Guo Gu (Jimmy Yu)

Guo Gu (Jimmy Yu) is Sheng Yen Professor of Chinese Buddhist Studies at the Florida State University. He is the founder and teacher of the Tallahassee Chan Center in Florida, and 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 recent books include Sanctity and Self-Inflicted Violence in Chinese Religions, 1500–1700 (2012) and Reimagining Chan Buddhism: Sheng Yen and the Creation of the Dharma Drum Lineage of Chan (2021).

Recent Articles

People in Seattle, Washington, waiting to vote in the 2022 presidential election. As Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg says, “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.”

You Can Make a Difference

All things are impermanent, even political situations seemingly beyond repair. Guo Gu on hope.

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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.

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Glimpses of Buddhanature

Buddhist teacher-practitioners from across traditions share personal moments that gave them insight into the true nature of mind.