We held our first ZOOM discussion on Lesson One: P10-“The Great Dharma of Zen Practice” on August 19, 2025 focusing on just what “zen” is and how we can even talk about it. Using the following nine questions that Gesang Suolang Rinpoche had developed from the first part of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s text, we explored what we did know about zen and its goals. Next week, Tuesday August 26 at 6:00 pm Pacific Time, we will investigate the two examples of zen from the ancient methods used by the Gaomin Monastery in Yangzhou, China, and the lives of two early Chinese patriarchs–Shenxiu and Huineng. We will also read from a very preliminary translation of Dorje Pa Mu’s The Dharma of Concentration, Contemplation, and Visualization Essential for Enlightenment. If time permits we may also cover practicing with zen mantras, a special aspect of zen practice provided by His Holiness. Please note that the mantras themselves cannot be provided via internet nor are they available in the text. They must be transmitted by an appropriate master.
HOMEWORK-P10-The Great Dharma of Zen Practice, Lesson Two: Read section of text from Gaomin Monastery through the zen mantras. Be prepared to answer questions 10-19 during the August 26 ZOOM Class. You may also submit your answers via course procedures.
The following are the questions associated with Lesson One and my simple answers. You may download the text below and find the Buddha Master’s complete answers or, if you are enrolled in P-10, you may also watch the videos of how the participants in this week’s class answered the questions. You may also still enroll in the course and join us for next week’s discussion (instructions below).
What questions about Zen does His Holiness the Buddha ask the listeners?
What is the meaning of Zen and zen practice and thus what is the meaning of the Buddha-Dharma? What is zen used for? What is its goal?
What Is Meant by the Absolute Truth and is Zen The Absolute Truth?
Yes, it is as the absolute truth is that which does not perish is not impermanent.
How does His Holiness the Buddha describe the change in the state of consciousness with Zen?
It is when consciousness that differentiates or discriminates transforms into a non-conscious state that does not differentiate or discriminate.
Why is it hard to find or enter the Zen state?
It is not something you can find by searching. It is like searching for the child you are carrying on your back. To search for something entails using your consciousness and zen cannot be found through any conscious act. It requires a type of practice or method. However, if we use our consciousness to differentiate, it is no longer zen. We use “state” to describe it as a figure of speech, but it cannot be defined.
What must we do to find, to obtain the Zen state?
We must study Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra and practice the methods in this Dharma of Zen Practice to be able to transform our consciousness and minds to prajna.
What kind of thing is that state?
It is a “thing” that enables you not to be born and to not die. This “thing” is also just a figure of speech and not it.
Is Zen really a thing? Or a state? Why or why not?
No, because it cannot be defined by consciousness. To be a thing or state would require that you could define it or differentiate what it is or is not. When that happens, it is not zen.
In doing a zen practice what goals can be achieved?
Ending the source of suffering, birth, and death.
What is the purpose of engaging in zen?
To gain prajna and become liberated from birth and death.
CLICK for introduction and actual text used for The Great Dharma of Zen course-P10.
CLICK to register for ZOOM.
CLICK to enroll in P10 at LFBS.
The recording of the August 19, 2025 P10 class-Lesson One (Questions 1-9) is now available below for those who are enrolled in this class.
August 19, 2025: P10-Lesson One-Background & Introduction, Video of ZOOM discussion (Questions 1-9).
Add comment