be cryptic and difficult to grasp, but like Zen koans, they strike like lightning, suddenly making sense when the time is right.

3️⃣ The Treatise on the Bloodline of the Dharma by Bodhidharma
When it comes to Chan/Zen, The Treatise on the Bloodline of the Dharma and The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch are essential. This treatise encapsulates the essence of Zen: “Directly point to the mind, see your true nature, and become a Buddha.”
Your mind, your nature, and Buddha-nature are your true essence. People fail to recognize this and instead seek externally, projecting beliefs and chasing goals, leading to a life of endless busyness and confusion.
“Deluded beings do not realize that their own mind is Buddha, so they seek externally. Day and night, they busy themselves; chanting and worshiping, but where is Buddha? One should not hold such views. Simply know your own mind; there is no Buddha outside of it.”
Quick note: Chan is widely known as Zen Buddhism. However, Zen is the Japanese branch of Chan, originally rooted in China.

4️⃣ The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch by Huineng
While there are some contradictions in The Platform Sutra, these are likely due to later misinterpretations. Cross-referencing it with The Treatise on the Bloodline of the Dharma, U.G. Krishnamurti, and Jed McKenna reveals shared insights and similar experiences of awakening.

5️⃣ Heart, So Close, Yet So Far: From Healing to Awakening (Written by me, Chinese version published, English translation in progress 😊)
A soul adrift in the human world, navigating the winding journey of the heart in search of itself, asking, “Who am I, really?” This book delves into two major themes: healing and awakening. Healing comes through untangling the knots of inner conflict and finding inner peace, while awakening is the liberation from illusory constructs and breaking free from self-imposed frameworks—a return to your true essence.
This book integrates insights from neuroscience, psychology, clinical practice, philosophy, and Chan teachings. It deconstructs the traps of duality, illusion, and cognitive patterns. Through thorough analysis and compelling evidence, it offers a fresh perspective and guidance to break free from limiting frameworks.
This is a map for your soul—it cannot bypass the challenges of the journey or walk the path on your behalf. However, it offers signposts and beacons of light for those navigating the rugged terrain of spiritual growth. May it help to part the clouds and illuminate your way, step by step, as you journey toward the home within.