The Chan Handbook

by Hsüan Hua

Not everyone is fortunate enough to attend a meditation retreat with a Chan master, yet everyone can benefit from this handbook that explains the essential principals of chan meditation as taught by the late Tripitika Master Hsuan Hua, former instructor at Nan Hua Monastery in Canton, China, the bodhimanda of the Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng. Compiled from Chinese and translated into English, these talks span a 40 year period during retreats in China and America. Topics covered include
- What are the benefits of meditation?
- How do we sit in meditation?
- What are the states of meditation?
- How do we reach nirvana?
- What is absolute enlightenment?

Genres: Buddhism

196 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kyla Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first when I saw this book on the shelf I felt a little intimidated. I think that was because it didn't have a picture of the Dalai Lama on the cover. I have read numerous Buddhist books in the past that were written by the Dalai Lama or that had to do with the Dalai Lama's beliefs and or teachings. Although what I had in mind this time while looking for the right book to purchase, was something on a topic that I hadn't read as much about, which is finding Chan.

Chan is a very complex idea, and what I have learned from this book is that finding Chan can be extremely difficult and may take a long period of time. What I learned from the teachings in this book about learning Chan is that it takes concentration and being prepared to clear your mind of all things.

There is no exact author listed on this book, though the quotes are from the teaching of Venerable Master Hsuan Hua. I like the way this book was written, because it has a very formal kind of feel to it, which I think is important in most cases when trying to read or even practice something new. This book has many different small, section like chapters to it, and the "chapters" that related to me or helped me were "Concentrate Persevere" on page 52. "Do not be moved by sounds", page 104. "Chan Meditation - It is Hard! It is Easy!" on page 135. Etc.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for someone who is curious or wanting to further his or her knowledge about Chan meditation. The content of this book included an in-depth explanation of Chan meditation, it's purpose and benefits. The book also has helpful instructions and describes different mental states you may experience, which was very interesting to read. I found this book to be very thorough in its explanations, there were even historical elements which I liked. Definitely a book to have for anyone who really wants to learn how to do Chan meditation or understand the purpose of Chan meditation taught in a traditional school of thought. Moreover, there are many stories spoken by Master Hsuan Hua which have made this book entertaining and yet a serious buddhist book full of wisdom. I think the Q&A section was very insightful too.

I only had one issue with the book, and that was the formatting, where some paragraphs from the Q&A section were repeated. Nonetheless a very good book indeed.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Venerable Master Hsuan Hua left his home life at the age of nineteen. In 1962, he came to America where he lectured on Mahayana canon. He also established the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, and the International Translation Institute.

The Chan Handbook is a translation of the Venerable Master Hua’s teachings. These works challenge the reader to investigate Chan and lays out the proper steps of meditation for stilling the mind. The Master also discusses common misconceptions and missteps of the beginner in their attempts to quicken the enlightenment process.

Near the end of the book is a series of questions and answers. Here the Master has included common questions and problems. He is both frank and resolute in his answers often reminding readers that hard work, focus, and endurance is required in Chan.