Song of Mind Wisdom from the Zen Classic Xin Ming

by SHENG YEN, MASTER

• ISBN13: 9781590301401
• ISBN10: 1590301404
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-11-09
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

"No words can explain enlightenment," says the seventh-century Zen classicXin Ming,or "Song of Mind," yet, paradoxically, this poem is a masterpiece of expressing the inexpressible. In his commentary on it, Chan Master Sheng Yen takes a practical approach, opening up the language of theXin Mingto show students how to approach meditation, how to deal with problems that arise in their spiritual practice, and how to accomplish the imperative task of integrating this practice into every aspect of one's life. "True understanding comes only with direct experience," according to Master Sheng Yen. "These lectures, the Buddhist sutras, songs, poems, and commentaries are useful only insofar as they encourage you to practice and incorporate the Dharma [teachings] into your daily life." The book takes the form of a week-long retreat with Master Sheng Yen, with each chapter in the form of an evening talk given on a particular section of the "Song of Mind" text-giving this book a far more intimate and accessible feel than most commentaries on Zen texts and creating a feeling of being right there with the master as he brings the text to life.

Author Biography

Master Sheng Yen is the best-known Chan (Chinese Zen) master in America, having taught in the U.S. since 1976. His Dharma Drum Buddhist Association has twenty-one centers throughout North America, as well as dozens of others throughout the world. He has co-led retreats with the Dalai Lama and is the author of numerous books.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vii
Introduction	1	(2)
Song of Mind (text)	3	(8)
The nature of mind is non-arising	11	(16)
Throughout time and space nothing is illuminated	27	(13)
There is nothing in front of you	40	(18)
No need for hard work or skill	58	(15)
Brightness and tranquillity are just as they are	73	(15)
In one-mindedness there are no wandering thoughts	88	(22)
Don't destroy the emotions of people	110	(16)
Within mind there is no environment	126	(19)
Favor and disgrace do not change it	145	(16)
There are neither people nor seeing	161	(16)
The wisdom of sravakas and pratyekabuddhas	177	(17)
Do not concern yourself with anything	194	(15)
Glossary	209