Guo Gu is a Chan teacher and professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions at Florida State University. The founder and teacher of the Tallahassee Chan Center in Florida, he is the trainer of all Western dharma teachers in the Dharma Drum lineage of master Sheng Yen; in 2020, he also founded the socially engaged, intra-denominational Buddhist organization Dharma Relief. His books include Essence of Chan and Silent Illumination (2021).
Guo Gu
Recent Articles
You Can Make a Difference
All things are impermanent, even political situations seemingly beyond repair. Guo Gu on hope.
What Is Harmful? What Is Helpful?
Chan teacher Guo Gu on how, through practice, we awaken to the best in others and ourselves.
Descubre la frescura de cada instante
El fruto de la práctica del Chan es descubrir la frescura de cada momento. Guo Gu habla de la iluminación silenciosa, el gong'an, y la interacción con el mundo.
Awakening Through Sound
Guo Gu, contributor to the “Glimpses of Buddhanature” feature in the Fall 2023 issue of Buddhadharma, shares the practice of contemplation of hearing, a practice rooted in a method for awakening attributed to the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
Glimpses of Buddhanature
Buddhist teacher-practitioners from across traditions share personal moments that gave them insight into the true nature of mind.
Discover the Freshness of Each Moment
The fruit of Chan practice is discovering the freshness of each moment. Guo Gu on silent illumination, gong’an, and engaging with the world.
This Very Mind Is Buddha
In the Chan and Zen traditions, says Guo Gu, enlightenment is not something we create or achieve. It’s who we already are.
The Practice of Wonderment
When your life takes the shape of a question, says Guo Gu, then you have entered the practice of huatou.
How Do We Create Our Reality?
According to Yogacara, or “mind-only” teachings, everything we experience is a construct of consciousness. Guo Gu explains how it all works.
You Are Already Enlightened
Guo Gu, a longtime student of the late Master Sheng Yen, presents an experiential look at the Chan practice of silent illumination.
What kinds of personal changes can we expect from Buddhist practice?
Sebene Selassie, Rose Taylor Goldfield, and Guo Gu respond to the question "It seems that Buddhists are just as reactive and narcissistic as anyone else. What kinds of changes can we reasonably expect from Buddhist practice?"
Integrating Yogacara in Your Practice
Guo Gu offers a practical four-step process for integrating the Yogacara teachings in your practice to transform thought and emotion.
Compassion Has No Enemy
In the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, Buddhist teacher Guo Gu explored human violence through the lens of the three poisons.
Exposing, Embracing, Responding & Letting Go
In the Chan Buddhist practice of mindfulness, Guo Gu explains, four steps help us realize the three marks of existence and the four noble truths.