Master Fa Chan’s Teachings 25

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

2026/03/01

1. On the Path, many cultivators only remain at the level of talking about principles or understanding principles. This is actually going against the Way, and the further they go, the farther they drift from the Dao. From the original intent of the Chan sect (宗門), the real crucial point is whether we can transcend all dharmas (一切法). The ancient worthies also told us: “Surpass Shakyamuni, go beyond the Patriarchs; if the mind still has even a speck of dust, there is still obstruction.” Isn’t that so?
   
   
2. On the Path, there is one word that truly has boundless wonderful function. That word is “liǎo” (了). The more you liǎo (understand thoroughly / complete / let go of), the closer you are to the Dao. In terms of Dharma, in terms of the Path — how much have you truly liǎo? Or are you still endlessly entangled inside, never finishing? “Buddhadharma has no place for you to apply effort; it is simply ordinary, nothing special” — isn’t that right?
   
   
3. Only when there is no mind at all (無一切心) is it possible to return to the true original mind or original nature. However, most ordinary cultivators do not have “no mind at all”; instead they have far too many minds. That is why they can never realize the true original mind and original nature.
   
   
4. An ancient worthy said: “The three realms and six paths are only manifestations of one’s own mind; water-moon reflections and mirror images — how could they have birth and extinction?” It turns out that the three realms and six paths are all illusory life phenomena manifested by the mind-consciousness. Ordinary beings simply do not know and are not aware of this. Once you separate from mind-consciousness or transcend mind-consciousness, naturally the three realms, six paths, and all such illusory life phenomena no longer exist. Because in the originally pure mind (本源清淨心), not a single thing can be found — so where would the three realms and six paths come from?
   
   
5. An ancient worthy said: “Only follow what is liǎo by the cause of liǎo; do not follow what is born from the cause of birth.” On the Chan sect Path, how much can all of you liǎo? The more you liǎo, naturally the closer you come to the Dao. The Dao is subtraction or division, not addition or multiplication. It is not about how much you can possess or obtain, but about how much you can let go of or bring to completion (liǎo). In short, the essence of the Chan sect Path lies entirely in this one-word secret: “liǎo” (了). Whether in Dharma, on the Path, in worldly affairs, or regarding everything internal and external, body and mind — how much can you truly liǎo / how much can you put down? You can only ask your own heart honestly.
   
   
6. If life remains only at the level of individuality, then the four marks (四相) arise, endless birth-and-death cycling continues, and sorrow, grief, suffering, and affliction never cease. But as soon as you elevate it to the level of oneness (一體性), that is, into the suchness body (如如之體), then all the problems mentioned above no longer exist. Therefore a true practitioner of the Way knows very clearly: Life has an extremely vulgar and shallow side, and at the same time it has an incredibly inconceivable and wondrously ineffable side. However, the vast majority of people only live on that vulgar and shallow level. If you are willing, you can actually keep elevating life again and again, transcending upward — don’t remain so vulgar and unbearable!
   
   
7. Here I also teach everyone a very simple heel-raising and palm-pressing health practice (提踵按掌養生功法).
   
   

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms naturally hanging at the sides, both palms facing forward and flat, palms down, fingertips pointing forward. Then raise the fingertips upward as much as possible, press down forcefully with both palms and both wrists, while at the same time rising onto the balls of the feet, lifting the heels as high as you can. Then lower the heels, let the palms return to natural flat position — that counts as one repetition. Do 49 repetitions to complete one round. How many rounds you do is up to you.

At the same time as raising the heels and pressing the palms, you can also draw the anus and perineum upward as much as possible — the effect will be even better. If you practice diligently, whether for three months or six months, naturally the whole body becomes full of vitality, and the hands and feet become much stronger.

This is actually one movement from the twelve-form Yìjīn Jīng (易筋經) that the old Daoist master taught me when I was young. I am sharing it with all of you today. Those who are older or whose hands and feet feel weak should especially practice diligently — the effect will be even more pronounced. Why not give it a try?