Master Fa Chan’s Teachings 24

Dharma Master Fa-Chan’s Teachings – Fǎ Chán Shīfù de Kāishì (Èrshísì)

2026/01/18

1. The ancient worthy said: “一種平懷，泯然自盡 (Yī zhǒng píng huái, mǐn rán zì jìn)” — “One kind of even, ordinary mind leads to complete self-extinction.” Which kind is it? Everyone, why not investigate and contemplate it?
   
   
2. The ancient worthy said: “我有神珠一顆，久被塵勞關鎖；今朝塵盡光生，照破山河萬朵 (Wǒ yǒu shén zhū yī kē, jiǔ bèi chén láo guān suǒ; jīn zhāo chén jìn guāng shēng, zhào pò shān hé wàn duǒ).” — “I have a divine pearl, long locked away by worldly dust and toil; today the dust is gone, light emerges, illuminating the mountains and rivers in ten thousand blossoms.” What exactly does this “神珠 (shén zhū)” (divine pearl) refer to? Everyone can enter investigation from here.
   
   
3. The ancient worthy said: “佛法在日用處，行住坐臥處，喫茶喫飯處，語言相問處，所作所為處，舉心動念，又卻不是也 (Fó fǎ zài rì yòng chù, xíng zhù zuò wò chù, chī chá chī fàn chù, yǔ yán xiāng wèn chù, suǒ zuò suǒ wéi chù, jǔ xīn dòng niàn, yòu què bù shì yě).” — “The Buddha-Dharma is in daily activities, in walking, standing, sitting, and lying down; in drinking tea and eating meals; in questions and conversations; in all actions and doings; yet when the mind arises or a thought moves, it is entirely not so.” Why is it that the moment the mind arises or a thought stirs, everything goes completely wrong?
   
   
4. The ancient worthy said: “處處逢歸路，頭頭達故鄉；本來成現事，何必待思量 (Chù chù féng guī lù, tóu tóu dá gù xiāng; běn lái chéng xiàn shì, hé bì dài sī liang)?” — “Everywhere one meets the road home, in every direction one reaches the native place; this is originally an accomplished, manifest reality—why wait for deliberation?” However, these are the words of someone who has already come through (an awakened one). If you are not yet such a person, do not be clever on your own or assume you understand—otherwise, those with clear eyes will laugh behind your back.
   
   
5. The ancient worthy said: “五蘊山頭一段空，同門出入不相逢；無量劫來賃屋住，到頭不識主人公 (Wǔ yǐn shān tóu yī duàn kōng, tóng mén chū rù bù xiāng féng; wú liàng jié lái lìn wū zhù, dào tóu bù shí zhǔ rén gōng).” — “On the mountain of the five aggregates there is a stretch of emptiness; those of the same gate come and go but do not meet; for countless eons one has rented a house to live in, yet in the end does not recognize the host (the true master).” Everyone! As long as you recognize the 主人公 (zhǔ rén gōng) (true master / host / protagonist) of life, your great matter for this lifetime is accomplished.
   
   
6. We have discovered that a sense of humor and hearty laughter are extremely effective ways to promote physical and mental health. They can relax tension in the entire body, achieve relaxation, suppress the release of stress hormones, reduce physical and mental pressure, strengthen the immune system’s functioning, boost immunity, alleviate pain, protect the heart, and even drive away serious illnesses—laughing away the demons of disease. Moreover, in the face of adversity, they can give rise to an indomitable spirit. Actually, ordinary people also know: one laugh can dissolve a thousand worries, right? In terms of body, mind, and spirit, a sense of humor and joyful laughter truly bring many benefits. Why not embrace them? Even if in some situations it’s inconvenient to laugh out loud, as long as you sincerely produce an understanding smile from within, that’s fine too! Even when we are ill or have unsatisfactory matters weighing on our hearts, isn’t it better to use humor and joyful laughter to heal or resolve them? Western medicine has also confirmed that laughter has very strong healing power. Everyone, why not keep a smiling face, be happy and open-hearted!
   
   
7. Here I also teach a very simple 四四八呼吸養生功法 (Sì sì bā hū xī yǎng shēng gōng fǎ) (4-4-8 breathing health cultivation method). It can be practiced sitting or lying down. First, spend one minute scanning the whole body from top to bottom, making sure to relax the entire body as much as possible. Then, inhale through the nose for four counts; hold the breath for four counts; finally, exhale slowly through the mouth for eight counts. Each count is about one second. Practice in cycles for five to seven minutes.
   
   Our habit is to use it as a relaxation method before sleep—just lie in bed and practice relaxedly. Though this method is simple, its effects are very great! It allows the parasympathetic nervous system to predominate, helping one fall asleep and even enjoy a good night’s sleep. If anyone has sleep issues, why not give it a try! This method also activates the autophagy mechanism in cells throughout the body—that is, the cells’ self-cleaning and repair function. Therefore, it can eliminate many physical and mental diseases, making everyone healthier and longer-lived. In addition to practicing before bed, whenever you have free time, practice more; and when the body and mind feel a bit fatigued, be sure to practice. As for how effective it is, let your body tell you.