“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