is  transparent.  In a sense, it   is  not  completely
　　   accurate  to say there is nothing   there, because the
　　   transparent mind is there.  But it is accurate in the
　　   sense that there is nothing  there that can become an
　　   attachment or obstruction. At this stage, the mind is
　　   without form.  Its power is there, its function being
　　   to fill the mind  with  illuminating   power, like the
　　   sun, shining  everywhere.  Hence, Silent Illumination
　　   is the tso-ch'an in which there is nothing moving but
　　   the mind is bright, illuminated.
　　　　  In Zen, the form of zazen called  Shikantaza  is
　　   quite similar to Silent Illumination. It was introduced
　　   in Japan by Master Dogen (1200-1252), after his return
　　   from study with Ch'an masters  in China.   In the book
　　   Fukanzazenji, the principles  of zazen   for everyone,
　　   he stressed the need for a foundation in the ordinary
　　   methods  of  zazen.  While   he  does  not  explicitly
　　   discuss shikant-
　　  
　　   页379
　　  
　　   aza, he does say, "You should therefore   cease  from
　　   therefore  cease from practice  based on intellectual
　　   understanding, pursuing  words  and   following  after
　　   speech, and learn  the backward  step that turns your
　　   light inwardly to illuminate yourself.   Body and mind
　　   of themselves  will drop away, and your original face
　　   will manifest.  "For Dogen, the method  of shikantaza
　　   is to "just sit", with no thoughts in your mind.  So,
　　   in a sense, the  method  is not a method  at all, but
　　   more  of a prescription, or guideline.   When thoughts
　　   are abandoned, it becomes  possible   for the mind  to
　　   illuminate.  It is also  then possible  to experience
　　   satori.  If such a non-attached   state of mind can be
　　   maintained, even in daily  life, regardless  of one's
　　   activity, whether  moving or still, you will manifest
　　   the wisdom function, the true Ch'an.
　　  
　　   Kung-an Ch'an 公案禅
　　  
　　　　  Once, after the Buddha gave a sermon to his
　　   senior  disciples, he picked  up a flower and without
　　   saying anything, held it up before the assembly.  All
　　   the monks, except  one, were   mystified.  Mahakasyapa
　　   alone knew the Buddha's  meaning, and saying nothing,
　　   smiled.  Thus, the Buddha transmitted   to Mahakasyapa
　　   the wordless doctrine of Mind.  Although this
　　   incident  preceded by over a thousand   years the rise
　　   of Ch'  an, it is often  cited   as  an example  of an
　　   early kungan.
　　　　  What is a kung-an? A kung-an is a  story  of  an