Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen
by Master Sheng-Yen

An insider’s guide to the principles of Chan – or Chinese Zen – this jewel of a book gives unfiltered access to the kind of illuminating experience with a Buddhist meditation master that is usually only available to a few fortunate practitioners.

Based on the teachings of two major retreats led in 1989 and 1995 by the then-head of the movement, Master Sheng-yen, a rare glimpse is given inside both the ancient teachings and the contemporary practice of Chan.

Commentary by John Crook, Sheng-yen’s respected Western disciple, gives full context to the teachings and provides a fascinating account of the practical aspects of a retreat of this nature, including the meditative practices of ‘Silent Illumination’ that lies at the heart of Chinese Zen.

'Master Sheng Yen is a true spiritual practitioner of deep and broad learning.' His Holiness, the Dalai Lama