Course Description

In the Chinese Chan (Zen) tradition, silent illumination refers to the natural awakening, the realization that we are already free. It is stillness and clarity, samādhi and prajñā, the union of wisdom and compassion.

As a method of cultivation, it has resonance with dzogchen in Tibetan Buddhism, vipaśyanā/vipassana in Theravada Buddhism, and shikantaza of Japanese Soto Zen. Yet, silent illumination is also unique.

This course will appeal to practitioners who are interested in understanding the foundational methods of Chan Buddhism, or deepening their existing practice in related methods.

Course Content

This six-week course will explore silent illumination through foundational practices of embodied experiencing of progressive relaxation; somatic integration of breath/experiencing/present moment; direct contemplation of seeing and hearing; and the realization of silent illumination in daily life.

Week 1 – Learning to relax the body through progressive relaxation

Week 2 – What is the role of body/mind in Awakening? Learn embodied experiencing

Week 3 – Somatic Alienation and Integration of Silent Illumination as direct perception

Week 4 – Silent Illumination as stages of practice of śamathā and vipaśyanā

Week 5 – Drawing on twelfth-century Chan Buddhist Writings on Silent Illumination by Chan Master Hongzhi 

Week 6 – Integrating Silent Illumination into Daily Activities

The course will follow sections of Guo Gu’s Silent Illumination (Shambhala Publications, 2021; available here at the BCBS bookshop (Links to an external site)). While not required to purchase for the course, it is strongly recommended. 

Readings

In order to prepare and deepen your understanding of each weeks topics, we encourage you to read certain passages before watching each lecture. 

After watching the lecture, study over these sections again. Continue to practice daily meditation. Then prepare for questions on the discussion board.