Ch'an Method as Lodestone

[Shi Da Dao]

Although the outer conditions of each birth varies according to the prevailing conditions - the Chinese Ch'an method remains identical from one generation to the next. Within Ch'an Records this is termed 'adapting to circumstance'. Every set of conditions bring their own set of unique challenges and Masters are compelled to set examples in often vastly different ways. Living quietly in the hills maybe juxtaposed to avidly contributing to society in ways that span passive cooperation to a deliberate resistance (depending upon requirements). Of course, for many, outer life traverses through many different episodes - all indicative of appropriate change. Perhaps social life in many ways reflects the biological reality of cellular body growth - chemical processes cause cells to emerge, live, die and to be replaced - whilst the body itself is born, lives out its existence and passes into non-existence. Whatever is happening in the body and outer world (the body is a distinct part of the outer world) - the empty mind ground remains a permanent feature. This is the realisable human mind BEFORE it is filled with the impressions of bodily and social existence. It is the living of life in a 'surface' manner which obscures the presence of this empty mind ground. The Chinese Ch'an method is a continuous reminder of this reality. This is not a religious belief in the theistic sense - but rather an ancient perceptual science. The empty mind ground is a fact and exists regardless of belief.