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The Method of No-Method: Silent Illumination Meditation

Guo Gu (Jimmy Yu), Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion at Florida State University
November 13, 2009 - November 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Pure Mind Center, 7825 Olive Street, University City, MO 63130
Event Description 

"Mind is naturally still and silent and, at the same time, fully aware." ~ Chan Master Sheng Yen

Silent Illumination is one of the cornerstones of Chan Buddhist practice. It has been described as "the method of no-method", whereby the mind lets go of any concepts, seeking, and expectation in a still awareness of things as they are.

  • Friday, November 13, 7:00-9:00 pm - Dharma Talk: "Zen and the Joy of Living"

  • Saturday, November 14, 8:30 am-5:00 pm - The Method of No-Method: Silent Illumination Meditation One-Day Retreat

  • Sunday, November 15, 3:00-5:00 pm - Discussion Forum: "Buddhism in Daily Life"

This program is sponsored by the North America Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association.  These programs are free to the public; donations are welcomed. The retreat on Nov. 14 is aimed at those who have had some prior meditation experience. The space for this event is limited, registration is required. Registration deadline: 11/10/2009; to register: (636) 825-3889 or email: acren@aol.com  This program is free to the public; donations are welcomed. The two events on Nov. 13 and 15 are open to all regardless of experience.

Bio
Guo Gu (Jimmy Yu) is one of Master Sheng Yen's senior lay teachers and translators, assisting with and leading activities at the Chan Meditation Center, Dharma Drum Retreat Center, and Dharma Drum Mountain, Taiwan. In 1982, while still quite young, he learned meditation from Master Sheng Yen, and began practicing Chan intensively in 1989. He was also the personal monastic attendant and assistant to Master Sheng Yen for almost nine years, and then, in 1995, he was given permission (inka) by the Master to teach Chan. He has led retreats in various parts of the United States, Europe, and Asia. Guo Gu is now the guiding instructor for the Western Dharma Teachers at the Chan Meditation Center. He received his doctorate in Buddhist Studies in 2008 from Princeton University, and is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion at Florida State University.