Donald,
I suggest you go around and seek a second opinion about what Ch'an is (that
should be easy on your island).
The confirmatory signs you mention are just that, confirmatory signs, and
simply -- although distinctly -- mark a TRANSITION; and they pass. They are
harmful if they are preserved as attachments.
One should be left with the spontaneous and simultaneous arising of Wisdom and
Compassion. Other features are "sidelights", including the lights. The major
light is the Moonlight of Wisdom.
I think your teaching contains the trappings of Outer Paths. Caution! I say
this as a friend and fellow practitioner: my way is Chan.
See the Dharma Drum people. Do they agree that your school is genuine Chan?
Or is it over-weighted with folk-religion, and Outer Path practices? I would
trust the Dharma Drum people. It cannot hurt to consult them, and your shifu
should not consider it an infidelity if you do consult them. Mainly we are
safest if we are committed to the true Dharma, not to a lineage's view,
...unless it is a view of the true Dharma. Yours (your lineage's) does not
seem quite true. I would urge caution, and encourage a consultation.
--Joe
> <chan.jmjm@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Joe,
>
> Ultimately, the practice of Chan is to be one with ALL. Some call it
> compassion, some call it enlightenment, some call it Buddha nature. In
> order to be ONE, we must unify our body, mind and spirit first.
>
> All in all, we begin by purifying our body, then our mind, then our
> spirit. All efforts are focused on the inside. By light, I mean the
> light emitting from inside of us and not outside. :-)
>
> When each sentient being (cell) inside of us is purified, each emits
> light. We will see thousands of lights. That's what Buddha experienced
> under the Bodhi tree and enlightened.
>
> Thank you for your input.
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