Silent Illumination Zen: The Silent Illumination style of Zen Buddhism began with Zen Master Hung Chih Cheng-Chuch (1091-1157) of the Soto Zen sect. He lived during the same period as, and was as capable a master as, Ta-hui Tsung-kao, the chief advocate of watching the "Hua-t'ou". The method of Shikantaza which the Zen Master Dogen later brought to Japan was descended from the tradition of Silent Illumination Zen which Zen Master Hung Chih started. Zen Master Hung Chich Cheng-Chuh was the author of many important works on Zen, including various poems. Here is a brief poem by him entitled: The Buddha's Essential Functioning translated by Taizan Maezumi Roshi and Neal Donner :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::"The Buddhas' essential functioning, the patriarch's functioning essence, Knows without relating to things and illuminates without reflecting upon objects. Knowing without relating to things, its knowing is subtle of itself. Illuminating without reflecting upon objects, its illumination is mysterious of itself. Its knowing, subtle of itself, is the thought with no discrimination. Its illumination, mysterious of itself, is the sign without the slightest mark. The thought with no discrimination, its knowing is completed without other. The sign without the slightest mark, its illumination is revealed without choice. The water is pure and clear to the bottom; a fish swims slowly. The sky is vast and finds no boundary; a bird flies far away." If you are interested in reading more on Zen Master Hung Chih Cheng-Chuch purchase the book Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi by Zhengjue & Yi Wu/translated by Taigen Daniel Leighton. Always at Amazon.com
