Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast Silent Illumination and the Practice of Wonderment (Part 1)
Aug 11, 2025
Discover the profound connection between silent illumination and the art of just sitting in Zen practice. The conversation traces ancient roots back to Zen patriarch Hongzhi and emphasizes Dogen's significant contributions. Explore how these practices cultivate mindfulness and present-moment awareness. Guo Gu highlights the importance of bodily awareness, inviting listeners to deepen their spiritual journey and connection to living fully in the present.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Just Sitting As A Response
- Dogen's phrase 'just sitting' responds to his Tendai training and critiques structured shamatha-vipassana methods.
- Silent illumination poetically captures simultaneous stillness and responsiveness rather than a sequential method.
Teacher's Evolving Methods
- Guo Gu recounts how his teacher adjusted teaching approaches across decades in the West.
- Early strict 'no senses' instructions gave way to breath counting and later staged relaxation to help students.
Start By Relaxing And Noticing Sitting
- Relax the body first and be aware of the totality of sitting as an entry point into practice.
- Return to the concrete experience of sitting whenever the mind wanders instead of narrating it.