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.

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.

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.