Episodes

Dec 4

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. "The Three Gates of Liberation – emptiness, formlessness and non-contrivance – are essential for true liberation. Without them spiritual practice becomes merely an attempt to be a nice person.” — Guo Gu Through emptiness we learn how to relate to things; by practicing formlessness we don’t make them into a “thing;” and non-contrivance means to focus on intention. Engaging with the world through these 3 gates allows us to relate to others more fluidly, without imposing our own conceptual “containers” on them. The real measure of practice is flexibility: minimal clinging, openness to new experiences, ongoing learning, and sustaining a sense of wonder. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice.

Nov 21

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. "The locus of all sentient beings is not outside; it’s in our minds.” - Guo Gu In tonight's Guo Gu talk parses out the language of the Four Great vows, showing how they are actually meant work. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice.

Oct 27

The Four Great Vows. I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. “The practice of emptiness is the practice of seeing things and engaging with everyone through the lens of possibilities. Everything and everyone is workable.” Guo Gu In this evening’s talk, Guo Gu presents Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Sutra, which discusses the concept of the bodhisattva’s compassion. Compassion is described not as sentimental pity, but as an activity associated with awakened wisdom—characterized by being limitless, impartial, and unaffected by craving or fear. It is said to be rooted in emptiness and is intended to respond appropriately to suffering without exhaustion or self-reference. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. Join us on Mondays from 6:30 -8:00PM Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987548741... More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events .

Oct 9

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. "In order to become a Bodhisattva your vow is to interact with all kinds of people, and we all know how difficult it is to relate to people.” -Guo Gu In Part Three of his teachings on the Four Great Vows of the Bodhisattva Path, Guo Gu explores the second group of the Fifteen Minds—loving-kindness, compassion, great joy, and equanimity—grounding them in the teaching of emptiness. He clearly lays out the causes and conditions behind our present state of individual and collective exhaustion. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. Join us on Mondays from 6:30 -8:00PM Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987548741... More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events . ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Sep 18

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings. I vow to cut off endless vexations. I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma. I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood. "The Four Great Vows are intimately connected to the 15 Minds, without which it would be very difficult to practice or understand the Bodhisattva path.” Guo Gu In Part 2 of his teaching on the Four Great Vows of the Bodhisattva Path, Guo Gu delves deeper into the wisdom of the Fifteen Minds, continuing his focus on the first four—generosity, kind speech, supportive action, and community building—as practices for cultivating relationships with others. On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. Join us on Mondays from 6:30 -8:00PM Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987548741... More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events .

Aug 26

I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings.I vow to cut off endless vexations.I vow to master limitless approaches to dharma.I vow to attain supreme Buddhahood."The four great vows are the heart of the Bodhisattva altruist path of awakening, and probably the most meaningful thing we can do.” Guo Gu On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice.Join us on Mondays from 6:30 -8:00PM Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987548741... More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events .

Aug 13

"The Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha – is your true nature, and the most important thing you can do in your life is to activate this true nature…foster it and bring it to fruition." Guo Gu On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he continues his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice. Watch the Dharma Talk at https://youtu.be/K4DZl3HyfP8?feature=shared

May 1

“I vow to transfer all merit to others.” Samantabhadra “At the core of it all, it’s about relieving suffering for oneself and others, and the primary obstacle to that is self-referential grasping.” Guo Gu The Tenth Vow of Samantabhadra is the culmination of the Bodhisattva path. This involves being engrossed in this world because it is through interaction with the world that the bodhisattva flourishes. In this powerful conclusion to Guo Gu’s talks on the Ten Great Vows of Samantabadhra he raises the bar for our practice and shares his own awakening story to show that it can be done. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Apr 14

“I vow to harmonize with all sentient beings.” Samantabhadra “We are all interconnected on an unimaginable level.” Guo Gu There exists an intrinsic connection between Buddhahood and sentient beings—we are not separate but fundamentally interrelated. The principle of harmonizing offers a compelling model grounded in the profound concept of “interfusion,” or mutual inclusivity, presenting a meaningful alternative to the dominant capitalistic and individualistic paradigm. Guo Gu illustrates how this interconnected way of being can be realized through the Bodhisattva path, specifically by practicing the Six Perfections, the Four Methods of Conversion, and the application of Skillful Means. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 19

“I vow to always study the teachings of the Buddha.” -Samantabhadra "Samsara is the playground of full liberation, nirvana. This is where we perfect our practice.” -Guo Gu The first seven of Samantabhadra’s vows prepare us for the core eighth vow: to follow the Buddha in study and all that it entails—to emulate his wisdom and follow his practice as a Bodhisattva. In the process, we discover that there is far greater freedom and potential within us if we can let go of our attachments, and that the only thing that truly matters is helping others. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

“I vow to request that Buddha’s dwell in the world.” Samantabhadra “When you don’t have a stallion, a donkey will do.” Guo Gu As Buddhist practitioners, we read and study the profound practice of following the Buddha from 2,500 years ago. His teachings are so powerful that they continue to influence millions of people in countless ways. Since attaining enlightenment is believed to be much more likely under the guidance of a living Buddha, we aspire to cultivate sufficient merit—through generosity, virtue, diligence, patience, wisdom, and meditation—to meet the next Buddha, Maitreya, when he appears on Earth. To practice under a Buddha and awaken is our deepest aspiration. Short of that, we must ensure we are doing everything possible to be receptive and ready for a teacher to manifest in our lives now. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood .============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/.

Mar 10

“I vow to request the turning of the Dharma Wheel.” Samantabhadra “Of the three turnings of the Dharma Wheel none of them are called Making Us Feel Better…the full potential of the Buddha Dharma is not peace, not bliss, but freedom.” Guo Gu “The turning of the Dharma Wheel” refers exclusively to the Buddha’s teaching . Just as the mythical Chakravartan wielded his sword to subdue his enemies, the Buddha turned the Dharma Wheel to overcome all kleshas. There were three turnings of the Dharma Wheel, each covering a different approach to overcoming vexations. The 1st turning, which took place over the first 7 years of the Buddha’s teaching, aimed to dismantle the sense of self. The 2nd turning focused on the teaching of emptiness. The 3rd turning, sometimes called the “perfect teaching,” emphasized the interdependence of all existence. With an impassioned plea, Guo Gu reveals what he believes the 4th turning of the Dharma Wheel will be and how we can help bring it to fruition. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

Merit and The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. “I vow to rejoice in the merits of others.” Samantabhadra “In order to really rejoice in the merits of others we have to be selfless.” Guo Gu Merit shapes our connections with other sentient beings and is built upon recognizing the goodness in others. People serve as mirrors, revealing what needs to be done in our practice by exposing how the self manifests—through arrogance, liking, disliking, othering, judging and other ways. By gaining distance from these habitual tendencies, we can begin to truly see the goodness in others. Guo Gu shows how we can use our One-Minute Chan practice to practice seeing the goodness in ourselves and others; building new neural pathways that will then lead to merit. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra To pay homage to all the buddhas To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas To make ample offerings to all the buddhas To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds To rejoice in the merits of others To always to request the preaching of the dharma To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world To always to study the teachings of the buddha To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

“I vow to repent all karmic obstructions.” Samantabhadra“ Awakening is right in this moment.” Guo Gu The Buddha taught that the foundation of everything is liberation - we are already free. What obstructs us from experiencing this is that when the six sense faculties come into contact with six sense objects, our habitual tendencies – our karmic obstructions - cause us to reify and solidify our sense of self. In order to properly receive the ultimate teaching of liberation and emptiness we have to clear the mind of its self-referentiality. This is achieved through the practice of repentance. Repentance serves as the vehicle that bridges the gap between conventional reality and the ultimate truth of liberation, allowing us to simultaneously recognize emptiness while repenting our transgressions. Tonight we are fortunate to have Guo Gu break down one of the most important texts in the whole East Asian tradition: The Repentance Ritual Pursuing the Lotus Samadhi, as laid out by Zhiyi, the founder of the Tiantai school of Buddhism. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To repent all karmic obstructions. 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

“I vow to make ample offerings to all the Buddhas.” Samantabhadra “Supporting the Three Jewels so that people can engage in practice is the ultimate object of offering.” Guo Gu The third vow of Samantabhadra, “To make ample offerings to all the Buddhas,” builds upon the first vow. If we truly honor and respect all Buddhas, recognizing that all sentient beings have the potential for awakening, then making offerings becomes a natural expression of this understanding, encouraging us to transcend our self-centeredness and cultivate generosity, reverence, and humility. In essence, this vow guides us to use every encounter and action as a practice of generosity. By reflecting on our interconnectedness, we recognize that what we give was never truly “ours” to begin with. It arises from the conditions and contributions of countless beings. This understanding naturally fosters a feeling of humility and gratitude, generating great merit and creating conditions conducive to awakening for ourselves and others. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

“I vow to glorify the qualities of all the Tathagatas.” Samantabhadra “In the moment in which you are solidifying and reifying someone into a ‘thing,’ look at it and put it down…that is the way to praise the Tathagata…when we practice the dharma.” Guo Gu There are 10 honorific titles of the Buddha that reveal the merit, honor and wisdom of the Buddha. Guo Gu uses these 10 names to steer us deeper into our practice, beginning with the first, Tathagata , meaning “thus come, thus gone.” In Buddhism it refers to things as they are. It’s an honorific that encapsulates the Buddha’s teachings challenging the dualistic ideas with which we try to reify things. All beings have this Buddha nature within, and the challenge is to transcend the ways in which we try to pigeonhole our experiences into having/lacking, coming/going, arising/ceasing and existing/not existing and attain the freedom of no self. Like "a bird that is flying in the vast open sky or a fish that swims in clear limpid water. The bird does not question the sky. The sky is its home, and water is the domain of the fish." Such freedom. We are all swimming in the freedom of our domain. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra , are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra To pay homage to all the Buddhas To glorify the qualities of all the Tathagatas To make ample offerings to all the Buddhas To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds To rejoice in the merits of others To always request the preaching of the Dharma To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world To always study the teachings of the Buddha To always respond to sentient beings according to their various needs To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

“I vow to pay homage to all the Buddhas.” Samantabhadra “The worst thing that we can do is deny other people the possibility of change.” Guo Gu In the Avatamsaka or Flower Ornament Sutra , in what has been called The Perfect Teaching, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva emphasizes interdependence and the infinite perspectives inherent in reality, guiding us away from dualistic and self-centered ways of seeing other people and the world. Recognizing the potential Buddha in everyone not only transforms our relationships but also reshapes our understanding of the world, rooting us in compassion and wisdom. In his teaching, Guo Gu offers us a way to begin this practice and set ourselves on the path to awakening. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra , are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra To pay homage to all the Buddhas To glorify the qualities of all the Tathagatas To make ample offerings to all the Buddhas To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds To rejoice in the merits of others To always request the preaching of the Dharma To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world To always study the teachings of the Buddha To always respond to sentient beings according to their various needs To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

“We are all Samantabhadra.” Guo Gu Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, revered as “Universally Worthy” or “All Good,” holds a central place in Mahayana Buddhism, embodying the vast Bodhisattva path of compassion and wisdom. Alongside Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, Samantabhadra is seen as a protector of the Lotus Sutra , which is significant for its inclusive teaching that all beings have the potential to attain Buddhahood. His teachings emphasize the interdependence and interconnectedness of all beings, urging practitioners to recognize the Buddha-nature in everyone. Through practicing the Lotus Sutra ’s teachings, one can cultivate a view of all beings as “future Buddhas,” fostering compassion and respect in every interaction. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra , are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. In his talk tonight, Guo Gu lays the groundwork for a series of talks on these vows. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra To pay homage to all the Buddhas To glorify the qualities of all the Tathagatas To make ample offerings to all the Buddhas To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds To rejoice in the merits of others To always request the preaching of the Dharma To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world To always study the teachings of the Buddha To always respond to sentient beings according to their various needs To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

“Having no obstructions there is no fear and departing far from confusion and imagining they reach ultimate nirvana. All past, present, and future Buddhas, relying on prajnaparamita attain annuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Therefore, know that prajnaparamita is the great mantra of power, the great mantra of wisdom, the supreme mantra , the unequalled mantra, which is able to remove all suffering. It is real and not false.Therefore recite the mantra of prajnaparamita, Gate. Gate. Paragate. Parasamgate. Bodhi Svaha.” The Heart Sutra “Gone. Gone. Gone beyond. Completely gone beyond. Expedite awakening.” The Heart Sutra Prajnamita Mantra “The main point of the Heart Sutra is Put It Down.” Guo GuIn his final talk on The Heart Sutra, Guo Gu discusses how the sutra encompasses all aspects of human existence, including our world and relationships, and the attachments we struggle to let go of. By releasing these obstacles, we can access the full potential of our inherent freedom, empowering us to embrace the path to awakening. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra

Mar 10

“There is no wisdom or any attainment. With nothing to attain, bodhisattvas relying on prajnaparamita have no obstructions in their minds.” Heart Sutra “The wisdom of no self resolves suffering.” Guo Gu Guo Gu’s teaching emphasizes the idea that the root of obstructions or vexations in our lives stems from the presence of a self. When we view experiences and situations through the lens of a fixed, concrete self, we tend to grasp at external things like fame, wealth, power, status, influence, or sensual pleasures. These external attachments serve to reinforce the self, creating further suffering and vexation. By becoming aware of when and how we are reifying this self through our grasping and attachments, we can begin to loosen that hold. As we learn to identify these tendencies and stop feeding the self, we gradually liberate ourselves from the cycle of desire and suffering. Chan Masters throughout history have coined phrases to describe this more spacious and open way of being: Be like a zombie – Master Gaofen Yuanmiao Every day is a good day – Master Yunmen Wenyan Be an idiot – Master Linji Yixuan When vexations come, put your feet up – Master Linji Yixuan Be like a tree stump – Master Yuanwu Keqin Be like an incense burner in a dilapidated, rundown temple – Master Yuanwu Keqin Don’t make a thing out of it – Guo Gu It’s all good – Guo Gu This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra", one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month throughout 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra

Mar 10

“There is no wisdom or any attainment. With nothing to attain, bodhisattvas relying on prajnaparamita have no obstructions in their minds.” Heart Sutra “The essence of dharma practice does not lie in successful meditation or blissful experiences.” Guo Gu The root of our suffering is grasping - our strong sense of self. In this powerful talk Guo Gu shows us all the many ways the self manifests, both internally and externally. He offers clear guidelines for recognizing how we are identifying and fortifying ourselves. With these tools, we can then begin the process of exposing, embracing, working with, and ultimately letting go of the self. As the Buddha said at his enlightenment, "I’ve seen you, house-builder! You won’t build a house again! ... My mind, set on demolition, has reached the end of craving." (Source: Dhammapada, Dhp 154, translated by Bhikkhu Sujato) This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra", one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month throughout 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra

Mar 10

“There is no suffering, no cause of suffering, no cessation of suffering and no path.”The Heart Sutra “Suffering can be experienced as possibilities, change, or even new beginnings. “Guo Gu The Heart Sutra, a key text in the Prajnaparamita genre, offers profound teachings on the nature of things. Guo Gu has often emphasized throughout his series of talks that the Heart Sutra critiques the early Buddhist materialistic understanding of the world, where words and language solidify phenomena. In this evening’s discussion, he delves deeply into this critique, ultimately illustrating how suffering transforms into liberation and how the causes of suffering can become the path to liberation. This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra", one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month throughout 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra

Mar 10

“There is no ignorance and there is no ending of ignorance through to no aging and death and no ending of aging and death.” The Heart Sutra “Our fundamental ignorance is the progenitor of the 12 links of dependent origination…a temporal analysis, a process-oriented description of the ways in which we create suffering.” Guo Gu Guo Gu deftly guides through the causes that lead to our selfing and othering, and subsequently our suffering. He does this from the temporal perspective of the 12 links of dependent origination, beginning with ignorance through to aging and death. On one level we are concerned with the links in our present life, but Guo Gu reminds us that the Heart Sutra was written by a bodhisattva, and dives into the perspective of continual birth and death, called Dependent Origination of the Three Times. This is the way of the bodhisattva, never leaving the cycle of birth and death in order to benefit all beings. This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra", one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month throughout 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra

Mar 10

"In voidness there is no form, and no sensation, perception, volition or consciousness; no eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind; no sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, thought; there is no realm of the eye all the way up to no realm of mental cognition” The Heart Sutra “We need to experience the world through relationships.” Guo Gu Guo Gu elaborates on the 18 Realms of Consciousness, consisting of the six sense organs, the six sense objects and the six sense consciousnesses. As he pulls apart our experience, he reveals how we exist only in relationships. This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra", one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month throughout 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra

Mar 10

Guo Gu on The Heart Sutra “Form is not other than emptiness and emptiness not other than form.” — The Heart Sutra “The whole Buddhist project is about building new relationships with the world.” — Guo Gu This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra" , one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month throughout 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra . Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

Guo Gu on The Heart Sutra “The juncture at which the sense organ connects to the sense object is where practice happens.” — Guo Gu Much like Avalokiteśvara awakened through the contemplation of sound, Śāriputra awakened through the contemplation of sight. Guo Gu provides us with a simple practice upon which to build this contemplation. Since 2023, GuoGu has been offering a series of talks on the Heart Sutra, one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month into 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. We also have a monthly student discussion group about each month’s talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra . Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

“The whole point of the Heart Sutra is freedom.” — Guo Gu This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra" , one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month and will last until 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

Guo Gu on The Heart Sutra Guo Gu on The Heart Sutra “What is it like when the Five Skandhas are empty? We are no longer disturbed by vexations … and can reside in the miraculous functioning of conditions.” — Guo Gu This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra" , one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month and will last until 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be the opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra . Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

Guo Gu on The Heart Sutra “Suffering only exists because of me, I, mine. Contemplation of the Five Skandhas reveals the emptiness of self.” — Guo Gu This video is a continuation of a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra" , one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month and will last until 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at https://www.tallahassee.chan.org/hear... .

Mar 10

Guo Gu on the Five Skandhas “Liberation is to be free of the Five Skandhas.” — Guo Gu This is the first of several talks on the Five Skandhas that Guo Gu will give as part of his series of commentaries on The Heart Sutra . The Heart Sutra is one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month and will last until 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion. We have a free, live-stream meditation service on Mondays at 6:30pm Eastern each week. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

Guo Gu explains how our attachment to fixed identities and possessions can lead to suffering, and how understanding the interdependent and impermanent nature of existence can lead to liberation. Guo Gu also touches on the concept of emptiness, a key tenet found in early Prajnaparamita literature, which recognizes that nothing has a fixed or independent existence. This video opened a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on The Heart Sutra , one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month and will last until 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

The Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara reached enlightenment by “perceiving the sounds of the world.” Guo Gu introduces two methods for contemplating sound. The first is to use a particular sound as an object of meditation. The second is to be aware of the sounds during daily life. In both instances it is important to put most of our attention on relaxing and grounding the body. This video is the second in a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on "The Heart Sutra", one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month and will last until 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra ==================================================== Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .

Mar 10

Guo Gu explains how our attachment to fixed identities and possessions can lead to suffering, and how understanding the interdependent and impermanent nature of existence can lead to liberation. Guo Gu also touches on the concept of emptiness, a key tenet found in early Prajnaparamita literature, which recognizes that nothing has a fixed or independent existence. This video opened a series of commentaries by Guo Gu on The Heart Sutra , one of the shortest Mahayana scriptures that expound the core message of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra is also one of the most important scriptures in the Chan/Zen tradition. The series will continue every first Monday of each month and will last until 2024. Each talk will be independent, but we encourage you and your friends to attend all sessions. During these Monday sits, we will begin with a short period of meditation followed by the Dharma talk. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and to socialize a bit after the talk. More information can be found at: https://tallahasseechan.org/heart-sutra Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .