A Brief Introduction of Buddhist Yogi C. M. ChenGuru C. M. Chen (1906-1987) studied under thirty-seven Gurus, and stayed in Xi Kang and Tibet for five years to pursuit Dharma teachings. He was in solitary retreat in India for twenty-five years. He also retreated alone in caves and cemeteries for years and months. In 1972 he moved to USA to spread Dharma. He used to conduct fire pujas, offering of vases to the Dragon King, Powa service to help deceased beings to attain rebirth in Purelands, releasing of lives, Dharma talks, and wrote and printed numerous works in Chinese and English for free distribution, and also printed many Buddha images for free distribution. "The Complete Works of Guru C. M. Chen" comprises of over one hundred works in English and Chinese of Guru Chen, and its contents range over teachings and practices of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana that were knitted together by his experiences born of lifelong practices and attainments. His teachings provide clear guidance on correct Dharma paths and stages of attainment toward enlightenment. All his works (so far had been edited into forty-eight volumes) will gradually be posted at his official website and this website for interested Buddhists to learn from. Some people asked Dr. Lin, "Please tell us to which one among the Tantric Buddhist schools did Guru C. M. Chen belong?" Dr. Lin replied, "One could say that he had established a school of his own, and he called it 'Adi Buddha Mandala.' My Guru learned teachings from seven Tantric schools, and followed thirty-seven Gurus. He pointed out many misunderstandings in some old Dharma texts. Those texts were transmitted through many hands, and sometimes some teachers with insufficient attainments had expounded Buddhas' and Bodhisattvas' teachings on the ultimate fruit stage as merely teachings on basic meditations. In his works he clarified many confusing sayings." Most of Yogi Chen's works are in Chinese, hence his Homepage consists mainly of information in Chinese. And most of Guru Chen's works in Chinese and English had been posted at his official website, www.yogichen.org. At this website we post only some of his works for all to share. To facilitate visitors who are not familiar with Chinese, this English version is provided, within which only works in English are mentioned. For a brief but in depth autobiography of Yogi Chen, please read the Introduction to his work Buddhist Meditation. List of Works by the Buddhist Yogi C. M. Chen
The introductory statements for the two short stanzas below are taken from "Forever in Our Hearts." Following the style of Guru Chen's short stanzas for morning practice sessions I composed "Supplication to Root-Guru Chen," and the Chinese original was revised by Guru Chen, and hence recitation of this stanza would readily inspire blessing from Guru Chen. Now in memorial of Guru's grace I publicize this stanza so that faithful ones may adopt it in their practices. Practitioners may repeat it seven or twenty-one times during morning practice sessions. Supplication to Root-Guru ChenBy the Lineage Successor Yutang Lin
Supplication to Guru Chen for His Speedy ReturnBy the Lineage Successor Dr. Yutang Lin
Comment: First we appeal to his kind pledge of returning soon. Guru Chen's sign was Horse, and there is a Chinese saying that "Old horse knows the way," meaning that only experienced ones are reliable guides. Hence we make use of it in asking him to come and lead us across the bridge from transmigrations to Enlightenment. Compassion of the Same Entity is where Buddha, Bodhicitta and all sentient beings converge; hence we are appealing to his Great Compassion. Besides, this is the main theme of the article that he fondly considered to be his best, therefore it would have a special appeal to him. Finally we are urging him to come back soon by appealing to his sense of duty to the spreading of Dharma activities. Being a lifelong Dharma instrument, upon hearing this, he would automatically resume the holy activities at the first available opportunity. Although this is only a short prayer, yet each line in it appeals directly to the core of his compassion; how could he stay in the Pureland of Eternal Light for long without coming down to guide us?
Praise to the Dharma Life of Guru ChenBy the Lineage Successor Dr. Yutang Lin
Stepping from Sutras
into Tantras, he completed the foundations; Alone on the path,
traveling for thousands of miles, The highest teachings
of seven schools were fully transmitted, Year after year
of meditation in solitude worn out seven mats; The central channel
distinguished from Taoist and spinal cord; Over one hundred
works in English bestowed on six continents; Over three hundred
thousand turtles, pigeons and other beings set
free; Into the Dragon
palace hundred and fifty vases were offered; Bending elbows
to write about varieties in the Dharmadhatu, Five Wheel Pagoda
erected and shone forth rainbow lights; Lotus-shape auspicious
land fortunately secured in hand; Upon departure
heavenly music of Five-variation Chanting heard;
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