What Is the Self?

In this interview I am joined by Guo Gu, Chan Buddhist teacher, author, and scholar of Buddhism. Guo Gu shares stories of his early training under the mysterious hermit Gūang Qìn, who’s siddhi powers were sought after by locals for healing and divination. Guo Gu also details his decades as the attendee and disciple monk of Chan Master Sheng Yen, including examples of Master Sheng Yen’s unusual and sometimes painful teaching methods, and shares how a powerful practice brought about Guo Gu’s stream entry in a moment of profound repentance. Guo Gu compares the powerful spiritual presences of his teachers, reflects on the means of acquiring siddhi and why Chan Buddhism deemphasises such powers, and shares the power of humility as a path to enlightenment. … www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Childhood training under the hermit Master Gūang Qìn 11:15 - Meeting Master Sheng Yen and other masters 17:03 - The powerful presences of great masters 21:16 - A wrathful display 23:26 - Intense training under Master Sheng Yen 26:30 - How did Master Gūang Qìn acquire his siddhi powers? 29:10 - Further tales of clairvoyance 31:55 - How to acquire siddhi powers vs Chan’s emphasis 37:10 - The motivation behind Master Gūang Qìn’s ascetic lifestyle 43:16 - Exposing Guo Gu’s self-involvement 54:10 - Public pointing out as a teaching tool 57:33 - The practice of repentance 59:15 - The spiritual power of humility 01:07:07 - Kensho via humility 01:14:26 - An experience of clarity without a reference point 01:17:38 - Master Sheng Yen confirms Guo Gu’s stream entry 01:21:36 - Guo Gu’s most powerful awakening experience 01:38:24 The death of Master Sheng Yen … To find out more about Guo Gu, visit: - https://guogulaoshi.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James