In response to the suffering experienced by our Dharma brothers and sisters, as well as the wider world, the Tallahassee Chan Center will be hosting Loving-Kindness Meditation sessions on the first and third Monday of the coming months, offered both in person and via Zoom.

Guo Gu will teach and guide the practice, which will include a recitation of the names submitted by our sangha.

More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events.

"The transfer of merit requires that we let go of our self-referentiality."

-Guo Gu

In his final talk on the Depths of the Chan Liturgy, Guo Gu reflects on the practice of transferring merit. The basis of this practice is the Mahayana teaching of interconnectedness and self-less compassion.

Thus,

We prayFor the flourishing of Buddhadharma – Buddhism has no “othering” in its teachings and recognizes and validates all traditions – which will lead to

Peace in the world – which will lead to

The joy and contentment of all people – which will lead to

The freedom and ease of body and mind – which will lead to

Departing from suffering – which will lead to

The vows of the donors being fulfilled.

On the first and third Monday of each month, Guo Gu offers teachings on the practice of Chan Buddhism. In this session, he concludes his series on the Chan Liturgy—exploring the chants, prayers, and offerings that are integral to our practice.

More information can be found at: https://tallahassee.chan.org/events.

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.