Book Review - Illuminating Silence by Master Sheng Yen

This is a book that i reread couple of times. the 3rd time i am reading now since buying it back in 2003. the book is a collection of Dharma talks given by Chan Master Sheng Yen to his students over the course of 2 retreats held in Wales.

the core of this book is as the title suggest - the method of silent illumination.
silent illumination is the core meditation practice of the Cao Dong (Soto) school of Chan (Zen) also popularly known as Shikantaza (the japanese version). It is somewhat of a method that combines both samatha (hence the word silence) and vipassana (illumination) into one, at the same time it is also known as the method of no method, because unlike most other methods of meditation, silent illumination has no particular object of meditation. confusing? read the book to find out haha =)

Reading this book u will feel like as if u are together on retreat with Master Sheng Yen. i enjoyed reading in this way - one talk one at a time after each sitting i done at home. its like as if i am on retreat, progress one day at a time, one talk at a time... reading it in this way i have found the talks inspiring and motivating for my continued practice.

The 2 retreats' talks are captured in 2 parts - one retreat one part

The first part focus particularly on the poem "calming the mind" and the feel of being on a retreat is most strong when u read this section (prob cause the talks in this section are not so much edited)

The 2nd part delves deeply into the practice of Silent Illumination. I have always felt an affinity for shikantaza/silent illumination type of meditation hence the love for this book.

But i must also emphasis that the talks are insightful not only because they present the method of Silent Illumination but also that it discuss in detail the general conditions, principles and attitudes for practicing.

The book also includes an autobiography of Master Sheng Yen and an introduction to Chinese Chan, esp as taught by Master Sheng Yen by John Crook, a Dharma Heir of Master Sheng Yen.

Great book if u want to have a taste of Chan as taught by Master Sheng Yen, and/or if u are interested in the Cao Dong/Soto style of practice =)