Monthly’s Inspiration    【What Is Chan?】

by Grand Master Hsing Yun

 Buddhism often teaches people to practice Chan.  In reality, Chan is not in the sole domain of Buddhism, for it is in the heart and mind of every person.  Since we all have a heart and mind, we should all embody Chan.  What is Chan?  The following are some definitions:

 1.      Moving firewood and carrying water are Chan.  Chan is not “the eyes observing the nose and the nose watching the mind.”  It is not simply about sitting on a cushion or “an old monk in deep concentration.”  Chan is present in daily work.  For instance, in moving firewood, carrying water, doing chores and other services, the here and now is Chan.  When we are able to perform every chore with skill and concentration, experience the meaning of work, and cultivate patience within a job, we will have realized Chan.  Therefore, in doing a minor chore like moving firewood or carrying water, this is Chan.

2.            Walking, standing, sitting, and sleeping are Chan.  Chan can be found in sitting quietly as well as in action.  There is Chan in sitting or walking meditation, and it is also present while we are eating or sleeping.  In our everyday life, when we can calm our mind and focus on the daily activities, be it sitting, walking, or resting, and not be influenced by our surroundings, we will be able to experience Chan.  Therefore, putting on clothes or eating a meal is also Chan.  When we can abide in Chan in our daily living, it will be like “the moon outside the window is the same, but when there are plum blossoms it will be different.”  If we have Chan in life, the flavor of life will taste different.

3.            Expediency and ingenuity are Chan.  Chan is not rigid or dull.  It is not confined by following old rules.  Chan is lively, humorous, and expedient.  Every facial expression, look, and gesture of the Chan masters and cultivated practitioners in the past were filled with Chan.  Their every word, act, view, and thought embodied the Middle Path.  For them, each blade of grass and tree, and in every grain of sand and clumps of rock were the mind of Chan.  Therefore, when we have a mind of Chan, we can see Chan in the world, nature, and all phenomena, for they are full of ingenious wonders.

4.            Accepting adversities willingly is Chan.  In life, we can experience both smooth sailing and setbacks.  When we are able to face both successes and obstacles with an “unmoving mind” or calmness, we have Chan.  Are you able to apply the same mind to the hustle and bustle of everyday life?  When you can, you know what Chan is.

 What is Chan?  It is cultivation and life.  When we can experience the joy of Chan and the Dharma in living, we will have found the true cultivation.  It is also the practice advocated by Humanistic Buddhism.