The Nature of Enlightenment

About the Book

<p><strong>The Nature of Enlightenment</strong> is a book that shatters the mold of Western religion by challenging what our common definition of religion is and the nature of its practice.</p>
<p>P.F. Martin teaches from profound experience arising from over 30 years of unceasing Chan and Zen practice by stating that true enlightenment practice is the highest form of empiricism and cannot be imported into the West just as much as it cannot be totally fabricated in a culture that has been subjected to religious dogma for over a thousand years.</p>
<p>There is a pervasive sense of urgency throughout this work. For the first time in recorded history, humanity has the ever-escalating means of self-destruction, and Western mind in the form of science and engineering has been the initial portal of this ominous ability. While embracing science and engineering as essential human tools, Mr. Martin investigates the underlying assumptions that stand them apart from the greatest good for humanity and offers a path that these great disciplines may work in compassionate harmony for the benefit of all of humankind.</p>
<p>As an integral part of the work, authentic Dhyana (Chan or Zen) Buddhist practices are introduced from a detailed empirical illumination of the nature of the senses, affliction, thought and volition. Such topics as sudden and gradual enlightenment, hua-tou (koan) practice, samadhi, the authenticity of transmission, finding and working with a master teacher, the difference between Chan and Zen practices, divergent teachings and the practice of ongoing realization are examined in detail.</p>
<p>Whether you are just entering a path of enlightenment or have been practicing for decades, The Nature of Enlightenment is an essential addition to your library.</p>

About the Author

P.F. Martin has dedicated his life to the lay practice of Dhyana (Chan or Zen) Buddhism. Starting his spiritual questioning very early in life, he came to believe that science was the true religion of Western Culture, and enrolled in the honours physics program at the University of Waterloo in 1972. Unable to find a way beyond the hounding afflictions he deeply felt since childhood, he began an unceasing practice of koan Zen while building classic organs and harpsichords in a remote 19th Century Ontario farmhouse to help support his family and practice.

Over an 18-year period he had participated in well over a hundred formal Zen retreats (sesshins) at two different Zen Centers within the same teaching line in addition to the ongoing solitary work-retreat practice and meditation at his home and place of work. Although recognized by the Roshi as having realized kensho and despite later having two far deeper experiences, Mr. Martin was unsatisfied with his own realization.

Having the good fortune to come in contact with Master Sheng-yen, Mr. Martin began his practice anew by both going to Chan retreats as well as continual work-retreat-practice along with his wife Barbara.

He finished his formal practice with Master Sheng-yen in 2001, and continued isolated practice until writing The Nature of Enlightenment in 2004.

Mr. Martin is director and teacher at the Dhyana Centre and the Spring Valley Retreat Centre in Mansfield Ontario. In his diminishing spare time he builds and sails traditional skin-on-frame kayaks, restores and rides Japanese sport motorcycles as well as practices classic organ, clavichord, amateur physics and astronomy.