Chan/Bodhidharma/Baizhung
Fall - Fortnight 18 (Earth+Fire)
Feast/Dec
4: China, Chan's transition to "Agricultural
Chan" under Baizhang (720-814). Bodhidharma, and Baizhang who began the
tradition of self sustaining farming in Buddhist communities. "Agricultural
Chan" in China with self sustaining monasteries. Patience sitting, facing
walls. Farming as meditation.
Bodhidharma
Bodhidharma (c. 5th–6th century CE), the semilegendary founder of Chan Buddhism, introduced wallfacing meditation from India to China. Shugendo/Shingon goma fire ceremonies ignited inner fire, reflecting Pangu’s creation. His unique emphasis on direct mindtomind transmission shaped Chan’s simplicity.
Baizhang
Baizhang Huaihai (720–814 CE) pioneered Agricultural Chan, establishing selfsustaining monasteries with his Baizhang Rules. Shinto lamp ceremonies sustained enlightenment through farming, echoing P’anKu’s transformation. His distinctive “day without work is a day without food” mantra fused labor and meditation.
Xuyun
Xuyun (1840–1959 CE), a modern Chan master, revitalized
monasteries over his 119year life, blending tradition with resilience.
Shinto sacred ash and confessions united universal and personal, as with
Amaterasu’s retreat. His unique longevity and adaptability preserved Chan’s
agricultural spirit.
| Bodhidharma/Chan 5thc CE | Baizhang 8thc CE Baizhang & Agricultural Chan, Farming for Enlightenment | Xuyun d1959 CE (119yrs) Chan Monasteries |
| Shugendo/Shingon goma fire ceremony | Shinto lamp ceremony | Shinto sacred ash, Buddhist confessions |
| Pangu creates heavens, Susanoo or Nuwa kills dragon | P'an-Ku's bones turned to rock, flesh to earth, etc. | Amaterasu (Sun Goddess) retreates to cave |
3. Coming from within the Universal:
The inconceivable mind comes compellingly
to the forefront introducing, the new world of unity of the Personal and
Universal. The Universal is reflected within the Personal.
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| RITE | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| PRACTICE | Tanabata Star Festival | 1. Igniting the Inner Fire - Basic visualization of a flame
in the lower dantian.
Shugendo:
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2. Breath of the Dragon - Breathing techniques to increase
internal heat.
2. Fire Meditation - Watching or meditating near a fire
for purification.
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3. Mantra of Fire - Reciting mantras to energize with fire
energy.
3. Breath Control (Fukushiki Kokyu) - Deep belly breathing to stoke inner fire. |
4. Candle Gazing - Meditating on a flame for concentration.
4. Sacred Fire Walking - Walking over embers as a test of
faith and endurance.
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5. Fire Circle Meditation
- Visualizing fire for protection and purification.
5. Sun Gazing - Meditating on the sun for energy and transformation.
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6. Microcosmic Orbit - Circulating qi through Ren and Du
meridians.
6. Mantra of Fire - Reciting mantras associated with fire deities. |
7. Three Fires Cultivation - Balancing the internal fires.
7. Purification by Smoke - Using incense or smoke for spiritual
cleansing.
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8. Fire Path Breathing - Breathing along fire paths for
transformation.
8. Fire Offerings - Making offerings to the fire deity Fudo Myo-o. |
9. Inner Alchemy Fire Meditation - Using fire as a transformative
force.
9. Agni Yoga - Practices to ignite inner spiritual fire.
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10. Dantian Warming - Techniques to enhance life force
in the dantian.
10. Torchlight Meditation - Meditating with a torch or candle
for focus.
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11. Fire Phasing - Timing internal processes with natural
fire phases.
11. Heat Endurance - Training to withstand cold by cultivating inner warmth. |
12. Golden Elixir (Jindan) Practice - Creating an internal
elixir for immortality.
12. Moxibustion - Using heat from burning mugwort for healing. |
Shugyo Fast | Shugyo Fast |
| STUDY | Bodhidharma | - | - | - | - | Chan | - | - | - | - | Chan | - | - | - | - |
| MEDITATION | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
