This is a very interesting paper by Stuart Lachs on the Hua-t’ou practice of zen, as developed by Chinese Zen master Ta-Hui (1089 – 1163), who was part of the Linji school. I came across this and wanted to share because the Vietnamese monastery where I learned to practice is part of this tradition, and I really like how Ta-Hui's intention was for the practice to be extended outside monasteries into the world.
Quote:
" Ta-Hui valued the hua-t’ou method because he felt a moment of awakening was fundamental to Zen practice. He believed we could experience this moment of awakening, if for an instant we could be free of thought. However, Ta-Hui felt freedom from all thought was filled with pitfalls. He believed the hua-t’ou would allow students to bring their minds to a condition of readiness for the moment of awakening to their true Nature, while avoiding the pitfalls of being free of thought."
Submitted January 23, 2020 at 03:04AM by zenjazzygeek https://ift.tt/3az3anZ
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