STUDENT:

There are already many meditation tapes, some with music, some with speech. I feel they can only teach up to a certain level, perhaps to the point of a concentrated mind. But it's shallow. Wouldn't Ch'an meditation tapes defeat the purpose of teaching Ch'an? Ch'an emphasizes practicing with a master. People might think that a video can replace a teacher or a retreat. Videos like this could mislead people, especially if they are endorsed by a Buddhist group.

SHIH-FU:

It's possible to make meditation tapes of varying levels, but the higher stages of practice cannot be conveyed in this way. At a certain point you must study with a master. However, I would endorse learning tapes for beginners.

STUDENT:

What about calligraphy and painting?

SHIH-FU:

These are also included in the arts, and the same thing applies. Through such art forms one can reach a certain level of concentration, but to experience Ch'an enlightenment would be extremely difficult. Precepts for monks and nuns do not forbid painting, calligraphy and poetry. In general, however, left-home people shouldn't spend too much time on such things. Monastics who spend a lot of time with their art probably will not devote enough time and energy to practice.

There were numerous monks who are well known for calligraphy, painting and poetry, but with few exceptions they have no significance in Chinese Buddhist history because they were not outstanding practitioners.