Guo Gu

Join Chan Buddhist teacher Guo Gu and Rinzai Zen Abbot Meido Roshi as they explore their decades-long friendship and the importance of dharma relationships. They discuss misconceptions about awakening, the benefits of integrating body-mind practices, and the transformative power of mindfulness training. With anecdotes from their early retreats and insights into developing as teachers, they reveal how close connections with masters can impact personal growth. Plus, they share tips on maintaining practice journals and the joys of a committed spiritual journey.

Guo Gu, a Chan Buddhist teacher, author, and scholar, shares his transformative journey from a bullied teen and hardcore music enthusiast to a monk and academic. He discusses the influence of his violent past on his identity and music, his embrace of Straight Edge, and the pursuit of a PhD on self-inflicted violence in religious contexts. Guo Gu examines the role of the body in spiritual practices, reflects on societal meaning crises, and introduces his new book on the Gateless Barrier, emphasizing the importance of silent illumination in meditation.