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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 29

Zen. During the retreat, we would listen to Master
Seung Sahn’s teachings every day. Before he ends his
sermons, he would always conclude by saying ‘obtain
enlightenment and help all beings’. Sometimes he
would say ‘if you already helped all beings, obtaining
enlightenment is not necessary’.

After returning from South Korea, I continued to attend
retreats led by Ven. Chi Chern. As I mentioned earlier,
his teachings focused more on developing concentration
and at times I would get blissful and ecstatic feelings
from walking meditation but I did not quite understand
those feelings. After listening to Master Seung Sahn’s
teachings, I found out that those states were in fact
our ‘before thinking’ mind. His teachings were always
pointing to our mind directly. I realized that the Kwan
Um School of Zen had preserved the very pure teachings
of Zen which I really appreciated. Nonetheless, I must
say that the teachings I have learnt from Ven. Chi Chern
and Master Seung Sahn complemented each other. If
not for the practical experiences I obtained from Ven.
Chi Chern’s retreats, I wouldn’t have understood Master taught in simple English, which also made it easy for us
Seung Sahn’s teachings that well. to understand. For instance, he would say, ‘No I, my, me;
put it all down’. He had provided a very clear direction
So what are the similarities and differences between for our practice; that is ‘obtain enlightenment and help
Chinese Chán and Korean Sŏn? all beings’.

All schools of Zen have one common goal: developing In terms of practical advice, he taught us to return to
a clear mind and becoming awakened by seeing into the present moment and focus on what we are doing
one’s true nature clearly. All these teachings also have right now, and just do it. He also has another mantra:
one common source: The Sixth Patriarch of Chán (Zen) ‘Keep correct situation, correct relationship, and correct
Buddhism, Ven. Hui Neng (惠能). The techniques may be function which is great love and the great Bodhisattva
different but the purpose is always the same. way’. We can return to our ‘don’t know mind’ or ‘before
thinking mind’ which has let go of the ‘I, my, me’ by
If we were to ask for a concise explanation of cutting off opposite and dualistic thinking. Thereafter,
Buddhism, what would you say? we would be able to realize the true nature and function
of our mind.
I think the three Dharma seals (Trilakṣaṇā
dharmamudrā) – impermanence, non-self, and From your practice and teaching experience, how
nirvana – would be the best summary of what the can more people be exposed to and benefit from the
Buddha taught. It is very important to acknowledge teachings of Zen?
impermanence while learning Zen so that you learn
to let go of attachments. The Kwan Um School of Zen In my opinion, everyone needs the teachings of Zen,
also emphasises ‘non-self’. Master Seung Sahn was not firstly because of our cravings, greed, and desire.
a native speaker of English as he only learnt English This is a modern-day problem. There are too many
when he went to the West in 1970. Therefore, he always advertisements that constantly lure our minds and