The Great Calm-Observation

Mo-Ho Chih-Kuan

One of Chih-I's three major works, The Great Calm-Observation, it is one of the seminal works of the East Asian Buddhist canon.

A guide to the practice of spiritual contemplation, it is generally considered to be Chih-I's magnum opus. It was actually written down by Chih-I's closest disciple Kuang-Ting (posthumously named The Great Teacher Chang-An) on the basis of lectures given by Chih-I in 594 CE.

An Outline of The Great Calm-Observation By Chapters

The Meaning of the Title:

The Introduction of Kuang Ting:

1. First there is an introduction and historical sketch of Buddhism and the lineage of Buddhism from Sakyamuni to Chih-I
2. Then there is an explanation of the difference between the gradual, indeterminate and sudden teachings of Calm-Observation.
3. Finally, there is a discussion of what can and cannot be explained in terms of words.

Chih-I's lecture - An outline in ten chapters that will explain Calm-Observation:

1. The Main Idea of Calm-Observation
1. Inspiring the Great Mind
2. Practicing the Great Practice
3. Feeling the Great Effect
4. Breaking the Great Net
5. Returning to the Great Place
2. Explaining the Name - ‘Calm-Observation’
1. Aspects of Mutual Dependence (Calm vs. Observation)
2. Beyond the Aspects of Mutual Dependence - Calm-Observation as Unity
3. The Different Understandings - Different Names for the Same Entity
4. Penetrating the Three Virtues - The Unity of the Three Virtues
3. The Embodiment & Aspects of Calm-Observation
1. The Aspects of the Doctrine
2. The Eye of Wisdom
3. The Sphere of the Object
4. Attainment and Loss of Calm-Observation
4. The All-Inclusiveness of Calm-Observation
1. Including All Principles
2. Including All Confusions
3. Including All Wisdoms
4. Including All Practices
5. Including All Ranks
6. Including All Doctrines
5. The Partiality & Totality of Calm-Observation
1. Great & Small
2. Half & Full
3. Partial & Total
4. Gradual & Sudden
5. Provisional & Real
6. The Ways & Means of Calm-Observation
1. Possessing the Five Conditions
2. Breaking the Five Desires
3. Discarding the Five Shrouds
4. Regulating the Five Activities
5. Practicing the Five Spiritual Practices (Dharmas)
7. Proper Observation (this section was only partially completed)
1. That Which is Before One: The Constituents of the Mind
2. Emotional Desire & Distress
3. Sickness and Disease
4. The Characteristics of Karma
5. The Work of the Devil
6. Meditations
7. Views (Opinions)
8. Arrogance & Conceit (never written)
9. The Two Vehicles (never written)
10. Bodhisattvas (never written)
8. Its Fruits & Rewards (never written)
9. The Emergence of the Doctrine (never written)
10. Going Back to the Original Purpose (never written)

Each of these 10 Subjects (A. through J., in item seven above) is observed through Ten Vehicles of Contemplation:

1. Observing the Inconceivable Sphere (The Spiritual Realm - The Mind)
2. Inspiring the Mind of Mercy and Compassion
3. Skillfully Abiding in Calm-Observation
4. Breaking Through (letting go of) Everything
5. Penetrating the Barriers of Consciousness
6. Cultivating the Facets of the Spiritual Life
7. The Helpful Therapeutic Techniques of the Path
8. Recognizing the Progressive Stages of Development
9. Endurance
10. Not Clinging to Spirituality (The Dharma)
    

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