Dear Fellow Practitioners:
The Vairocana Zen Monastery YouTube channel “禪問 Zen Answer” launches today. We welcome everyone to subscribe, like, and share it with others, so that more people may glimpse the profound depths of Chan and set forth on the path to Buddhahood.
Genesis of the Vairocana Zen Monastery’s “Zen Answer” YouTube Channel
I. The Importance of Chan Wisdom in Modern Times
[The Position and Value of Chan/Zen] Chan/Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism. From ancient times to the present, the wisdom and freedom of Chan have been goals that people revere and aspire to.
[Why It Is Difficult to Enter] However, when confronted with the vast volumes of scriptures and ancient masters’ recorded teachings, many who wish to learn find themselves unable to find a way in. Moreover, divergent opinions abound, filled with numerous misconceptions.
[The Mental and Physical Predicament of Modern People] In today’s busy society, people need spiritual stability more than ever to avoid losing themselves in the torrent of material desires. Therefore, the wisdom and freedom of Chan Buddhism are particularly important in modern technological society.
II. The Motivation and Background of the Short Video Channel
[Modern People Still Seek Buddhist Teachings and Chan Wisdom] In light of the fact that many busy modern people still have a thirst for Buddhist teachings and Chan wisdom, Venerable Miao Tsan has compassionately agreed to produce short videos at the suggestion of lay practitioners.
[The Purpose of Production: Establishing Correct Understanding] The hope is that through the dissemination of these videos, people can establish correct concepts regarding Buddhist teachings and Chan, and to clarify and explain erroneous views held by the public.
[Preventing Students from Going Astray] This will ensure that those who wish to practice Chan will not perpetuate misinformation or learn mistaken and specious concepts and views.
III. “Zen Answer” Video Content and Release Format
[Channel Name and Platform] The YouTube channel of Vairocana Zen Monastery in California, USA is named “Zen Answer” (禪問 Zen Answer).
[Weekly Update Frequency] Two episodes per week:
• One episode is Venerable Miao Tsan’s English teaching (with English subtitles): updated every Wednesday at 5:00 PM (Los Angeles local time)
• One episode is Venerable Miao Tsan’s Mandarin Chinese teaching (with Chinese and English subtitles): updated every Monday at 5:00 PM (Los Angeles time)
[Additional Languages to Be Added in the Future] In the future, English teachings with Spanish subtitles will be added.
We invite everyone to share these videos widely, so that all those with affinity may benefit from the Dharma together.
IV. The Importance of Having Right Concepts and Understanding
[Understanding Is Like a Map] Right concepts and understanding are the foundation for success in both worldly and transcendent matters. Understanding is like a map—if one’s concepts and views are incorrect, it is like having a wrong or poorly marked map that will lead people down the wrong path or on unnecessary detours.
[Expectations for This Channel] Venerable Miao Tsan hopes that through these short video teachings, all those with affinity to the Dharma can establish correct understanding of Buddhist teachings and Chan, and further have the opportunity to enter and glimpse the profundity of Chan, thereby gaining complete confidence to progress on the Buddhist path.
[Learning Together, Growing Together] Let us learn together from the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and past generations of Patriarchs, so that in both our worldly lives and transcendent cultivation, we may gain the benefits of the Dharma by entering through Chan’s compassion, wisdom, and freedom, making our lives more wholesome and harmonious. We invite everyone to aspire together to support this cause. May the merit be immeasurable!
Respectfully Announced by
Vairocana Zen Monastery, California, USA