An introductory Dharma talk by Guo Gu on Silent Illumination.
Guo Gu discusses the impetus behind writing the book and the four distinct qualities of the silent illumination method. This talk was hosted by Teshin Sweger of the North Carolina Zen Center during their routine Sunday morning service.

Briefly, the four distinct qualities of silent illumination are described by Guo Gu to:
1. Disassociate silent illumination from the way as it is taught in the Caodong school.
2. Describe silent illumination as a non-method—not as a claim of any particular lineage, but as a realization through utilizing methods.
3. Discloses silent illumination as post awakening practice without stages, as described by Hongzhi.
4. Huatou practice and silent illumination are compatible: both investigate existential dilemma via wonderment.

Praise for Silent Illumination

“Buddhist readers will learn much from Guo Gu’s intellectually robust yet pragmatic introduction to silent illumination Chan.” —Publishers Weekly

“In Silent Illumination, Guo Gu offers a strikingly fresh perspective on the significance of this phrase, grounded in the Chinese Chan perspective, compellingly reintroducing silent illumination and the teaching of Zen Master Hongzhi to the English-speaking world. For Guo Gu, silent illumination is not a specific practice but a synonym for buddha nature. Silent Illumination, then, includes the whole path of practice and realization. If you think you know what silent illumination is, think again! And read this book!” —Dōshō Port, author of The Record of Empty Hall