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Draft:Gou Ru

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Gou Ru
果如
TitleChan master
Personal
Born1951
Taiwan
ReligionChan Buddhism
NationalityTaiwanese
SchoolCaodong, Linji
EducationNational Taiwan Normal University, Fo Guang University, University of Georgia
OccupationBuddhist monk, religious scholar, writer
Senior posting
TeacherDong Chu, Sheng Yen

Chan Master Guoru Chan Master Gouru (Chinese: 果如; pinyin: Guǒ Rú; Jyutping: Gwo2 Jyu4) is the resident teacher of Chan Grove, a temple he founded in the Beitou District of Taipei in 2011.

Biography

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Early Life

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Born in 1951 in Taiwan, at the age of twelve he became the first novice disciple of Chan Master Sheng Yen (1930-2009). Master Sheng Yen, widely recognizd as one of the most eminent teachers of modern Chan Buddhism, was founder of Dharma Drum Monastery in Taiwan, as well as the Chan Meditation Center and the Dharma Drum Retreat Center, both in New York State, USA.[1] Master Guoru was the first novice disciple and Dharma heir of Chan Master Sheng Yen, the founder of Dharma Drum Mountain in Taiwan.

When His teacher, Sheng Yen was in retreat in Meinong, Kaohsiung and studying in Japan, Master Gou Ru relied on his Grand Master Dong Chu in his studies. After Sheng Yen returned to Taiwan, he studied Zen with him and served the director of the Chan Hall the Dharma Drum Mountain to assist His Master in guiding meditation.[2]

At the age of twelve, Master Gou Ru started to live and study with his grand master Dong Chu at Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Culture. In terms of formal education, Mater Gou Ru gained his bachelor's degree in Chinese literature from National Taiwan Normal University and his master's degree from University of Georgia in 1993. He also used to study at Eastern Buddhist Institute (now called Fo Guang University). After the forceful and intensive training given by Master Sheng Yen, master Gou Ru’s realization was verified by the master himself, and Dharma transmission was thus received. After that, Master Gou Ru committed himself in the propagation of Chan teachings and has been teaching the Buddha Dharma in Mainland China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the US, Canada, and Europe.[3]

In addition to being a thoroughly schooled and compelling lecturer on the Buddha Dharma, Master Gou Ru is known for his method of combining the incense board with shouting to intimidate practitioners with expedient means and methods. When shouting at practitioners and smacking them with the incense board, he forces them to experience a face-to-face confrontation with the moment (to be receptive to their states of mind when facing adversarial situations), at which there is no place to escape. Before every Chan retreat, Master Gou Ru always explains the purpose of using the incense board first and then promises to use it appropriately, on the spot, and without hesitation.[4]

Establishing Chan Grove Temple in Taipei

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A November Walk at Chan Grove (Lihyun Yun 2023)
A Temple Member Paints the Inscriptions on a Boulder at Chan Grove: ''發揚漢傳佛敎 燄續祖師心燈'', '' Carrying forward the Buddhist teachings of the Han Dynasty and the mind-lamp of the Patriarchs''.

On February 3, 2009, on the ninth day of Chinese New Year, Master Sheng Yen passed away. A few days later, four Dharma heirs of Master Sheng Yen – Ven. Guo Dong, Ven. Guo Guang, Mr. Simon Child, and Ven. Gou Ru, along with Taiwan’s president, Ma Ying-jeou, planted the master’s ashes at the Eco-Friendly Memorial Garden on [[Dharma Drum Mountain]].'' From that point on''- Master Gour Ru remembers in his autobiography-like preface of his first English language book- '' the “I” who originally hid in the shadow of Master Sheng Yen’s great tree, emerged from the protection of that deep shadow, to become a successor and transmitter of the lineage''.

Thus there was a need to establish a special center for preserving and extending this Dharma lineage. Plans began to transform the small Jade Buddha Monastery in the Zhonghe District of Taipei, into a place devoted to the practice of Patriarch Chan. Unfortunately and unexpectedly, its location was decreed by the government as a future site for an electrical facility for Taipei’s Metro system.

Chan Grove was built with the purpose of enabling everyone to live their own Zen life through meditation training and the study of various Zen workshops.[5]

He and his disciples lead all kinds of intensive retreats at Chan Grove, including Silent Illumination, Huatou, and Reciting the Buddha's Name. He also gives lectures on Buddhist sutras, treatises, and recorded sayings of ancient masters. Moreover, other Chan activities are held for beginners, such as Tea Chan and Photography Chan, etc., leading them to approach Chan in daily life.

In the winter and summer, Huatou Zen is used as the practice, while in the spring and autumn, a step-by-step Zen method is used to guide beginners.[6]

Dharma Heirs

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He has given authorization to the following of his disciples:

Lay Disciples:

Monk Disciples:

Books in English

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  • A General Explanation On The Stimuli To Transcend the Chan Barrier

This Book is Chan Master Gouru's explanation on <The Stimuli to Transcend Patriarch Chan Barriers> written by Master Yunqi Zhuhong (Lian Chi, 1535 - 1625), one of the four most influential Buddhist masters in the Ming Dynasty. The book provides very practical guidance on Chan practice, especially through instructions from ancient Chan patriarchs.[7]

Ebook:https://drive.google.com/file/d/16WhhnXSpVE9PcmWu_FFZwHHoz7KSupNW/view?pli=1 Publishing details: Chan Grove, Taipei, Taiwan, paperback, 421 pages. ISBN: 9789869937825

  • Knocking Gently On The Door Of Chan

This Book is the English translation of 禪門輕叩 (Knocking on the Door of Chan), which was published by Chan Grove in Taiwan in 2011. The central theme of the book is a method of meditative concentration which is unique to Chan Buddhism called ' huatou ' . It is a method which, while simple to learn, is quite challenging in practice, compelling a dedicated practitioner to drop all mundane and fleeting concerns in order to investigate Chan.[8]

Ebook1:http://ftp.budaedu.org/ebooks/pdf/EN375.pdf Ebook2:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oEIHoPgof_ylGu7W9tskMDqQi65HEByj/view Author: Chan Master Guo Ru Publishing details: Chan Grove, Taipei, Taiwan, 2014, paperback, 169 pages. ISBN: 978-986-89467-3-6c

  • Activate Your Self Nature DNA

Patriarch Chan is a living Chan method that requires its practitioners to plant their feet solidly on the ground – to practice with utmost dedication and honesty. Through this training, you can experience liberation in life and not be affected by your surroundings, nor trapped by emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, happiness, passion, aversion, or desire. You will discover that you are not bound originally; that you innately possess the DNA of liberation.[9] There is no need to renounce the practical life to do solitary retreats or to seek a pure land elsewhere, nor is there any need to indulge in your short-lived physical body, or to get empowerment from other people. You may live a brilliant life with great freedom and ease right in the practical environment and right in the phenomena of your body and mind here and now. In reality, every single moment of your life is an irreplaceable wonder and perfection![10]

Ebook1:http://ftp.budaedu.org/ebooks/pdf/EN377.pdf Ebook2:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IkOanrklLQyQq7xCd2CWPTStidp8muJD/view Publishing, details: Chan Grove, Taipei, Taiwan, 2014, 230 pages. ISBN: 9789868946774

Books Currently Only Available In Chinese

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There are over 40 books published in Chinese language by Master Gouru. The ones listed and briefly introduced below are comments and explanations on the works of prominent Chan Masters throughout the history of Chan in China. These books are in the process of being translated to English and possibly other languages as well.

Title: 溈山靈祐禪師語錄(共三冊)：封底文 (Chan Master Guishan Lingyou’s Recorded Sayings (Volume 1,2&and 3)) (Master Guishan is considered to be one of the founders of the so-called Guiyan School, which is one of the famed Five Houses of Zen.) Chan master Lingyou, in his youth, traveled and studied under various teachers. He once encountered Hanshan, who instructed him saying, 'When you come across a pond amidst countless mountains and rivers, stop there. Obtain the invaluable treasure and help all beings.' He also received encouragement from Shide. Inspired by this guidance, he went to study with Baizhang Huaihai and later became his Dharma heir.

Title: 棒喝天下.臨濟語錄：封底文 (Sweeping Everything by Hitting and Shouting: Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Linji) The recorded sayings of Linchi are considered to be one of the four most important records in Chan Buddhism. His teachings were always characterized by a confrontational style which is well shown in the famous 'Four Shouts of Linchi'. Moreover, there are often references to the so-called 'Three Mysteries of Linji' and as well as to the 'Three Mysteries and Three Essentials';and the 'Four Categories Simplified'. All these are explained in detail in this text. Ebook:https://drive.google.com/file/d/17j66xbyjkWOHo2sXOV90kKXHaufz5nOP/view

Title: 瑞州洞山良介禪師語錄釋要：封底文 (Explanation on Chan Master Dongshan Liangjie’s Recorded Sayings)

As an expedient to guide sentient beings, Dongshan established the ‘five ranks of partiality and impartiality’. In addition he introduced ‘three phrases’ and ‘three paths’. Different from the typical Chan teaching style which is directly pointing to the mind, he often incorporates the concept of yin and yang. Among the later Dharma successors, Caoshan Benji and Yunju Daoying were particularly renown. Dongshan is revered as the founding ancestor of the "Caodong School." Ebook:https://drive.google.com/file/d/19YA09EltJG2lUiSA11498a-aC7HZzL4t/view

Title:平常心是道.馬祖道一,上,下冊：封底文 (Ordinary Mind is the Way: Chan Master Mazu Daoyi)

The enlightenment of both the Sixth Patriarch Huineng and Shitou Xiqian was direct, spontaneously arising without relying on seated meditation. Their Chan styles were characterized by tranquility, stability, and gentleness. In contrast, Mazu Daoyi's Chan style was lively and intense; however, he originally had a ‘dull root’ as a practitioner who diligently engaged in seated meditation while being absorbed in meditative concentration. It was through Nanyue Huairang's pointing out his issues of 'polishing bricks to make a mirror' and 'beating the cart but not the ox' that he eventually realized the true nature of all phenomena. Ebook Volume1:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DwHy0zpzz1vNoFFGKy9-onji_Be2HhUQ/view Ebook Volume2:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4ozbe8fUdGfLjyWUmEeRdfOgmkXZVFt/view

Title:野鴨子飛過去.百丈禪師語錄：封底文 Wild Ducks Flew Over: Chan Master Baizhang’s Recorded Sayings

Baizhang, through uttering the phrase 'a wild duck flies over,' experienced an initial awakening when Mazu twisted his nose in pain. Later, with a single shout from Mazu that resonated with authority, Bai Zhang suffered from temporary deafness for three days and achieved further enlightenment. These are well-known Chan anecdotes that captivate people's attention. Bai Zhang and his esteemed disciple Huangbo engaged in mutual examination and confrontation during their daily activities, resembling intense battles of wits that showcased their enlightened wisdom and lively exchange of life experiences. Bai Zhang also promoted a simple and down-to- earth style as a farmer-monk leader who encouraged the monastic community to cultivate spiritual practice through their daily tasks. His advocacy of the spirit behind 'no work, no food' serves as an exemplary model for future generations. Ebook:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I8tQMOi637D2EbS7qdiHDLL8FfxccBnS/view

Title:佛法無多子.黃蘗山斷際禪師語錄上,下二冊 Buddha Dharma Has Few Successors: Chan Master Huangpo Duanji’s Recorded Sayings (Volume 1&2)

This Tang Dynasty master earned the peculiar title of 'Severer of His Majesty's Three Boundaries' for once giving three slaps to the emperor when the emperor was still a novice monk. He is renowned for his use of hitting with sticks and shouting to teach students, and is the master of Linji Yixuan (the founder of the Linji school). Huangpo inherited the profound teachings of Mazu Daoyi, while pioneered the vigorous tradition of Linji school. The essence of his Chan teaching lies in the concepts of 'the mind is Buddha' and 'no-mind is the Way'

Ebook Volume1:http://ftp.budaedu.org/publish/C8/CH85/CH854-11-01-001.PDF Ebook Volume2:http://ftp.budaedu.org/publish/C8/CH85/CH854-11-01-002.PDF

Title:南泉斬貓.南泉禪師語錄上,下冊：封底文 Nanquan Killed a Cat: Chan Master Nanquan’s Recorded Sayings Volume 1&2

Under the guidance of Master Mazu, there were eighty-four deeply realized disciples. Among them, Nanquan Puyuan, Baizhang Huaihai, and Xitang Zhicang were known as his three great disciples. Particularly esteemed by Master Mazu was Nanquan who was praised as having "transcended worldly attachments". After Nanquan transmitted his teachings to the renowned Zhaozhou Congshen, they were not further passed down, and the lineage was interrupted. Therefore, Nanquan can only be considered as a branch of master Mazu's lineage. However, both he and his disciple Zhaozhou displayed a free-spirited and unrestrained Chan style that set them apart. Zhaozhou especially excelled in this aspect, earning him the title of an ancient Buddha. Ebook:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CYyi2eWoLS3Mg9ljUlAJY-bTRyHaEKql/view)

Title:古佛再來.趙州語錄：封底文 The Ancient Buddha Comes Back: Chan Master Zhaozhou’s Recorded Sayings

Master Zhaozhou, a prominent figure in the Chan Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty, inherited the profound meaning of 'the act of picking up a flower’ from Buddha and received the heart seal transmitted from India. He carried on the lineage from Mazu. As the Dharma heir of Nanquan, he and his master composed a silent melody that resonated with all beings. Master Zhaozhou was a renowned Chan master teaching in Zhaoyan area, guiding followers to ascended to the realm of eternal Nirvana. Ebook: NOT YET AVAILABLE

Master Gouru's (果如法師) available popular books in Chinese at Taiwan's oldest bookstore, Kingstone Bookstore: https://www.kingstone.com.tw/bookpublish/publist?pubno=03507&subkind=series&classname=%E6%9E%9C%E5%A6%82%E6%B3%95%E5%B8%AB%E8%AA%AA%E7%A6%AA

References

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  1. ^ [1] Chinese Language Biography of M. Gou Ru from the website of The Corporate Body of The Buddha Educational Foundation (https://www-old.budaedu.org/en/)
  2. ^ [2] Archived 2020-06-25 at the Wayback Machine From a short biography of M. Gou Ru hosted at the website of www.eslite.com, an online bookstore in Taiwan, where M. Gouru's books are also available
  3. ^ [3] Accupass.com - a website listing events in Taiwan mostly in the range of the interest of university students- (2017 July 30th Article /in Chinese Language/)
  4. ^ [4] Chinese Language Biography of M. Gou Ru from the website of The Corporate Body of The Buddha Educational Foundation (https://www-old.budaedu.org/en/)
  5. ^ [5] Chinese language post of www.temples.tw, a site about Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianist, ... , temples in Taiwan
  6. ^ [6] Archived 2020-06-25 at the Wayback Machine From a short biography of M. Gouru hosted at the website of www.eslite.com, an online bookstore in Taiwan, where M. Gouru's books are also available
  7. ^ Master Gouru：《A General Explanation On The Stimuli To Transcend the Chan Barrier》Chan Grove, Taipei, Taiwan, paperback, 421 pages. ISBN: 9789869937825
  8. ^ Master Gou Ru：《Knocking Gently on the Door of Chan》Chan Grove, Taipei, Taiwan, 2014, paperback, 169 pages. ISBN: 978-986-89467-3-6c
  9. ^ Master Gou Ru：《Activate Your Self Nature DNA》Chan Grove, Taipei, Taiwan, 2014, paperback, 230 pages. ISBN: 9789868946774
  10. ^ Master Gou Ru：《Activate Your Self Nature DNA》Chan Grove, Taipei, Taiwan, 2014, paperback, 230 pages. ISBN: 9789868946774
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