The Essence of Chan

A Guide to Life and Practice According to the Teachings of Bodhidharma

By: Guo Gu

Narrated by: Daniel Henning

Clear and illuminating commentary on one of Bodhidharma's most important texts—designed to help Chan practitioners apply timeless and essential advice to their practice

Legend has it that more than a thousand years ago an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma arrived in China. His approach to teaching was unlike that of any of the Buddhist missionaries who had come to China before him. He confounded the emperor with cryptic dialogues, traveled the country, lived in a cave in the mountains, and eventually paved the way for a unique and illuminating approach to Buddhist teachings that would later spread across the whole of East Asia in the form of Chan—later to be known as Seon in Korean, Thien in Vietnamese, and Zen in Japanese.

This book, a translation and commentary on one of Bodhidharma's most important texts, explores Bodhidharma's revolutionary teachings in English. Guo Gu weaves his commentary through modern and relatable contexts, showing that this centuries-old wisdom is just as crucial for life now as it was when it first came to be. Masterfully translated and accompanied by helpful insights to supplement daily practice, The Essence of Chan is the perfect guide for those new to Chan, those returning, or those who have been practicing for years.

©2012 Guo Gu (P)2023 Tantor

Deep and human

This was very informative, practical, entertaining and helpful. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to realize the goal of meditation.

GOOD

I just finished this book.
I am surprised that there are no reviews. I found this to be a very interesting, concise book about Zen Buddhism.
If you are familiar with Zen Buddhism, it covers all you need in a concise manner.
If you are not familiar with Zen Buddhism, but picked this book up because it caught your eye, then it is an opening to study Buddhism and in this case Zen Buddhism.
The narrative, mr. Daniel Henning has a pleasant, clear voice.
My thanks to all involved,JK.

Told by a Master

Guo Go clear teaching goes the heart of the matter placing Chan in it’s historical context

Outstanding content with CONSTANT mispronunciations

As for the content of this book? Highly recommended! But it is an absolute shame that the narrator didn't bother to learn the correct pronunciation of the subject, Chan, let alone other words unique to the Chan, Zen, or Buddhist vernacular. It's so poor and distracting that I had to stop listening. Perhaps he should have watched even a single YouTube video by the author?!

Great Introduction to Chan

Wonderful book. Forever grateful. The language is easy to grasp while the concepts are quite deep.