Ep129: Chan Master - Guo Gu
In this interview I am joined by Guo Gu, Chan Buddhist teacher, author, and scholar of Buddhism.
Available on Youtube, iTunes, SoundCloud & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
Guo Gu shares stories of his early training under the mysterious hermit Gūang Qìn, who’s siddhi powers were sought after by locals for healing and divination.
Guo Gu also details his decades as the attendee and disciple monk of Chan Master Sheng Yen, including examples of Master Sheng Yen’s unusual and sometimes painful teaching methods, and shares how a powerful practice brought about Guo Gu’s stream entry in a moment of profound repentance.
Guo Gu compares the powerful spiritual presences of his teachers, reflects on the means of acquiring siddhi and why Chan Buddhism deemphasises such powers, and shares the power of humility as a path to enlightenment.
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:55 - Childhood training under the hermit Master Gūang Qìn
11:15 - Meeting Master Sheng Yen and other masters
17:03 - The powerful presences of great masters
21:16 - A wrathful display
23:26 - Intense training under Master Sheng Yen
26:30 - How did Master Gūang Qìn acquire his siddhi powers?
29:10 - Further tales of clairvoyance
31:55 - How to acquire siddhi powers vs Chan’s emphasis
37:10 - The motivation behind Master Gūang Qìn’s ascetic lifestyle
43:16 - Exposing Guo Gu’s self-involvement
54:10 - Public pointing out as a teaching tool
57:33 - The practice of repentance
59:15 - The spiritual power of humility
01:07:07 - Kensho via humility
01:14:26 - An experience of clarity without a reference point
01:17:38 - Master Sheng Yen confirms Guo Gu’s stream entry
01:21:36 - Guo Gu’s most powerful awakening experience
01:38:24 The death of Master Sheng Yen
To find out more about Guo Gu, visit:
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Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James