Teachings of Zen Master Man Gong (Part 1)

Zen Practice: The Way to Find Your True Nature

1. In our world, there is no place to find your true self, nor a teacher to show you how. Only in a Zen Buddhist practice place can you find your true nature.

2. Zen practice means that everyone should clear their own mind. This is most urgent.

3. The study of worldly knowledge only serves this life and the delusions of the body. Zen practice leads to a wisdom which is beyond time and space, beyond our body, and even beyond this life.

4. The Zen hall is not the only Zen hall. For those who practice Zen, their own body is also a Zen hall. You can practice Zen nonstop when you are standing, walking, sitting or lying down – even when you are silent or speaking. This means that one can always stay in the Zen hall.

5. You can never practice Zen alone. You shouldn’t leave your teacher because only they can teach you, without hindrance, about life’s concerns.

From the book, The Teachings of Zen Master Man Gong.