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Hi Bagua,
I’ve been contemplating some time wether I should embark on Chan/Zen or not, and I have decided that I will try it. But I have some questions, if you would like maybe you can help get me started. I would very much appreciate it.
1. Are there some practical books to get me started on Zen/Chan, like the Zen master you told me about?
2. Since Zen is a refinement of Chan, although they are the same thing, is it better to study Zen or Chan? What is the main difference?
3. Lastly, how long will it take before I see any real noticeable improvement? Like can you give me some kind of info on what I can expect through practicing Zen?
I would be very grateful if you could help me out. Thanks a bunch!
Smiles,
FajinHi Max,
Is Vipassana that self-observation technique that you have told me about? Because I read a website that said something similar.
And is this similar with Chan? Because from what I understand, Chan meditation attempts to be fully aware of the moment, meaning that everything is observed micro- and macrocosmically.
So, I’m guessing the self-observation technique cuts it down to microcosmically because it is self-observation? And how is the Vipassana retreat brutal? It’s not the long meditating that makes it diffuclt for me. I am very disciplined being taught by strict traditional masters as from when I was a kid. I have no difficulty with meditating long.
I was planning on reading the Diamond Sutra, I will pick up your recommendation. I don’t know what to make out of Master Nan Huai Chin. It’s because I have been reading some of the past posts with Michael, Nnonnth, Singing Ocean, etc. about it and I am kind of confused about it. I’m not saying anything bad about Master Nan but don’t really know what to do.
I can’t really find a Zen master at the moment because I am moving soon to China. I will be back to Vancouver after some years though. Thanks for the help though, I really appreciate it.
Smiles away,
FajinHi Max,
You’ve convinced me, I’ll try Master Nan’s book and the Diamond Sutra one that you recommended.
>>No talking, reading or exercising, meditating 11 hours a day crosslegged. Some meditations are 2-3 hours straight.<<
*That's not brutal. In my lung-gom-pa training, I sat in pitch black darkness in trance state, leaping cross-legged for several says. I only got out to drink, no eating, no talking, little sleep necessary because of darkness.
I have a question about this one meditation I have heard of. I can't remember where I've gotten it from but I've been trying it alot lately. Basically, you try to be aware of the breath going in and out, everything that your eyes perceive in their line of sight, and what you hear.
Trying to put your mind on all these things simultaneously. It really shuts off the mind of thoughts very effectively and I feel very calm and relaxed. Is this good to do as well?
Regards,
Fajin
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