Shortcut to Practice with Right View

Reflections / / /

Reflections on & Extracts from Gilbert’s Meditation Seminar “Living in Chan”

Introduction

Ronald Bacci, my husband, and I were excited to see Gilbert Gutierrez again. I brought my caregiver and friend, Rosalie Weatherhead. I am working on overcoming stage 4 cancer affecting my breasts, bones, liver, and left eye, having survived a near-death experience in December 2023 with only a few weeks of life expectancy. We all sat on chairs in the Chan hall in the San Francisco Bay Area. This event marked the culmination of many of Gilbert’s dharma talks on the nature of Mind during 1-2 day retreats in Sunnyvale and later in Fremont, San Francisco Bay Area. Gilbert’s announcement of a shortcut immediately caught my attention. It woke me up! There is a shortcut? I love shortcuts! Now, I must discover Gilbert’s Shortcut. I took notes, and here are my notes seamlessly combined with my reflections and some applications on Gilbert’s Shortcut, with the possibility of honest mistakes on my part.

Gilbert’s Shortcut to Practice with Right View

Right View: There is one Mind, and everything is Mind. This Mind is Buddha Mind. We all possess Buddha Minds. When we talk to another person, we are conversing with Buddha. The Mind has two realities: absolute reality and apparent reality. Mind has thoughts, phenomena, samsara, apparent reality, and absolute reality. Absolute reality is not born, never dies, never changes, and is immutable. Apparent reality is born, dies, and changes. Phenomena is apparent reality. Samsara, the world we live in, is characterized by birth and death, joy and suffering, war and peace, and good weather and earthquakes. Samsara is apparent reality, is illusory, like a dream. Samsara includes all phenomena such as tables, chairs, cars, roads, houses, people, and animals, as well as devas from other realms of samsaric existence. All these are not truly real; they are empty. As human beings, sentient beings, we have limited capacity, while Mind has unlimited capacity. An individual cannot turn a stone into a diamond. Coupled with knowing Mind creates everything and recognizing our true nature, the Buddha Mind, we access unlimited capacity and unlimited creativity. It takes faith to recognize Buddha Mind. This is the secret: use our Buddha Mind, use the Mind to observe the Mind. Employ a method like watching the breath, counting breaths, chanting “Amituofo,” silent illumination, or hua-t’ou to watch the Mind.

Method to Use Mind on Mind: On cushion, off cushion, 24/7-365, when awake, watch the body, mind, and speech, letting naturally arising thoughts pass through without clinging to them or letting them form a narrative. Do not let one thought, like “I forgot to water the plants,” expand into a lengthy story like, “How long have they been without water? I shouldn’t garden if I forget to water. I should only buy self-watering plants.”

Watch the body: I recall an incident years ago when someone with a burning cigarette brushed past me, burning my hand. I felt the pain, and should have just let it pass. Instead, I repeatedly scolded the guy, and my anger escalated, turning that person into an enemy, a villain. Now I am aware that scolding another is scolding Buddha. It’s foolish to scold Buddha; it’s wise to accept the apology and say “Amituofo” (giving effect to recognizing Buddha in the person) and move on.

Off cushion: Remain mindful in speech and actions as one would on the cushion, maintaining mindfulness in eating, walking, working, exercising, talking, or bathing. It’s like living in a gentle expansive retreat 24/7-365.

Practicing 24/7-365 with Right View

The secret lies in believing in the unlimited capacity and creativity of Mind to manifest wisdom through body, speech, and mind in samsara. The secret is having the mind observe itself, both on and off the cushion. Mind creates everything, including samsara. Mind’s creative power is limitless, without limits! Mind projects thoughts onto itself, creating stories and events. Samsara and suffering are projections, like a nightmare, illusory, not real, and empty. Yet samsara is not separate from Mind. “Illusory” samsara is in “real” Mind and not separate from “real” Mind. “Illusory” phenomena is inside “real” Mind, and not separate from it. Practice to realize that apparent reality, as real as it seems, is illusory. Practice to uncover the absolute reality, which is not born, never dies, and is immutable and unchanging. Use this shortcut to practice to discover the Mind Ground and Great Wisdom.

Conclusion

Gilbert said he and Guo Yuan Fashi both teach practicing meditation with Right View. Otherwise, meditation without Right View will be unproductive and not yield Great Wisdom. May everyone succeed wisely.

Bella Loo

 

Shortcut to Practice with Right View Read More »

Volunteering at the Niles Flea Market Event

Reflections / / /

During the Niles Flea Market, I assisted at booth eight in front of the Dharma Drum Mountain. My responsibilities as a volunteer included setting up the booth, distributing bags to customers, and engaging them in the jeopardy question and answer activities.

As a young volunteer, it was my first time participating in such an event, and interacting with so many different people was unexpected for me. However, it turned out to be a rewarding experience since my confidence grew as I engaged with more visitors passing by the center. This volunteer role proved to be beneficial as it enhanced my communication skills with a variety of customers and allowed me to address their questions.

The market is an event for bringing together people from different backgrounds. For example, at Dharma Drum Mountain, the presence of these booths not only enables the center to participate in the market but also introduces the organization to those unfamiliar with it. At booth 8, I found the 1-minute sitting meditation activity particularly intriguing, as it offers participants a glimpse into the practices at Dharma Drum Mountain. This activity was not only engaging but also served to emphasize the values, ideals, and objectives we cherish at the center.

From the tea meditations to the bracelet shop and the distribution of free souvenirs at Dharma Drum Mountain, these activities create meaningful connections with new and existing people, allowing us to share our blessing with them.  For these reasons, I want to continue contributing at future Niles Flea Markets, exploring the offerings, collaborating with fellow volunteers, and engaging with visitors at the booth.

Franklin W.

Volunteering at the Niles Flea Market Event Read More »

Reflections on One-Day Chan Retreat

Reflections / / / ,

This was my second group meditation session and my first full-day retreat. We explored a variety of techniques, including two twenty-minute sitting meditation sessions. I was proud of myself for sitting through both sessions without any problems. The first time I tried sitting meditation, I struggled with the concept of feeling comfortable while being uncomfortable. This time, Venerable Chang Xiang introduced the kneeling posture that allowed me to sit comfortably without having to cross my legs. The only challenge I encountered this time was trying to stay awake during the second twenty-minute session. Unfortunately, I had to leave right after the retreat ended, so I didn’t get a chance to ask for feedback.

We had lunch at noon, and the food was fantastic! The entire dining experience was new to me; I made sure to plate my food and walk to my seat with deliberate care, eating mindfully and paying attention to what and how I was eating. After lunch, we had a mindful resting session. I was surprised by how relaxed I felt, falling asleep within five minutes on a hardwood floor alongside a group of strangers—a rare feat for me, which shows how much I embraced the meditation techniques learned!

After the resting session, we engaged in another sitting meditation for thirty minutes. I noticed some struggle, likely because I hadn’t practiced enough; the session felt longer than the usual twenty minutes, and my mind began to drift, making me feel uncomfortable. We then moved on to walking meditation, which is always my favorite part. Shortly after, we wrapped up with another sitting meditation and concluded the day with tea and cookies. It was an incredibly enriching experience, and I highly recommend these group sessions!

Sabina T.

Reflections on One-Day Chan Retreat Read More »

A Day of Chan: Experiencing Mindfulness and Meditation in San Francisco

Reflections / / / ,

On May 4th, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in an eight-hour Chan meditation session at Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Bay Area Center alongside my eldest son.

As we stepped into the meditation hall, we were greeted by a space that perfectly captured the essence of “emptiness.” Dominating the space was a serene and compassionate Buddha statue, instantly enveloping us in a profound sense of spiritual joy.

The event kicked off with volunteers demonstrating the proper way to enter the meditation hall and explaining the event’s guidelines. This was followed by a series of warm-up yoga exercises (Eight Form Moving Meditation) led by another volunteer. Once seated, Venerable Chang Xiang, who led the retreat, meticulously explained various meditation postures and the basic technique of breath counting, urging us not to be discouraged by our wandering minds.

Meditation might seem straightforward—focus on your breath, counting each exhale up to ten before starting over. If you lose track, you begin again. Achieving a full cycle of focused counting is genuinely challenging. Guided by Venerable Chang Xiang, we embarked on our meditation journey. Countless times, I caught myself distracted by either external noises or my own intrusive thoughts, forcing me to restart my count…

This repeated practice allowed me to appreciate the moments of focus, where I could distinctly feel cool, refreshing air entering and exiting through my nostrils. Interestingly, I noticed a significant improvement in my usually weak hearing, able to pick up various sounds around me, which, admittedly, sometimes made me lose track of my counting…

Lunchtime brought a transformative experience. Venerable Chang Xiang encouraged us to mindfully observe each minor action involved in eating: how we held our bowls, maintained posture, lifted food to our mouths, chewed thoroughly, savored the flavors, and swallowed. For someone nearly in her sixties, it was enlightening to truly learn the art of mindful eating for the first time.

Due to rain, our post-lunch session was indoor walking meditation. Venerable Chang Xiang instructed us to be aware of every movement: lifting the foot, moving forward, setting it down… Observing each step and synchronizing it with our breath, I realized the metaphorical similarity to life’s journey, where we must continually pick up and let go to move forward.

The day’s most demanding task was attempting to meditate while lying down. Shortly after lying on the floor, drowsiness set in… Before long, the sound of snoring filled the room, and I struggled to contain my laughter, realizing not only had I lost focus, but I was also close to breaking decorum. Later, I barely remember resisting the temptation to join in the snores, repeatedly declining the mythical “Duke of Zhou’s” invitations to drift off…

The meditation retreat concluded on a high note with snacks thoughtfully prepared by volunteers. Before leaving, I glanced at a piece of calligraphy by Master Sheng Yen in our rest area, inscribed with “Good Connections in All Directions.” Feeling immensely blessed, my son and I left with hearts full of gratitude and renewed energy.

Namo Amitabha Buddha.

Infinite gratitude.

King Lee P.

A Day of Chan: Experiencing Mindfulness and Meditation in San Francisco Read More »

Reflection on Two-Day Amitabha Buddha Recitation Retreat

Reflections / / / ,

Hello, my Dharma name is Ruan Qin Yan. I’m 30 years old and a graduate of the Instilling Goodness Developing Virtue Boys’ School at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. I’m currently studying at the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, where I am deepening my understanding of Buddha Dharma.

I was introduced to Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) by my wife, Lijun. She shared the teachings of Master Sheng Yen and numerous Dharma books and talks by him on YouTube, which helped strengthen our connection with DDM.

My recent two-day retreat at Dharma Drum Mountain Monastery was truly enlightening. Venerable Chang Xing led the Amituofo recitation, leaving a lasting impression on me. The retreat focused on mindfulness, awareness, and patience. One practice that stood out was the walking meditation, which taught me the importance of moving in sync with others to maintain harmony and awareness.

Lay participants were also encouraged to use traditional Buddhist instruments like the handbell, ground bell, and wooden fish. This opportunity helps cultivate focus and concentration. Another key lesson was mindful eating; we were taught to hold our bowl carefully while eating, guiding the spoon thoughtfully with each bite. This practice taught me to appreciate the food and the effort behind its preparation.

Reflecting on my time at DMM, I felt a deep sense of tranquility and harmony. The community showed incredible kindness and warmth, welcoming new practitioners and caring for each other compassionately. The sense of mindfulness and unity I observed has inspired me to incorporate these practices into my daily life, enhancing mindfulness at home and in every monastery I visit.

Reflection on Two-Day Amitabha Buddha Recitation Retreat Read More »

Group Meditation Sharing

Reflections / / /

I had an incredible experience attending a group meditation session last Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm. It was my first visit to the Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Bay Area Center and my initial foray into any form of meditation therapy. The volunteers and fellow attendees were exceptionally respectful, friendly, incredibly supportive, and catered to my needs with great understanding. Upon my arrival, Anne warmly welcomed me, gave me a tour of the center, and offered valuable advice for beginners.

I’ve been managing ADHD symptoms on my own for quite some time and had always considered meditation as a potential aid, yet I never took the steps to pursue it until now. Choosing Dharma Drum for my inaugural meditation session was a decision I’m thankful for. We began by bringing awareness back to ourselves through moving meditation, followed by seated meditation in silence, focusing on relaxation, calmness, and mindfulness. After exploring various techniques, we had the opportunity to speak with the Venerable for feedbacks, questions, or concerns. I had numerous questions about managing ADHD through meditation and the overall efficacy of the practice. My questions were thoroughly addressed, leaving me feeling transformed. I gained a deeper understanding of meditation’s importance and its potential benefits for anyone.

I’m eager to attend more sessions. If possible, I’d join every single one! I highly recommend this center!

Group Meditation Sharing Read More »

Reflection on Venturing Beyond Existing Realities Workshop

Reflections / / /

The workshop, Venturing Beyond Existing Realities by Venerable Chang Ji, was an amazing way to learn about our global impact as individuals and a collective and how it stems from our internal conflicts. In this two-day workshop, we first learned how to “Wake Up” to the deeper truth about how we are in a poly-crisis, how we are connected to the earth and everything within it, and that “We cannot fix a problem with the same mindset that created it.” We are a culture driven by a system of indifference, and compassion for life is deteriorating, ultimately hurting our families and ourselves. Secondly, we learned how to “Grow Up” and evolve from an Egocentric to a Cosmocentric perspective. We created a soul profile and learned more about ourselves, our life’s purpose, and our desired contributions to healing our world. We then learned how to “Clean Up”, which allowed us to shift our perspective on our failures to wisdom gained and an opportunity to start something new with more knowledge. We addressed our shadow with a worry map, showing us some big assumptions we had deep down about why we could not commit to improving.

Venerable Chang Ji also shared with us how she experienced a breakdown that led her to a breakthrough, and how she expanded her capacity and retrained her psychological immune system from “I am nobody” to “I am somebody capable.” Finally, we learned how to “Show Up”. Our spiritual, social, living, and natural environments can transform from a death economy to a life economy by reflecting on ourselves and taking action. This workshop was very inspiring and was filled with insightful wisdom. It was refreshing to see shadow work being discussed since I believe it is the only way for us to truly evolve and heal ourselves, thus healing the world around us. Our walking meditations after lunch also allowed me to reflect on my gratitude for the delicious meals, the world around me, and how I can contribute to healing myself and expanding that healing outward. Since attending the workshop, I have been able to trust my own capabilities more, redefine my definition of failure and success, and be more mindful of my impact on the planet. 

Yvette E.

 

Reflection on Venturing Beyond Existing Realities Workshop Read More »

Scroll to Top