Date: January 11 & 12, 2025 (Sat & Sun)
Venue: The University of Hong Kong
Language: English/ Mandarin
Enquiry: Centre of Buddhist Studies, The University of Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3917 0094
Email: hkucbs@hku.hk
Introduction
According to the earliest Buddhist scriptures, the primary practices of Buddhist monks in the early period were the study of the Dharma and the practice of meditation. Meditation was considered the key method of practice in early Buddhism. As Buddhism developed over time and different Buddhist traditions emerged, various seemingly new methods of practice were introduced. However, these methods were essentially different forms of meditation, either serving as an introduction to meditation or as specific meditation techniques.
Chinese Chan Buddhism, known for its unique characteristics, has a solid historical foundation and preserves the essence of traditional Buddhist practice. Even before Chan Buddhism became an independent school, it incorporated traditional meditation methods into its teachings. Practices such as counting breaths (an introductory stage of ānāpānasati) and reflections on repulsiveness (aśubhapratyavekṣā) were once key meditation techniques in China. Mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati) was popular both in southern and northern China throughout history. Even as Sudden Enlightenment Chan (頓悟禪) gained popularity, traditional meditation methods with stages and procedures, such as observing one’s mind and cultivating purity, remained common and did not disappear.
Common forms of practice in Chinese Chan Buddhism, such as engaging in daily chores or tasks (e.g., carrying firewood and water), are actually forms of mindfulness practice. Investigating topics (參話頭 Huatou) and reciting the Buddha’s name are various forms of Vipassanā meditation. While the external forms of practice have changed over time, the underlying spirit and ultimate goal of the practice have remained consistent. The goal of Buddhist meditation is to truly understand one’s own mind and the nature of the world, to enter the path of the noble ones, to transcend the cycle of birth and death, and ultimately, to achieve nirvana and Buddhahood. Therefore, although Chinese Chan Buddhism has a long history, a rich and complex theoretical system, and diverse methods of practice, it originates from Early Buddhism in India and shares the same goal of alleviating the mind of dukkha.
The Conference will focus on the history of, encounters with, and developments and innovations within the Chinese Chan Buddhist tradition. Engaging primarily with Buddhist texts and scriptures, this Conference seeks to explore the origins of this tradition, probe its theoretical development, uncover its roots in Early Buddhism, shed light on the innovation of Buddhist meditation methods in China, and investigate the value and vitality of Chinese Chan Buddhism in the contemporary world.
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