Tag: Chan Heart Chan Art

Better Silent than Noisy

By Chan Gong'an

The great masters of the Chan School have always been like leisurely clouds and wild cranes, sometimes dwelling in the mountain forests, sometimes living by the water.  With three robes and one mat, they follow their conditions and let things follow their own course.  Even when their Dharma conditions are remarkable or they are among royalty, they are not tempted by material gain or moved by power. 

Transcend the Ordinary and the Sacred

By Chan Gong'an

What, exactly, is the meaning contained within this gong’an? For instance, some have asked, what are people like? This is a very difficult question to answer because if there are things they are like, then there are things they are not like. If we answer that people are like ghosts, then there are also people among ghosts. If we say ghosts are like people, then there are also ghosts among people.