A selection of profound, direct pointers for meditation by Master Hongzhi on the nature of the mind taken from various texts. Hongzhi Zhengjue (1091–1157) was one of the most accomplished Chan masters of the Song dynasty who authored or compiled several influential texts. Hongzhi's conception of silent illumination is of particular importance to the Chinese Caodong Chan and Japanese Sōtō Zen schools. Hongzhi's distinctive teachings are well illustrated in the poetic practice instructions he left behind and are beautiful lyrical celebrations of our Buddha Nature and of all existence. However, they are not merely celebrations, but practice instructions and descriptions of meditative experience. 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://paypal.me/VivekaHermitage or become at Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/jayasara 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.