In the Chinese Chan (Zen) tradition, silent illumination refers to the natural awakening, the realization that we are already free. It is stillness and clarity, samādhi and prajñā, the union of wisdom and compassion. As a method of cultivation, it has resonance with dzogchen in Tibetan Buddhism, vipassanā in Theravada Buddhism, and shikantaza of Japanese Soto Zen. Yet, silent illumination is also unique. This six-week program will explore: silent illumination through foundational practices of embodied experiencing of progressive relaxation; somatic integration of breath/experiencing/present moment; direct contemplation of seeing and hearing; and the realization of silent illumination in daily life. The program will meet online together once a week for instructions and discussion of the week’s topics, with readings assigned each week. As the practice of the embodied experiencing of silent illumination progresses, there will be opportunity to receive clarification on practice in online office hours with Guo Gu held twice each week. 

The program will follow sections of Guo Gu’s Silent Illumination (Shambhala Publications, 2021; available here at the BCBS bookshop). While not required to purchase for the program, it is strongly recommended.

Week 1 – Learning to relax the body through progressive relaxation;

Week 2 – What is the role of body/mind in Awakening? Learn embodied experiencing;

Week 3 – Somatic Alienation and Integration of Silent Illumination as direct perception;

Week 4 – Silent Illumination as stages of practice of śamathā and vipassana;

Week 5 – Drawing on twelfth-century Chan Buddhist writings on Silent Illumination by Chan Master Hongzhi;

Week 6 – Integrating Silent Illumination into Daily Activities.