Chan Magazine Summer 2006

"How do we contemplate ultimate nirvana? In daily life, we must understand that avoiding vexing situations is not appropriate – running away does no good. Neither does self-deception, or pretending that the situation doesn’t exist. It is best to accept situations without vexation, and deal with them calmly. Of course, this is difficult to do. But even though we are nowhere near ultimate nirvana, we can still adopt the ways and attitudes of a Buddha."

– Chan Master Sheng Yen, from his commentary on the Heart Sutra, There Is No Suffering.

Contents

From the Editor

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
   The second of two lectures on the mindfulness practices by Chan Master Sheng Yen

quiet (is)
   Poem by Adam Pergament

Life Koans and Retreat Experience 
   A Dharma talk, in two parts, given at the Chan Meditation Center in Elmhurst, NY by Dr. John Crook

Who Am I? 
   Report from the 2006 Western Zen Retreat

The Past 
   News from the Chan Meditation Center and DDMBA

The Future 
   Retreats, classes, and other upcoming events

Chan Center Affiliates