The Essence of Chán: A Practical Guide to Life and Practice according to the Teachings of Bodhidharma

by Guo Gu

Clear and illuminating commentary on one of Bodhidharma’s most important texts—designed to help Chan practitioners apply timeless and essential advice to their practice

Legend has it that more than a thousand years ago an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma arrived in China. His approach to teaching was unlike that of any of the Buddhist missionaries who had come to China before him. He confounded the emperor with cryptic dialogues, traveled the country, lived in a cave in the mountains, and eventually paved the way for a unique and illuminating approach to Buddhist teachings that would later spread across the whole of East Asia in the form of Chan—later to be known as Seon in Korean, Thien in Vietnamese, and Zen in Japanese.

This book, a translation and commentary on one of Bodhidharma’s most important texts, explores Bodhidharma’s revolutionary teachings in English. Guo Gu weaves his commentary through modern and relatable contexts, showing that this centuries-old wisdom is just as crucial for life now as it was when it first came to be. Masterfully translated and accompanied by helpful insights to supplement daily practice, The Essence of Chan is the perfect guide for those new to Chan, those returning, or those who have been practicing for years.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Eastern Philosophy, China

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Guo Gu is a Chan Buddhist teacher and the founder of the Tallahassee Chan Center. For three decades he studied under the late Master Sheng Yen as one of his senior and closest disciples. Guo Gu also teaches at Florida State University as the Sheng Yen Associate Professor of Chinese Buddhism.

Reviews

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new translation of Bodhidharma's "Two Entries and Four Practices", accompanied by a clear and concise commentary. I found the author's commentary accessible and grounded, and his message refreshing and encouraging.

Recommended to any reader interested in the fundamentals of Chan/Zen practice.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few books about Chan/Zen that is immediately accessible. It's more about the theory and history than the very popular instructional books of Thich Nhat Hahn, but not so very thick and mind-boggling as D.T. Suzuki and other famous Zen scholars. A must-have for serious religious scholars and also for those practicing this form of Buddhism.

[Jose Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accesible introduction to Chan buddhsim and the teachings of bodhiddharma. I really enjoyed the book and the clarity of Guo Gu explanations.

If you want to go deeper into Chan Buddhsim I will recommend reading The Spirit of Zen by Sam Van Schaik or Zen Chinese Heritage by Andy Ferguson.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This did help me understand Chan/Zen Buddhism better, but also did little to persuade me of its merits.

Most of the problems with understanding Buddhism seem to stem from accidental or willful misuse of language. So, “selflessness” doesn’t mean being considerate of others, but rather accepting that we have no individual “selfhood” — we are “no-selves.” And “everything happens for a reason” refers to the cause and effect, interconnected basis of all things in Buddhist thought, rather than godly intervention and preordainment. Not difficult concepts to grasp, but why use words or phrases that have other, far more common meanings, ones that just so happen to map onto or express desirable (Christian and Western) values? It feels conscious and slimy. And evil people will get karma in their next lives? Right, how convenient.

”The point is not whether there is Dharma or not; the point is to generate great doubt.”

Also a very slick means of having it both ways.

I appreciate the effort but, rather than generating spiritual doubt, this text has solidified my disinterest.

[Ahmad A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/5 stars. I just love this book, very clear and easy to follow commentary on Bodhidharma's original transmission "Two Entries and Four Practices". The instructions given by Guo Gu are easy to relate to from a lay person's perspective which makes for an easy entry into Chan (Zen) Buddhist practice. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to start practicing Chan and integrate it further into their daily life.

[Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Chan, accessible and thorough without being overwhelming. I actually enjoyed the introduction and all its rich context more than the commentary, but this may be due to the commentary being aimed (I believe) more at folks taking their first look at Chan or Zen. For those looking to go deeper, I would highly recommend Guo Gu’s ‘Silent Illumination.’

[Steve Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book on Chan, and seemed like a good overview of the key concepts, put in a way I could understand and put into practice.

[Dewi Rhys-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good short guide to Chan/Zen. The explanations are clear.

[Peter Clegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful book for navigation if one’s thoughts. I read it for psychological benefit and not religious benefit.

[Saul Carvajal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very accessible introduction

[Maurice Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is really helpful

[Azam Ch. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wear hoop earrings to look more like bodhidharma,
and im tempted to grow out my beard too.
what a gigachad, btfoing all the nerds and neurotics.
Bull of a man.

[Ben Lucas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recommend simply reading Red Pine’s Translation of Bodhidharma.