We would like to share a eulogy that illustrates the meditative processes and states, as well as the strength, kindness, and wisdom derived from Zen meditation practice, as exemplified in the life of our grand teacher, Master Guoru (1951–2024). The eulogy was written in Chinese by Master Guoru’s Dharma heir and co-founder of the None Zen Center, Linda Huang (click to read the Chinese version), and was translated into English by his grand disciple, Andrew Tan. Based on the English version, it was further translated into French by his grand disciple, Laetitia Chiragarhua (click to the French version), into Spanish by his grand disciple, John Morillo (click to the Spanish version), and into Portuguese by his grand disciple, Samy Hotimsky (click to the Portuguese version).
Continue, Courageously Continue
—— In Gratitude for Master Guoru’s Lifelong Work in Promoting the Zen Teachings of the Lineage Masters of Chinese Buddhism
Written in Chinese by Dharma Heir: Linda Huang
Translated by Grand Disciple: Andrew Tan
Our most beloved Shifu (Teacher)—58th generation master of Linji Lineage, 52nd generation of Caodong Lineage, and 2nd generation master of Dharma Drum Lineage—Master Guoru Zhengzhan, entered parinirvana at 1 PM on October 2, 2024, Taiwan time, at the Chan Grove Monastery in Taipei, completing a life dedicated to the promotion of the Lineage Masters’ Zen teachings of Chinese Buddhism.
We are grateful for Shifu’s compassionate and wise teachings, both in words and by example. Echoing in our hearts are Shifu’s earnest reminders: ‘Continue, continue…’ At 74 years old, with 54 years of upholding the precepts, Shifu lived a vibrant and radiant life that embodied the essence of ‘courageously continuing’.
Shifu described himself as the last remaining “shramana” or kid novice in the tradition of Chinese Buddhism. Born on May 29, 1951, into the Luo family in Chiayi, Taiwan, he soon moved to Taoyuan. Due to difficult situations in life and the incredible nature of the Dharma, Shifu began his life as a “last kid novice” at the age of twelve, receiving teachings from Master Dongchu at the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Culture.
Although Shifu attempted three times to escape Dongchu’s strict training, he continued to deepen his learning in Buddhism. At the Eastern Buddhist Institute, the predecessor of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist College, he studied Buddhist concepts under Teacher Fang Lun, learned the teachings of Tiantai and Huayan schools under Master Huixing, and followed Master Tang Yixuan to study the right view of Lineage Masters’ Zen. The rigorous training from Master Dongchu proved invaluable; the focus developed through calligraphy and the awareness nurtured in environment observation enabled Shifu, who was already bright, to read and memorize the contents of multiple books overnight, and to debate with teachers and guide his classmates after class. This phase of learning not only laid a foundation for Shifu’s understanding of Buddhist doctrines but also established the principles for his Zen practice.
Shifu was a disciple received by his teacher, Master Sheng Yen on behalf of his grand teacher, Master Dongchu. Although Master Sheng Yen spent long periods in solitary retreat and pursuing his doctorate in Japan, Shifu felt honored to be a disciple of Sheng Yen. Recognizing the modernity Master Sheng Yen brought to Buddhism and the importance of monastic education in promoting the Dharma, Shifu prepared to further his studies and attended an English language class at Milton English Institute, hoping to emulate his master and expand his international perspective in order to promote Buddhism.
Impermanence is a constant reality, and the Dharma manifests. While preparing for university entrance exams, Shifu suffered from a brain tumour. He could not close his mouth, and half of his body was nearly paralysed. Treatments like medication, acupuncture, and electrotherapy showed no effect. He faced the daunting prospect of surgery, hindered by financial constraints and fears of becoming a person in vegetative state post-operation. Young Shifu was unsure of the direction of his life. He deeply reflected and realized that although he could articulate fluently Buddhist teachings, he lacked the wisdom and strength derived from the Dharma when confronted with the challenges of impermanence. Therefore, he continued to practice diligently. During a seven-day Chanting Buddha’s Name meditation retreat led by Master Zhuyun, Shifu, with his stiff and heavy body, bowed to the Buddha 1,500 times daily, hardly allowing himself time to sleep. Through his “courageous continuation,” by the fourth day, he felt his body become supple and flexible, his mind stabilized, and wisdom began to arise. The tumour remained, but it was no longer a significant obstacle in daily life. In recent years, due to aging, Shifu, sometimes felt unusual stiffness and had to strike his body to awaken sensation.
Following Master Sheng Yen in Zen practice, Shifu’s life became grounded. Although he cultivated foundational concentration and wisdom during Zhuyun’s retreat, the Zen retreats led by Sheng Yen were a deeper training of the heart. In the intense training during one retreat after another, Shifu described the physical and mental anguish as akin to descending into hell. Yet he continued to practice until, whether conducting or supervising sitting meditation practice, he felt the calming and refreshing tranquillity arising from the dissolving of the boundary of the past, now, and the future. Without effort for raising awareness, he was aware of everything. Walking felt as if he was stepping on cotton; breathing as if he was breathing with the entire Zen hall. Various signs could be verified in the records of Zen lineage masters, but Master Sheng Yen did not acknowledge them. Thus, Shifu persevered until, amidst tears of joy and sorrow, he broke through the final barriers set by Master Sheng Yen through “following the teachings,” enabling the transmission of the Dharma between them.
Shifu’s path of spreading Dharma was fraught with challenges, yet he continued. After teaching in Malaysia and Thailand, in 1987, Shifu, along with his ailing mother, utilized a supporter’s residence on Wenda Road in Taipei, and with a gift of a jade Buddha, he founded “Yofo (Jade Buddha) Temple.” Though the space could accommodate only about ten people, this became the starting point for Shifu to teach, hold ceremonies, and lead meditation sessions. Later, with the support of followers, Yufo Temple relocated to Minxiang Street in Zhonghe, where Master Sheng Yen sent someone to deliver a handwritten “Encouragement for Monastic and Lay Practitioners” to guide his disciple and grand disciples. Practitioners not only diligently practiced but also cared for Shifu’s daily needs, supporting him to complete his Master’s degree at the University of Georgia in the U.S. In 2009, due to the temple’s relocation, Shifu received support to establish Chan Grove in Beitou, Taipei. Whether teaching Buddhist doctrines, explaining Zen texts, presiding over ceremonies, or leading meditation retreats, Shifu insisted on embodying the true meaning of the Lineage Masters’ Zen teachings of Chinese Buddhism, distinguishing them from the prevalent focus on using meditation techniques for temporary psychological relief or relaxation. Despite a lack of attendance, Shifu encouraged himself with the saying, “In the presence of the right Dharma, the grass grows three feet high,” courageously continuing his initial intention of “following the teachings” and aiming to “promote Chinese Buddhism and continue the flame of the lineage masters’ hearts” as the foundation of Chan Grove, which also served as guidance and hope for his disciples.
The realization of Self-Nature through the Dharma is not for personal gain, nor is it a secret. As long as there are people willing to listen, Shifu would teach; as long as one person enrolled, he would hold a class. Although finding like-minded individuals was rare, Shifu continued to share and courageously move forward, ultimately receiving responses. His Dharma teachings, based in Taiwan, reached Malaysia, Thailand, the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, and mainland China, with 52 published books. Shifu’s ability to answer questions in simple English provided great encouragement for non-Chinese-speaking practitioners, as his direct guidance was immensely uplifting. Thus, even when the journey was arduous, Shifu continued his path; even when faced with the sudden loss of his mother during a teaching trip in Europe, he kept his commitments to lead retreats. In recent years, Shifu often said, “Give me two more years, let me continue.” From September 27-28, 2024, he completed a two-day meditation retreat at Chan Grove, and on October 2, he entered parinirvana.
Shifu inherited the dignity of Master Dongchu; whenever he entered the main hall or Zen hall, the assembly would be captivated without the need for words. He inherited the heart teachings of Master Sheng Yen; every thought and action could not escape his discerning insight. Even in declining health, with a single command, each practitioner could feel Shifu’s abundant life force, experiencing the compassion and wisdom of the Lineage Masters’ Zen teachings.
Shifu’s laughter was the loudest in the world, unmatched in its brightness. His care was the warmest in the universe: “Have you eaten? Hurry and eat!” Even when doing volunteer work, Shifu would repeatedly inquire, “How is your practice? Any questions?” Even when someone asked for leave, it became a moment for Shifu to express concern: “Please send my regards to the elderly and young Bodhisattvas.” He advocated for moderate adornment: “A little makeup is nice; should we find someone to teach a class?” Shifu believed in making good use of technology for Dharma propagation: “We can also use AI to promote.” His most encouraging guidance on meditation was: “Good, good, continue, continue.”
Continue, continue. Shifu, we will continue to study, continue to work, continue to practice. Shifu, we will take up the torch, courageously continue, and follow the teachings: to promote Chinese Buddhism and carry forward the heart flame of the lineage masters, bringing the vibrant lineage teachings of Zen to every corner of the world!
With Endless Gratitude and Three Prostrations,
Bowing to Master Guoru Zhengzhan,
Chan Grove and Countless Disciples Over Three Great Aeons
Chan Grove, Taipei, Taiwan
October 10, 2024
None Zen Center 無有禪社 